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Vol. 5, Issue 9 – 10.30.23
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| District F —
The District F office is in high demand for you, and for a good reason. Throughout the newsletter, you will find updates regarding solid waste, public safety, and neighborhood updates.
I have asked for an additional 5 LPR cameras installed in the areas you asked for. I am working through a few administrative details and will come back to announce a timeline for installation near Park Glen CIA and Meadow Village.
As we prepare to celebrate Veterans and their contribution towards our freedoms, please note the solid waste schedule and be ready for service. I’ve included more details below.
Briarmeadow: The street lights near Briarmeadow Park are fixed and working correctly. The delay was due to an ongoing construction project that impacted the power connection. Our friends at Centerpoint Energy assisted us in resolving the issue so residents can feel safe while enjoying our public spaces.
The Richmond project is in the final design stages, and we hope to have this completed by early December. Once complete, the project will be scheduled for construction. This is an extensive (and long-awaited) project, and as we prepare, I am working with Houston Public Works to provide FAQs to navigate traffic and detours.
Tanglwidle/Westmont: Congratulations to you and the re-opening of the Tanglewilde 50/50 Park. If you have yet to check out the new and improved park, please do so – you deserve it. Tanglewilde completes the 50/50 Parks in District F. I am deeply grateful to Mayor Turner’s Administration, Houston Parks Board, Houston Parks Department, Cadence Bank Foundation, and Harris County Precinct 4 for the collaboration and, most importantly, to the residents that surrounded the area and took an active interest in this project.
Carver Crest: I attended the Planning Commission meeting on October 19th to raise a long-standing issue related to land use and the mechanic shops. Please know I am doing everything possible to bring awareness and resolve this issue. I’d like you to please watch the video below to hear my comments.
Also, as the civic club asked, we are mowing Amanda Ln. and should complete the project within the next ten days. This is an extensive project. If you see the District F Hot Spot Team, please stop and thank them for taking this on our behalf.
Alief/ Oak Harbor and Huntington Village: I am working with our friends at Centerpoint to cut the overgrown easements. Stay tuned for more information on this.
Early voting is upon us, and I want to encourage each of you who are eligible to vote to please take advantage of two locations in the District for your convenience:
Alief ISD Administration
4250 Cook Rd 77072
Tracey Gee Community Center
3599 Westcenter Rd 77042
You can visit HarrisVotes.org for time and more details.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Councilmember Tiffany D. Thomas |
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HOTSPOT TEAM UPDATE
WEEK OF OCTOBER 16 |
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Total Work Orders: 45
Hotspot of the Week: 12832 Brookwulf (recurring)
Total Man Hours Worked: 64
Tree Waste: 540 lbs.
Mattresses: 3
Furniture Waste: 11 pieces
Tires: 21
Trash Debris: 720 lbs.
Shopping Carts: 6
Bandit Signs: 167
Landscaping: noneImages below are from Amanda Lane. Kudos to The Hot Spot Team who cut and cleared the overgrown trees, weeds, grass, and bushes. |
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ROAD IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY IN WESTCHASE
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| The Texas Department of Transportation’s three-year project to rebuild the Sam Houston Tollway frontage roads is fully underway in Westchase District. This $50-million project includes the reconstruction of the northbound and southbound frontage roads between IH-69 and Westheimer Road. During the construction, motorists will experience lane closures that may require detours to reach their destination. Absent any weather delays, this section of the project should be complete by November 3. For more information, contact the TxDOT Public Information Office at 713-802-5076. |
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SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UPDATE
FOR VETERANS DAY
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CITYWIDE DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE
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| On October 23 through November 3, the Solid Waste Department will be conducting a waste study, publishing a series of notices on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, and the HTX Collects app. Residents should not be alarmed as they may see a box truck. City of Houston driver and staff from the Texas Recycling Partnership will collect all contents from the garbage and recycling carts and load it into the box truck. Send questions to[email protected]. |
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VIOLENT & NONVIOLENT CRIMES DOWN
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| On October 18, Police Chief Troy Finner told City Council that violent and nonviolent crimes are down across Houston compared to 2022, From Jan. 1 to Oct.15, violent crime dropped almost 10% compared to the same period a year prior.
There have been 288 reported homicides, compared to 351 last October, a nearly 18% decrease. Additionally, there’s been a 10% decrease in robberies and a nearly 14% decrease in human trafficking so far this year, according to HPD data.
Click here for more information. |
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JOIN HCD VIRTUAL
COMMUNITY MEETING
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| The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) is hosting its Fall 2023 Community Meetings. As Chair of the Housing and Community Affairs, Councilmember Thomas knows the importance of public opinion and community input. District F–this is your opportunity to communicate your housing and community needs.
