Northpark Drive Scheduled Closure: March 5th-7th | |
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Northpark Drive at the railroad tracks will be completely closed on Wednesday, March 5th, Thursday, March 6th, and Friday, March 7th. The closure will allow Union Pacific Railroad to install new rail tracks for the expansion of the roadway. Northpark Drive will be closed in BOTH DIRECTIONS during these three days. Contractors will construct a U-turn just before the track closure so that people can get to/from nearby businesses, such as Dunkin’ Donuts. Union Pacific Railroad has only two construction crews that rotate between construction sites throughout their territory in the United States which dictates their schedule for the work on their railroad tracks. Houston Police Department's Mobility Response Team will be helping with traffic flow along Kingwood Drive and other locations during peak traffic hours.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be in place on-site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone. Residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times but may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
As a reminder, the next TIRZ Board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 13 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.
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Join District E and Houston Parks for a community cleanup of the medians in Kingwood! On Saturday, March 8th, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., we’ll be picking up trash and trimming underbrush along the curb line to enhance our local area.
This second round of cleanup will focus on the median stretch from Kings Creek Drive to Forest Shores Drive (Westbound). To ensure safety, the inside lanes of Kingwood Drive will be closed for parking and cleanup.
Please remember to bring water, gloves, and wear closed-toe shoes. Tools will be available for use, but we encourage you to bring your own if possible. All ages are welcome, though those under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. We look forward to seeing you there!
Interested in volunteering? Sign up here: SignUp Genius link
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Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 Mission Launch | |
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On Wednesday, February 26th, Council Member Flickinger had the honor of attending the successful launch of Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The IM-2 mission, the company's second lunar lander, lifted off on schedule at 7:16 p.m. The lander, named Athena, will conduct pivotal experiments aimed at supporting NASA’s goals of returning astronauts to the Moon and eventually to Mars.
When IM-2 lands on the Moon’s south pole near Mons Mouton on March 6, it will mark a milestone in lunar exploration, with its landing being 50% closer to the south pole compared to the first lander, IM-1. Intuitive Machines plans to host several viewing events to celebrate this groundbreaking mission.
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Cimarron Elementary Math and Science Night | |
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On Thursday, February 20th, District E staff had the pleasure of attending Cimarron Elementary School’s Science Night, a fantastic opportunity to connect and engage with North Shore residents.
Council Member Flickinger was thrilled to contribute to the evening’s excitement by donating 50 zoo tickets to the students and families in attendance. A special shoutout to the 311 team for joining the event and providing valuable information to residents on how to address community concerns. It was a wonderful night of learning, engagement, and community spirit!
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On Friday, February 14th, Director of Communications Demari Perez participated in a panel discussion at the Hobby School of Public Affairs, speaking with Spring Civic Houston Interns about careers in public service and government. Perez was joined by District Director Gloria Moreno from U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia’s office and fellow Hobby School alumni Will Janowski, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of working in government at the City of Houston, Harris County, and congressional offices.
As part of the Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP), these interns are placed in government offices, nonprofits, and agencies throughout Houston, where they gain real-world experience, develop professional skills, and build connections that help shape their future careers. Perez shared insights from her own professional journey, emphasizing the importance of public service, effective communication, and civic engagement. Her participation reinforced the value of mentorship and hands-on experience in preparing students for meaningful careers in government and beyond.
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Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership State of the Economy | |
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On Wednesday, February 19th, Council Member Flickinger attended the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's first General Membership Meeting of the year, featuring an insightful presentation by Jesse Thompson, Senior Business Economist at the Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and a proud District E resident.
Thompson’s presentation, "Soft Landing: 2025 – Optimism, Risks, and Uncertainty in the Houston/Regional Outlook," provided an in-depth analysis of economic trends and data, addressing key questions about the region’s financial landscape. Attendees gained exclusive insights into his perspectives on the economy, real estate market, business investments, and the energy sector heading into 2025.
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Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston - 2025 Youth of the Year Dinner | |
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On Wednesday, February 19th, Council Member Flickinger had the privilege of attending the 2025 Julius Young Youth of the Year Dinner, a special event celebrating the outstanding achievements of teen Club members. The Julius Young Youth of the Year (YOY) program, hosted by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, honors young individuals who demonstrate leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles.
At the event, finalists were celebrated, and the 2025 Julius Young Youth of the Year was crowned, with this remarkable individual set to represent the community at the Texas Youth of the Year competition this spring.
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On Tuesday, February 4th, Council Member Flickinger and staff had the unique opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of INVISTA, a global leader in polymer and fiber manufacturing known for producing advanced materials used in apparel, automotive, flooring, and industrial applications.
The visit began in a conference room, where Council Member Flickinger learned about the company’s rich history, its innovative chemical processes, community importance and the wide range of everyday products that incorporate INVISTA’s materials—from high-performance fabrics to durable carpeting and car interiors. The tour then moved outdoors, providing a firsthand look at the equipment and various stages of production in action, showcasing the company's cutting-edge technology and commitment to quality.
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Houston Fire Department Cadet Graduation | |
On Thursday, February 20th, Council Member Flickinger had the honor of attending the Houston Fire Department's Cadet Graduation, where a total of 76 graduates were celebrated. Among them, 69 were on fast tracks and 8 were rehires.
Council Member Flickinger commended their courage and dedication to serving the residents of Houston. The Houston Fire Department (HFD) is the third largest fire department in the United States and is responsible for preserving life and property for a population of more than 2.3 million across an area totaling 654 square miles.
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Unusually High Water Bill? Here's What You Need to Know | |
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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Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon | |
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On Wednesday, February 26th, staff of Council Member Flickinger attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club.The event featured keynote speaker Brian Freedman, President of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and Past Chairman of the Board for the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Brian provided an in-depth look at what makes the Bay Area Houston region a prime destination for businesses, highlighting its five major industries, top-tier schools and colleges, and exceptional quality of life.
