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District K
Contact Information
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| 900 Bagby, First Floor Houston, TX 77002 Main Office: 832-393-3016 Office 832-395-9410 Fax Satellite Office: 832-393-4203 Office 832-395-9410 Fax District Email: [email protected] Website: Click here Archived Newsletters: Click here Facebook: Click here |
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Council Member Green Appointed to National League of Cities, Board of Directors
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Council Member Larry Green was elected to the National League of Cities (NLC) board of directors by NLC's membership at the group's annual business meeting this month at the 2016 City Summit in Pittsburg, PA. Council Member Green was elected to a two-year term and will play an important role as a leader of the nation's largest and most representative membership and advocacy organization for city officials.
"I'm honored to be given the opportunity to participate on the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities," states Council Member Green. "This upcoming year, the NLC membership will focus on infrastructure expansion, transit options for cities and economic development."
In his role on the board, Council Member Green will meet throughout the year to guide NLC's strategic direction and set the organization's advocacy priorities and operational goals. Board members are selected by a 15 member nominating committee and are confirmed by NLC's membership.
The NLC's board of directors serves a critical role in guiding our organization's priorities and policies," said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the NLC.
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"Westbury Wins Big at Mayor's Proud Partner Award Event"
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 Last month, Council Member Green participated in the 36th Mayor's Proud Partners Luncheon that honored the efforts of businesses, individuals and community groups who work to enhance Houston's landscape through environmental and beautification projects via Keep Houston Beautiful. "I'm so proud to boast of 2 outstanding District K organizations that received awards this year: Westbury Civic Club and the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy," states Council Member Green.
Westbury Civic Club took top honors with the
Distinguished Neighborhood Award.
The Westbury Civic Club won this top award due to the culmination of projects related to their 60th anniversary celebration of the of the Westbury Civic Club. These projects included beautification projects within Westbury and Hager Parks, tree plantings along their four major thoroughfare esplanades, and refurbishment of their historical concrete street markers.
According to Becky Edmondson, president of the Westbury Civic Club, "h
undreds of hours of volunteer time by dozens and dozens of volunteers went into the many green projects in 2016."
The Proud Partner Award was given to the Willow Waterhole Greenspace
Conservancy for their "
Bud Light Gives Back to Houston" event for their annual MusicFest event held in April of every year.
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District K Hosted Neighborhood 101 Symposium
How to Run an Effective Civic Association Board
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The District K office facilitated a Neighborhood 101 symposium at Westbury High School in October that addressed How to Run an Effective Civic Association Board.
This interactive symposium provided attendees with best practices and updated information about civic association board governance. The workshop highlighted the latest changes in the legislative sessions.
"It is extremely important that the District K office continue to provide these insightful workshops to equip our civic associations with the tools and techniques needed to sustain their respective communities," states Council Member Green. "I really want to thank both Attorney Sipra Boyd and Stephanie Ferrante, Executive Director of Community Institute Association (CIA) for always accepting our invitation to facilitate these workshops".
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Ridgemont Elementary Gets a NEW SPARK Park
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 Monday, November 14, 2016 was a great day for Ridgemont Elementary School and Fort Bend ISD. Ridgemont is the first school in Fort Bend ISD to receive a SPARK Park. The SPARK Park at Ridgemont Elementary will not only be enjoyed by the students, the residents and community members will also be able to use this public space during after school hours.
SPARK School Program works with schools and neighborhoods to develop community parks on public school grounds. For the past 30 years, SPARK has built over 200 community parks throughout the Houston/Harris County area. Each SPARK Park is unique, with its design based on the ideas and needs of the school and surrounding neighborhoods. Each park, however, consists of modular playground equipment, a walking trail, benches, picnic tables, trees, an outdoor classroom and a public art component.
Ridgemont SPARK Park includes a 6-foot wide walking trail around the playground area; the existing asphalt driveway has been painted to accommodate 2 basketball areas; a pair of semi-permanent soccer goals have also been added to the park. There are 3 benches and a concrete seat wall featuring student tiles located alongside the track. The total cost of the SPARK Park was $147,800. The money invested in this school campus was worth seeing the smiles on the student's faces during the grand opening.
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District K Welcomes New Elected Officials
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District K welcomes new and familiar faces among its political representatives. The new state representative replacing Borris Miles of District 146 is State Representative-Elect Shawn Thierry. Ms. Thierry is also a District K resident. The new state senator replacing Rodney Ellis is State Senator-Elect Borris Miles. Lastly, the Harris County Commissioner replacing the vacated seat of El Franco Lee is Harris County Commissioner-Elect Rodney Ellis.
District K also congratulates State Representative Ron Reynolds as he continues to serve District 27 among the Fort Bend Houston constituency.
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Stadium Park Plants New Oak Trees
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 Have you noticed the new oak trees near NRG Park? Thanks to Uptown District for donating these amazing trees from a work zone in the Post Oak area. The additional oak trees are an effort to upgrade NRG's entryway before Super Bowl LI. Two oak trees were planted at the intersection on McNee Road and Main Street. There are a total of 31 oaks planning to take root near the entrance of the stadium.
