TIRZ 10/Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA) is making progress on Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Northpark Drive Project. Phase 2, which will expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes, replace bridges, and add a 90-acre-foot detention basin, is moving forward with land surveys, right-of-way acquisitions, and easement preparations. 

During the first week of April, crews will install storm drainage and prepare the road foundation within the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way.

The Large Storm Sewer crew will continue installing reinforced concrete boxes from the dry cleaners to Whataburger. Once finished, they will return to complete the smaller concrete boxes in front of Extra Space Storage, pending fiber optic relocation.

The waterline crew will install small meter services along the newly installed MUD 98 waterline from Marco’s Pizza to Christian Brothers Automotive.

The dirt crew will place cement slurry and base on eastbound Northpark from Kingsmill eastward, then move to northbound Loop 494 and the eastbound access road for roadway excavation. Subcontractors will begin sidewalk and driveway work from Chick-fil-A to Loop 494.

As a reminder, the next TIRZ Board meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10th at 8:00 AM at the Kingwood Community Center. Every TIRZ Board meeting is open to the public. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2025 Board of Directors Calendar.

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Council Member Flickinger attended in Commissioner Gray’s State of the Precinct event, which provided an in-depth look at the current state and future plans for Montgomery County Precinct 4. The event drew a strong turnout, with many elected officials, county department leaders, and community members in attendance.

The gathering offered valuable insights into ongoing and upcoming initiatives designed to improve infrastructure, public services, and community engagement within the precinct. Discussions included updates on transportation projects, public safety measures, and efforts to enhance local parks and recreational areas.

Council Member Flickinger appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from residents and collaborate with local officials to ensure the continued growth and well-being of Precinct 4. It was an informative and productive event that highlighted the strong partnership between elected officials, county departments, and the community.

On Tuesday, March 11th, Council Member Flickinger and staff toured the BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions facility, gaining valuable insight into its vital role in serving the City of Houston. As the city’s only municipal animal shelter and adoption center, BARC is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray and abandoned animals while also providing critical services such as spay/neuter programs, pet adoptions, and animal control.

This eye-opening visit highlighted BARC’s ongoing efforts to improve animal welfare in the community, as well as the facility upgrades needed to enhance its operations and continue this important work.

Council Member Flickinger would like District E residents to know how anyone experiencing an unusually high water bill can have their concern investigated. It is important to understand all water bill issues are handled on a case-by-case basis as no two addresses are the same and water usage changes month to month, which is why it is crucial to report these issues to Houston 3-1-1 by calling (713) 837-0311.

If you believe your water bill is incorrect it is important to contact Houston 3-1-1 (713-837-0311) first. After residents have called Houston 3-1-1 a unique service request number is generated, which triggers an investigation. Once you receive your service request number after calling Houston 3-1-1, please send your service request number along with your most recent water bill to our office at districte@houstontx.gov for the District E office to monitor. Please keep in mind a Houston 3-1-1 report needs to be submitted each time an issue occurs.

The City of Houston has established a “Consumption Awareness Program” for residents to use which alerts homeowners as soon as usage at your address increases. To register for that program, sign up here. You can also estimate your upcoming bills by using this calculator.

It is important for residents to use Houston 3-1-1, as this is the only way for the City of Houston to know a problem exists. Additionally, the District E office compiles information and can identify a trend, based on 3-1-1 reports. Based on historical information most cases investigated show increased usage by customers.

When leaks are investigated and discovered to be on the private side of the meter a one-time leak adjustment can be submitted. If you do find a leak and would like to submit a one-time leak adjustment you may use this form (once a year). Please continue to pay your bill until your form is approved/denied.

If you do experience unexplained usage over 200% of the average usage you may submit an “unusually large bill application” (once a year). It is important in this instance as well, to continue to pay your bill until your form is approved/denied.

Keep in mind, leaks may not always present as gushing water, sometimes it is an area of your yard that appears greener than the rest, or a running toilet in a part of your home you don’t use often. I encourage you to please visit the City of Houston Water website for tips on how to find a leaking toilet, how to test for a leaking toilet, and tips on in-home conservation.

