The Thomas Telegraph Vol. 6, Issue 1 – January 5, 2024
Vol. 6, Issue 1 – 01.05.2024
Dear District F,
Allow me to be the last person to wish you a Happy New Year. I can’t believe we are walking into 2024, but before we return to the hustle and bustle of school, work, and our demands, I want to present the 2023 Annual Report entitled, District F is the Future.
The richness of our community is a miniature version of the global world and our City. If we can demonstrate how to invest in public safety, quality of life, youth programming, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization, we can model how it is done throughout the region.
Much of what is reflected in the report is a shining example of our collaborative successes – staff, stakeholders, neighbors, and friends. Take a bow.
P. S. Hard copies will be mailed to HOA/Civic Clubs on file in January.
NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATES:
Alief: Please join Super Neighborhood 25 on Saturday, January 6th, to plant trees on Wilcrest and Carvel. Details are on the flyer below. Start the top of the year in service to our community.
Briarmeadow: Good news! The long-awaited traffic calming devices are scheduled for installation this month. These are funded by District F council funds at $16,000; my office provided your HOA with the official notice of construction below for easy access.
Tanglewilde: The civic club submitted the Prohibited Yard Parking application on your behalf, and the Planning Department is currently reviewing it. Once approved (by the council), this will allow the neighborhood to restrict car parking in the home’s front yard and qualify for enforcement. Learn more about the ordinance here.
Thank you to Houston Public Works for repairing the emergency leak on Richmond/Ocee on January 1st. Unfortunately, the leak was not called into 311. If you see something, assume no one has reported it so we can document the severity in the system for speedy attention.
Piney Point: Please visit LetsTalkHouston.org and review the Conservation District FAQs in English and Spanish as you engage with your neighbors for accurate information.
Also, we need to schedule a community meeting to provide an update on Amanda Ln’s challenges and next steps. My office will work with the Civic Club to plan and promote—more details.
Eldridge/West Oaks: The Chelford City project is currently on hold until the City secures a new contractor. My office will provide a more formal update to SN 17 and the HOAs in the area in the next few days.
As we move into the year’s first quarter, we remain fully committed to providing you and your neighbors with the best high-quality engagement events that offer resources and information. Stay tuned for the following announcements:
x District F Bike Ride
x Lunar New Year
x Human Trafficking announcement with Consular Corps.
Lastly, thank you to each of you who attended the Inauguration Ceremony on Tuesday, January 2nd, at The Wortham Theater. Your support and presence were felt, and I do not take it lightly.
As we move into our second term with a new Administration, please know I will provide updates on new initiatives and issues related to District F as always.
Let’s keep the west side, the best side!
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Councilmember Tiffany D. Thomas
HOTSPOT TEAM UPDATE
WEEK OF JANUARY 5
Total Work Orders: 32
Hotspot of the Week: South Court at South Drive (recurring)
Total Man Hours Worked: 72
Tree Waste: 270 lbs.
Mattresses: 4
Furniture Waste: 13 piece
Tires: 14
Trash Debris: 750 lbs.
Shopping Carts: 2
Bandit Signs: 112
Landscaping: 1,500 sq feet Gessner @ Richmond
System: 2 pending illegal dump sites and 4 pending missed yard waste, with 2 pending landscaping locations as of 1.5.2024
DISTRICT F NEWS AND UPDATES
BRAYS BAYOU GREENWAY RIBBON CUTTING
Chief of Staff Isaac Eguia attended and spoke at the December 9 ribbon cutting for the Brays Bayou Greenway project. This section is a part of a much larger Brays Bayou project in the city. This has come to fruition thanks to the federal, state, local and private partnership. Look out next year for some fun District F events along the trail.
WATER BILL RELIEF
Council passed an amendment to Chapter 47 on December 13 which will bring immediate relief to those facing water bill issues. Many District F residents have called our office with issues related to extremely high water bills. Read the amendment here and go to the Houston Water website for more information.
OUTGOING ELECTED OFFICIALS LUNCHEON
On December 13th, the City of Houston came together for a heartfelt reception luncheon, bidding farewell to our outgoing elected officials who have admirably served their final terms in the City. Council Member Thomas was joined by her dedicated staff and esteemed District F community stakeholders – Kevin Sykes, Doug Smith, Irma Sanchez, Barbara Quattro, and Natalie Hurtado.
MERITAGE HOMES GRAND OPENING
District F attended the December 14th Meritage HomesGrand Opening in District F. Nestled within Dunvale Village at 3013 Valley Peak Drive, this stunning amenity site is set to redefine the landscape of our community. This Meritage Homes development is not just a collection of houses; it’s a testament to progress, thoughtful urban planning, and a commitment to providing residents with a high-quality living experience.