The virtual meeting can be joined via Facebook Live @HoustonHCDD on November 30 at 3 PM.
The in-person meeting will be at the Emancipation Cultural Center at 3018 Emancipation Avenue in Emancipation Park on December 5. The HCD exhibit opens at 6 PM with the community meeting starting at 6:30 PM.
Click here for more information. |
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LEGACY BUILDING NOW & BEYOND
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| Are you wanting to protect your generational wealth and pass it on to your next generation? There will be a Transfer on Death Clinic and Legacy Building Resource Fair at the Alief Neighborhood Center on Saturday October 28, 2023 from 9:00 AM am thru 12:00 PM. All participants have to be pre-assessed here. |
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STREETLIGHT AND TREE CANOPY SERVICE
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| Urban Forestry has begun servicing streetlights and overgrown tree canopies in District F. In some cases, the trees are blocking the streetlights. In other cases, the streetlights are out or are too dim. We need your help to identify additional areas of concern. Click here to submit a service request form for your street. |
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| We have a limited amount of zoo tickets available. The first 15 families to complete the form will receive zoo tickets. Please click here to reserve your free tickets to the Houston Zoo. Priority will be given to District F residents and there is a 5-ticket limit per household.
Tickets are valid until December 31, 2023. |
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TANGLEWILDE PARK RIBBON CUTTING
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| On October 27, Councilmember Thomas joined Mayor Sylvester Turner to celebrate improvements made to Tanglewilde Park through the 50/50 Park Partners initiative. Tanglewilde residents participated in early planning discussions identifying community wants and needs, which included: replacing the playground equipment for ages 5-12 and adding new swings and fencing; installing new amenities in the picnic pavilion area, such as benches, picnic tables, grills, and trash receptacles; updating the picnic pavilion with new paint, shingles, and additional lighting; leveling the multi-purpose athletic field surface; and installing a new bike rack and water fountain. |
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FIDELITY BANK NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL
TRADE & CREATIVE CONNECT SUMMIT
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| On October 26, Councilmember Thomas stopped by the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect summit at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Created to help facilitate dialogue, promote trade, and encourage economic development, the summit is a testament to fostering bilateral trade and economic development between the City of Houston and Nigeria. |
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PROCLAMATION PRESENTATION HONORING
BREAKING BREAD SATURDAYS
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| On October 25, Councilmember Thomas presented Breaking Bread Saturdays with a proclamation in recognition of their commitment to civic engagement and dedication to helping the community. Breaking Bread Saturdays’ mission is to uplift communities in need. During these events, the community gathers for a day filled with joy and togetherness. Family-friendly games, DJ performances, and live music contribute to the festive atmosphere, accompanied by sponsor booths and engaging activities for children. The founders — Perro B, CEO of High Vida Records, and Jon Guevara, CEO of Latin Touch Records – share a dedication to making a positive impact on the neighborhood which led them to create an initiative that resonates deeply with the community. |
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MEETINGS, GREETINGS & PRESENTATIONS
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| Over the past few weeks, Councilmember Thomas has put in her steps: attending the Huntington Village Community Association meeting; taking a photo with Girl Scout Troop #147048 at City Hall; presenting a proclamation to the ladies from the Houston Chapter of The National Drifters to celebrate their 66th Founders Day; and attending the dinner celebrating the 76th Anniversary of United Nations Day and meeting Maria Franco, Director of the Alliance and Board Member for this evening’s event. |
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HPD CADET MULTICULTURAL CITY TOUR
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| On October 19, Councilmember Thomas welcomed the latest HPD Cadet class to the Alief Neighborhood Center in the city’s most culturally and ethnically diverse district in Houston. |
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HOPE CLINIC 21ST ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON
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| On October 19, Councilmember Thomas attended the 21st Anniversary HOPE Clinic luncheon honoring the clinic’s founders and pioneers, including the Asian American Health Coalition, volunteers from the Chinese Baptist Church, and the Chinese Community Center.
Click here for more information. |
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THE COMMON MARKET & BAKERRIPLEY
FARM FRESH BOX DISTRIBUTION
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| On October 19, Councilmember Thomas joined BakerRipley and The Common Market Texas to distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to 300 families as part of the Senior health and wellness program at the Alief Neighborhood Center. Food insecurity is one of the many challenges facing low-income and vulnerable populations.