For more information, please contact our office by calling (832) 393-3008 or emailing DistrictE@houstontx.gov.

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Subproject 1 includes the design and construction of stormwater drainage, water and wastewater lines, paving, sidewalks, driveways, curbs, wheelchair ramps, permanent signs, pavement markings, and streetlights. In addition, necessary utility upgrades will be made. A proposed 12” water line will be constructed primarily using trenchless construction along E. Edgebrook Drive, from east of the Harris County Flood Control District to S. Shaver Street, with only minor paving restorations.

Project Update as of 3/31/2025:

• The contractor has successfully installed wastewater pipes along the west side of Balcones from Outlook to Edgebrook and completed stormwater installation on the north side of Princess Dr. 

• Concrete pavement, sidewalks, and driveways are now in place along the south side of Parliament, while pavement and curbs have been finished on the west side of Balcones.

We truly appreciate your continued patience and support as we work to improve your community. The project remains on track for completion by Spring 2026, and we’re excited to provide further updates along the way!

For more information about Arlington Heights Area Drainage Improvement - Subproject 1, please visit Engage Houston at https://www.engagehouston.org/arlington-heights-1.

Arlington Heights Area Subproject 2 is in the final design stages, with construction scheduled to begin in Fall 2025 and expected to be completed by Spring 2027.

For more information about Arlington Heights Area Drainage Improvement - Subproject 2, please visit Engage Houston at https://www.engagehouston.org/arlington-heights-2.

Phase II of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project is well underway. This phase focuses on the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Additional Gates Project, which will add eleven new tainter gates to the dam, increasing its controlled discharge capacity by an additional 79,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).

The engineering firm Black & Veatch has completed the 30% design plans, and field activities are progressing. Ongoing efforts include ground and bathymetric surveys, with geotechnical soil borings and environmental investigations—such as wetlands assessments, endangered species studies, and archaeological site evaluations—scheduled to begin next week.

In parallel, the design team is actively engaging with regulatory agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE-Galveston), and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), to discuss project details and streamline permitting review schedules. The Coastal Water Authority (CWA) met with TCEQ in December and continues to work closely with USACE-Galveston and TPWD to explore options for expediting the approval process.

Future Planning: Lake Houston Dam Replacement Study

Recognizing the long-term needs of the region, planning is also underway for a larger project to replace the existing 75-year-old Lake Houston Dam. CWA has engaged Black & Veatch to initiate a high-level Lake Houston Dam Replacement Study in 2025 to assess potential replacement strategies.

Lake Houston Dam Repair Project – Immediate Action

In addition to expansion and long-term replacement planning, immediate repairs are being implemented through the $10 million Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Project, made possible with the support of Congressman Dan Crenshaw. This project includes:

• Grouting voids below and around the dam structure
• Repairing spalled concrete on spillway buttress walls

CWA, in coordination with Freese and Nichols, Inc., is finalizing the scope and fee for additional field investigations and engineering design work. These efforts will define the exact repair locations and methodologies for construction. The engineering phase is expected to take six to eight months, with construction anticipated to last another six to nine months.

The District E office remains actively involved in this project, participating in bi-weekly coordination meetings to ensure progress continues efficiently and transparently.

On Thursday, March 20th, Council Member Flickinger had the distinct honor of attending the 2025 East End Women in Business Luncheon, a remarkable event that celebrates and honors the outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions of women in the East End of Houston. Established in 2018, this luncheon has grown into a powerful tradition that not only recognizes the incredible impact of women but also provides a platform for meaningful networking, learning, and personal growth. It highlights the strength, resilience, and leadership of women across various industries, showcasing their dedication to breaking barriers and driving change in their communities.

The event is more than just a celebration—it's a space where women from all walks of life come together to share their stories, exchange insights, and inspire one another. Through the uplifting of each other’s journeys, the luncheon continues to foster an environment where future generations of women can find mentorship, support, and the motivation needed to succeed in their own careers and endeavors.