HISPANIC ADVISORY BOARD RECEPTION
District F Chief of Staff, Isaac Eguia, along with his wife, attended a distinguished reception on December 15th to honor the exemplary leadership of Mayor Sylvester Turner and the impactful contributions of the Hispanic Advisory Board. This event was a celebration of dedication, collaboration, and the positive impact that these leaders have had on our community. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the evening, the reception featured a performance by Rice University’s Mariachi Luna Llena.
99 RANCH MARKET GRAND OPENING
Councilmember Thomas spoke at the December 16th Grand Opening of the new 99 Ranch Market, marking a significant milestone in the redevelopment of a once-decaying 10-acre strip center at 12230 Westheimer, situated between South Dairy Ashford and Kirkwood. This transformative development breathes new life into an area that was previously home to WOK BO, Empire Beauty, and Blockbuster. The redevelopment represents the first-of-its-kind deal with the city on the west side, symbolizing a commitment to revitalizing the community. More info on upcoming developments at this location here.
BARBARA QUATTRO RECEIVES A PROCLAMATION
On December 19, Councilmember Thomas and Mayor Turner presented a proclamation to Barbara Quattro in honor of her service as president of the Alief Super Neighborhood Council and tireless work at beautifying Alief.
COMPLETE COMMUNITIES ADVISORY BOARD
Councilmember Thomas nominated District F’s Nora Luna to serve on the Houston Complete Communities Advisory Board and City Council voted to approve the creation of the board on December 20. We are proud of Nora’s willingness to represent the Alief-Westwood Complete Community and advocate for more progress.
SAFE STREETS FOR ALL PRESS CONFERENCE
On December 20th, Councilmember Thomas joined Mayor Turner, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, and others for the announcement of the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant awarded to the City of Houston. The grant, totaling $28.79 million, will fund the rehabilitation of a seven-mile stretch of Bissonnet Street, addressing high-risk roadway features and supporting Houston’s Vision Zero Action Plan. This project, part of the Vision Zero Houston initiative, aims to enhance safety through street reconfigurations, protected bike lanes, dedicated turn lanes, and various pedestrian safety measures.
2023 DISTRICT F ANNUAL REPORT
Explore the District F 2023 Annual Report, “District F is the Future” a testament to our collective efforts in keeping the westside the best side. This comprehensive report showcases the progress, achievements, and vision that shape our community’s future. Join us in reflecting on the strides we’ve made together as we continue to build a vibrant and promising tomorrow.
INAUGURATION DAY CEREMONY
On January 2nd, the vibrant spirit of District F came alive at the Wortham Theater during the Inauguration Day ceremony. Residents gathered to witness the swearing-in ceremony, embracing the start of a new chapter in our community’s leadership. Following the formal proceedings, the celebration continued at the District F council office, where the atmosphere was filled with joy, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to the future. It was a day marked by unity, hope, and the promise of continued collaboration for the betterment of District F.
SYNOTT PANEL REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT
A street panel repair and replacement project on Synott Rd has recently been completed. The meticulous removal and replacement of concrete pavement panels, coupled with the addition of fresh sod not only enhance the road’s durability but also contribute to the public safety and appeal of our community.
WORK AUHTORIZATION #4
Please be advised that Work Authorization No. 4 has been issued to install raised crosswalks and speed signage at Meadowglen Lane and Stoney Brook Dr. This project is in Key Map No. 490Z, which is in District F. Construction has been scheduled to commence on January 22, 2024 and is anticipated to end by February 12, 2024. This Work Authorization will take 21 days to be completed. The project contractor is Total Contracting Limited.
STREETLIGHT AND TREE CANOPY SERVICE
District F continues to solicit instances of overgrown tree limbs and streetlight outages. Fill out the form here.
December 13 – ORDINANCE consenting to the creation of HARRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 584, consisting of 136.892 acres of land located in Harris County within the City of Houston; granting consent to exercise water, sewer, drainage, road and recreational facilities powers and authorizing the District to issue bonds subject to certain conditions – DISTRICT F – THOMAS
CM Thomas shares her thoughts about high water bills
CM Thomas delivers pop-off comments on December 13
CM Thomas presents Barbara Quattro with a Proclamation
CM Thomas speaks to the Complete Communities Advisory Board
CM Thomas delivers her final pop-off of 2023 and bids farewell to Mayor Turner
CM Thomas delivers her first pop-off comments of 2024
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
PERMITS
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.