Click here for more information. |
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PRAIRIE VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STUDENT DAY AT CITY HALL
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| On October 17, Councilmember Thomas welcomed students from her community development class at Prairie View A&M University to Houston City Hall. Students attended the Housing and Community Affairs Committee meeting, attended the City Council Public Session, and met with various department directors. |
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| On October 14, Councilmember Thomas attended the Fall Festival hosted by the International Management District (IMD). The fun-filled afternoon included a petting zoo, face painting, a pumpkin patch, sponsored booths, and local artists displaying and selling their work.
Click here for more information. |
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| On October 14, Councilmember Thomas celebrated the “Alief Proud” Festival at Crump Stadium. Alief Proud Day was created in October 2013 to make positive connections with the community. Alief ISD wants families and the community to know they provide the best education for the students as well as offer services to families to make everyone successful. Alief residents stay connected through a family culture emphasizing meaningful relationships. |
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CM THOMAS QUESTIONS “NOT ENOUGH STAFF” RESPONSE TO CONSTITUENTS SEEKING HOUSING
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CM THOMAS PRESENTS A PROCLAMATION TO BREAKING BREAD SATURDAYS
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CM THOMAS SHOWS HER SUPPORT FOR PINEY POINT
AT PLANNING COMMISSION ON 10/19
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CM THOMAS SPEAKS TO THE WESTCHASE 380 PROJECT
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CM THOMAS DELIVERS 10/18 POP OFF–A REQUEST TO RESTRIPE CROSSWALKS IN FRONT OF SCHOOLS
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CM THOMAS SPEAKS TO
ITEM 26…LANGUES FOR EMERGENCIES
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CM THOMAS SPEAKS TO ITEM 16 & CDL TRAINING
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| On October 18, Councilmember Thomas received an update on the planned Westchase 380 Project during the Economic Development Committee meeting. The project includes changes to the public environment that developers would leverage to accelerate investment, including: creating a connected system of open spaces; making streets more attractive and convenient; improving transit and shared parking; breaking up superblocks into small grids; developing a canal network; and branding the district.
The project also includes a Walnut Bend reconstruction. Improvements along the roadway include landscaping, ADA ramps, pedestrian lighting, and traffic signal improvements. Additionally, Wilcrest Park would be redesigned and renamed Camden Park. New features include a performance stage, botanical gardens, a robust children’s play area, dog park, food truck area, and outdoor learning spaces. Construction on the park is scheduled for completion in 2024.
Click here for more information. |
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On October 23, Councilmember Thomas voted. Early voting began Monday with Houton’s residents set to pick a new mayor, city controller, 16 City Council members, and two ballot measures.
District F has TWO early voting locations:
Alief ISD Administration
4250 Cook Rd 77072
Tracey Gee Community Center
3599 Westcenter Dr. 77042
Early voting runs through Nov. 3. Voting locations will be open from 7AM to 7PM. Voters have until Oct. 27 to request a mail ballot, and must provide a reason, such as being over 65 years old or disabled. Election day is Nov. 7. Election Day voting hours are 7AM to 7PM at all polling places statewide.
The Houston, Texas Election Guide brings together local election information, polling places, poll locations, poll times from independent public sources like the League of Women Voters; Vote411.org, and the Vote Smart project. Your voting precinct number (Pct. No.) is located next to your year of birth on your voter registration certificate. Click here for the Houston, Texas Election Guide. Click here for “Where’s My Polling Place?” |
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Spooky deals are in full swing all week at BARC, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Center! Come adopt your new “boo” for a reduced fee, now through October 31:
- $20 adoption fees for all dogs five months or older
- $5 adoption fees for select pets
- $20 adoption fees for all cats and kittens
- $75 adoption fees for all puppies four months or younger
Visit BARC’s adoption center today at 3300 Carr St. Houston TX, 77026. BARC is currently open:
- 12 – 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays
- 12 – 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
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NOVEMBER 2023 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
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.
Schedule
SN – 17 (West Oaks and Eldridge): Every 2nd Wednesday at 7PM
Location: 14703 Eagle Vista Drive
SN – 25 (Alief): Every 4th Tuesday at 6:30PM
Location: Alief Neighborhood Center
Westside PIP Meeting: Every 3rd Thursday at 6:30PM
Location: Westside Station, 3203 S. Dairy Ashford Street, 3rd floor
Midwest PIP Meeting: Every 3rd Wednesday at 7PM
Location: 7277 Regency Square Boulevard
AARP-ALIEF #3264 Meeting: Every 1st Thursday at 10AM
Location: The Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road
Briarmeadow: Every 2nd Tuesday at 6PM
Location: 3202 Freshmeadows Drive
Piney Point: Every 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 PM
Location: Pilgrim Rest MBC Activity Center, 3402 Amanda Lane
Huntington Village HOA: Every 3rd Thursday at 7PM
Location: Clubhouse, 9511 Cook Road
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