"We're so excited that we are now moving forward with what will be the entryway to NRG," city councilman Larry Green states. All 31 trees should be relocated to District K by the end of this month. Stadium Park Redevelopment Authority, which was established in 2014, has raised $3 million for improvements including road maintenance, sidewalks, landscaping, signage and LED lights.
We will enjoy these beautiful oak trees in District K, long after the superbowl is gone.
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District K Hosted Two Wildflower Planting Events
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This fall, the District K office facilitated two wildflower planting events in conjunction with the annual Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Tribute Planting Project. This is an annual event hosted by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department that selects sites that will benefit from wildflower plantings from both an aesthetic view and an environmental impact.
The first location was along the esplanades of West Orem Dr. from Hiram Clarke Rd. to Almeda Rd. and the second location was along Sims Bayou from South Post Oak Rd. to Croquet St. as part of the Bayou Greenway initiative in partnership with the Houston Parks Board.
"With the help of volunteers in both locations, we were able to plant a mixture of wildflower seeds along the esplanades of West Orem Dr. and along the banks of Sims Bayou. We are looking forward to seeing the blooms of the wildflowers in mid-March through April," states Council Member Green.
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New Houston Community College - Brays Oaks Campus Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Event
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In June 2015, Council Member Green, along with Houston Community College Trustees Christopher Oliver and Robert Glaser as well as Chancellor Abel Maldonado and President Dr. Fena Garza of the Southwest campuses, David Hawes, Executive Director of the Brays Oaks District, State Representative Dr. Alma Allen, and community leaders within the Bray Oaks District gathered on the grounds of the India Houston, to celebrate a ceremonial groundbreaking event of the new campus. After 18 months of construction, the HCC campus finally celebrated it's ribbon cutting event this month.
This particular campus is a response to the demand for affordable workforce training in the Brays Oaks District. "The City of Houston is open for business, but the City of Houston can't stay open for business if we don't have a trained workforce," states Council Member Green.
The $12 million, 28,000 square-foot workforce center is located along West Bellfort Ave. near Riceville School Rd. With the assistance of the Brays Oaks District and the Housing and Community Development Dept., $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the City of Houston were used to purchase the land for the HCC campus.
"The programs proposed for this facility will provide opportunities for students to advance their potential in high-skill and high-growth occupations. The Brays Oaks area is one of the most socio-economically diverse areas within District K. This facility will be an added asset to this vibrant community," states Council Member Green. "Under the leadership of Dr. Madeline Burillo, new
President of the Southwest campuses, I'm confident this new HCC campus will grow."
For more information about the new HCC-Brays Oaks campus, visit www.hccs.edu.
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Buffalo Speedway is Now Open
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 On Thursday, November 3, 2016, Council Member Green along with other invited elected officials, residents and the Madison Marlin band and cheerleaders gathered to witness the official ribbon cutting and opening of Buffalo Speedway between W. Orem and Holmes Rd. The construction of this portion of Buffalo Speedway helps to connect multiple roadway projects that are planned to occur over the next 2-4 years in this area. TX Dot has agreed to reinvest funding for the extension of West Airport Blvd from Hiram Clarke Rd to Almeda Road as a result of this Buffalo Speedway construction. Construction is also set to start in early spring of Holmes Road, from Kirby to South Main St. The additional traveling routes will open the door for investors to further develop the prime land north and south of Holmes Rd.
The final section of this particular project will include an overpass that will extend over Union Pacific Railroad and Holmes Rd. This extension will connect with the newly acquired University of Texas research campus. The opening of Buffalo Speedway not only provides additional mobility for the residents south of West Orem Drive but also connects the community to proposed employment activity in and around the Texas Medical Center.
"It is always so exciting to see another CIP project completed in our district," states Council Member Green. The ribbon cutting ceremony concluded with plenty of pictures and a vehicle procession down the newly constructed Buffalo Speedway.
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District K Kicks-Off Fall Arbor Day
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The District K office, in partnership with Trees for Houston, Centerpoint Energy, and the Brays Oaks District, hosted a Fall Arbor Day kick-off event within the Brays Oaks and Westbury areas on November 12, 2016. The staging location was the corner of Willowbend Blvd. at Bob White Dr. within the Brays Oaks District.
The Fall Arbor Day tree planting event included the planting of 40, 15-gallon crape myrtle trees along the right-of-way easement of Willowbend Blvd. between Sandpiper Dr. to Bob White Dr. Additionally, 30, 15-gallon live oak trees were planted along the esplanades of South Post Oak Rd. between Gasmer Rd. and Willowbend Blvd. These live oak trees will complement the aesthetics of the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Reserve.
As part of Council Member Green's
Klean It Up/Green It Up program volunteers from the Westbury and the Brays Oaks communities, joined Council Member Green
to dedicate the trees and talk about their value to the neighborhood and the community.
"Working with Trees for Houston, we chose this area because the Brays Oaks District agreed to maintain the trees for the next 2 years. Thanks to the generous donation by Centerpoint Energy, who paid for the trees, this area will now have full esplanades that are aesthetically pleasing to our residents and those who drive in the area," states Council Member Green.
