On Friday (March 8), Southwest Management District business and economic development committee chairman David Peters and board Chairman Kenneth Li, at left, and other leaders unveiled an improved Houston Police Department gate system aimed at further foiling the notorious prostitution and potential human trafficking area known as the Bissonnet Track.
Keeping a previous set of mobile barriers at the intersection of Centre Parkway and Bissonnet helped to reduce sex crimes in the area but required constant involvement by police officers. The new gates form a barrier that can be locked for long periods, freeing officers to deploy more effectively.
“I call this a job well done,” Li said at an on-site news conference in praise of the collaborative project spearheaded by Precinct 4 County Commissioner Lesley Briones and city government along with state and Alief Independent School District officials.
The Southwest District has pledged to fund repairs to the gates caused by intentional or accidental damage.
Council Member Edward Pollard thanked the District during the event for also funding camera systems that help dentify criminals in the area.
From left in photo: David Peters, Kenneth Li, HPD Asst. Chief Yasar Bashir, state Rep. Ann Johnson, Commissioner Lesley Briones, state Rep. Alma Allen, Houston Mayor Pro Tem / District K Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum, HPD Commander Reece Hardy, WOW African Hair Braiding business owner Remi Ellison, Alief ISD Principal Brandan Clark; Alief ISD Superintendent Anthony Mays, Alief ISD Police Chief Dan Turner.