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General District K News
Council Member Green Neighborhood Sightings (late November- mid December)
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Council Member Green made his rounds to discuss District K initiatives. Listed below are community meetings Council Member Green and the District K staff have attended during late November through mid-December:
November 1 -- TIRZ #24 and Harris County Redevelopment Authority Board meeting
November 3 -- Buffalo Speedway Ribbon Cutting Celebration
November 3 - Windsor Village Civic Club Board meeting
November 5 -- District K Wildflower Planting Event
November 7 - Keep Houston Beautiful Mayor's Proud Partners Luncheon
November 9 -- Stadium Park Redevelopment Authority Tree Planting Event
November 10 -- Willow Meadows/Willowbend/Westwood Area SN Formation meeting
November 10 -- Fort Bend Houston SNC meeting
November 12 -- District K Fall Arbor Day event
November 14 -- Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee meeting
November 14 - Ridgemont Elementary School SPARK Park Dedication Event
November 14 - Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston PIP meeting
November 15 -- Southwest Houston 2000 Breakfast Event
November 15 - Brays Oaks Management District Board meeting
November 15 -- Braeburn PIP meeting
November 15 -- SH 288 Tolllway Groundbreaking Event
November 15 - Linkwood Civic Club Board meeting
November 16 - Woodshire Civic Club meeting
November 18 -- Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide meeting
November 18 -- Five Corners Management District Board meeting
December 2 -- Fondern Middle School 50th Anniversary/Birthday Brunch & Re-Dedication Ceremony
December 2 -- Fort Bend Houston SNC Holiday Gathering
December 3 -- Windsor Village Civic Club 60th Anniversary Celebration
December 6 - Houston Community College - Brays Oaks Campus Ribbon Cutting Event
December 6 - Brays Oaks SNC Holiday Gathering
December 10 -- District K Super Bowl Touchdown Tour
December 13 -- Keswick Place/Ramblewood Park Civic Club meeting
December 14 - South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Toy Giveaway Event
December 15 -- Stadium Park Redevelopment Authority Board meeting
December 16 -- Transportation Policy Council meeting
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Houston Super Bowl Touchdown Tour in District K
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 On Saturday, December 10, 2016, The Touchdown Tour came to District K, and Blue Ridge Park, located at 5600 Court Rd was transformed into a dynamic celebration of football. The Touchdown Tour is the Super Bowl Host Committee's way of raising awareness and excitement in the community for Super Bowl LI, which will be played at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017.
The Touchdown Tour featured a wide variety of games, exhibits, appearances, food and fun for everyone that attended the event. Westbury and Willowridge marching bands, dancers and cheerleaders were a big hit at the event. "We are extremely proud of our high school bands throughout the district. We want to showcase their talents every opportunity we can," states Council Member Green. We also had appearances by the Super Bowl mascot, Toro the Texans' mascot, and the Texans' cheerleaders. Participants took pictures with the traveling helmet wall which includes 194 helmets including helmets painted by dozens of local artists; the Texans locker room replica, the "We Love Houston" blowup display and more. Participants danced and enjoyed the music of DJ Johnny J and Marcus Ardoin and the Zydeco Legends.
If you missed the Touchdown Tour at Blue Ridge Park this weekend, there are 2 more scheduled before the big game. January 7, 2016 at Bayland Park, 6000 Chimney Rock and January 14, 2016 at Alief Community Park, 11903 Bellaire Blvd. The Touchdown Tour will run from 10 am - 2 pm and is free to the public.
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Houston Police Department Positive Interaction Program (PIP) Meetings
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District K has three (3) active PIP meetings administered by the Houston Police Department. All PIP meetings are open to the public; regardless of where you live.
Westbury PIP Meeting (every 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.) 
Aramco Building
9009 West Loop South Freeway
Houston, TX 77096
For more information, please contact the HPD Westbury Storefront at 713-726-7126. The Westbury HPD Storefront hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston PIP Meeting (every 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.)
Hiram Clarke HPD Storefront
4363 West Fuqua St.
Houston, TX 77053
For more information, please contact the HPD Hiram Clarke Storefront at 713-433-2720. The Hiram Clarke HPD Storefront hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Brays Oaks PIP Meeting (every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.)
Braeburn HPD Storefront
7576 West Bellfort Ave.
Houston, TX 77071
For more information, please contact the HPD Braeburn Storefront at 832-394-7555. The Braeburn HPD Storefront hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Has Your Civic Association Been Updated with the District K Council Office?
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 Update your civic association contacts with the District K council office. If your civic association has recently elected new officers, changed the primary contact person, new e-mail address, new contact number and/or new or changed meeting location, time, and date, please take a moment to update your contact info with the District K council office.
Periodically, the District K office sends pertinent information about District K news and City of Houston topics of information relating to your neighborhood and neighborhood association. To ensure you and your civic association receives this information, we need you to update your contact info. Thank you for your help and your interest in District K.
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Keep District K Clean - Klean it Up Green it Up
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