Brian also shared exciting updates on upcoming projects in the region, offering insight into the future developments at Houston Spaceport and NASA Johnson Space Center. The luncheon provided attendees with valuable knowledge about the area's growth, innovation, and promising future.
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District E - BARC Dog of the Month | |
Meet Delilah, a charming 7-month-old Black Lab Retriever mix with a heart full of love! This sweet girl is ready to find her forever home and bring joy to her lucky adopter. She is in excellent health, heartworm-negative, and full of joy!
When you first meet Delilah, you’ll find her lounging on her bed with a relaxed body, a soft mouth, and a slow, happy wag of her tail. Once leashed, she walks with ease, taking in her surroundings as she moves in and out of the South Building. When given the freedom to roam in her outdoor kennel, she playfully hops around before settling in to do her business.
Delilah has earned "PURRFURRED" status for her exceptional behavior, which also comes with a reduced adoption fee. If you’re looking for a gentle, affectionate companion, Delilah is the perfect match! Click here to learn more about adopting this lovable girl.
We’re also thrilled to share that our February Dog of the Month, Marnie, has found her forever home! Let’s keep the streak going and help Delilah find hers, too!
(link: https://www.houstontx.gov/barc/adopt_a_pet.html)
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Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project Status Update | |
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.
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Hobby School Annual Luncheon | |
On Thursday, February 6th, the Council Member attended the University of Houston Hobby School Annual Luncheon, joining Houston Mayor John Whitmire, UH faculty, elected officials, and community leaders to celebrate the Hobby Fellows program and its impact on developing future policymakers and public servants. The luncheon featured a compelling discussion between Mayor Whitmire and UH Professor Richard Murray, where the mayor reflected on his journey from a political science student to a state lawmaker and now Houston’s Mayor. He addressed some of the city’s most pressing challenges, including homelessness, public safety, and infrastructure, while also sharing insights on his administration’s priorities and vision for Houston’s future.
Chaired by Hobby School Advisory Board member Kathryn McNiel, the event benefited Hobby Fellows, a prestigious program that provides students with immersive, hands-on experience as full-time legislative interns at the Texas State Capitol. These students gain invaluable knowledge in state policymaking, develop critical skills, and build lasting connections that help shape their careers in public service. The Council Member was honored to take part in this inspiring event, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders dedicated to public service and policy.
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Houston Permitting Center - One-Stop Program | |
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Houston Public Works is excited to announce that the Houston Permitting Center One-Stop program will be going live on March 3, 2025. This initiative is designed to streamline the permitting process for minor commercial and minor residential projects, and we kindly ask all council members to share this information with your constituents, particularly those who are developers, builders, contractors, or homeowners. The program aims to expedite the permitting process for minor commercial and minor residential projects by offering in-person, same-day plan review services.
Key Features:
- Focus on fast-tracking reviews for minor commercial and minor residential projects.
- In-person customer assistance to ensure quick and efficient permit issuance.
- Collaboration across multiple departments to address project requirements on-site.
Customer service hours in-person service available on Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
For program-related inquiries: Please contact Eric Kutch at Eric.Kutch@houstontx.gov.
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Lake Houston Lowered for Fieldwork | |
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Council Member Fred Flickinger would like to make Lake Houston residents aware, Houston Public Works has lowered Lake Houston to 41.0 feet. Lake Houston is being lowered to allow Coastal Water Authority's engineer, Freese & Nichols, to perform surveys of the concrete hearth structure on the downstream side of the uncontrolled spillway. The surveys and investigative fieldwork were originally scheduled to be complete by March 7th, but due to weather events, the fieldwork is now expected to be completed by Friday, March 14th.
Lake Houston has a normal pool elevation of 42.4 feet. Lake Houston is currently at an elevation of 41.95 feet. Once the surveys are complete, the levels in Lake Houston will naturally return to 42.4 feet, through rain events.
Property owners along the lake should secure all belongings located at the shoreline, boat docks, and piers. Property owners should be prepared for changing lake levels, as advance notice may not be possible.
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Odessey Academy Ribbon Cutting | |
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On Friday, February 28th, staff of Council Member Flickinger had the honor of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of the George W.S. Abbey Odyssey Academy.
Odyssey Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school dedicated to providing students with a high-quality, college-preparatory education focused on academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. The school emphasizes STEM-based learning, preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world.
The academy is named in honor of former Odessey Academy Board President George W.S. Abbey, a distinguished former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and a key figure in the U.S. space program. Abbey played a crucial role in advancing human spaceflight and was instrumental in shaping NASA’s missions and astronaut training programs. His legacy of innovation and leadership continues to inspire the next generation of learners at Odyssey Academy.
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Utilizing 3-1-1 to Report Issues | |
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Residents may act as extra eyes and ears on the streets, and soon you'll be able to report a pothole, a malfunctioning traffic light, or a drainage problem while you're out and about. Houston 311 has launched a new smartphone app that makes reporting issues like these easier than ever. The app uses GPS to identify your location and also allows you to snap a photo to add to your service request. The new app allows for reports to be automatically routed to city departments for resolutions.
You can still alert the City of Houston of issues by dialing 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 of potential problems in your community. Houstonians can also access this helpful service via an e-mail to 311@HoustonTX.gov. A self Service Request (SR) form is available online at www.houston311.org. Once you've reported a problem please follow up with the District E office by emailing your case number and information on the issue to the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov to help ensure the problem is addressed promptly.
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Report a Streetlight Outage | |
CenterPoint Energy maintains streetlights throughout District E and the City of Houston. If you notice a streetlight out in your area, please click on the link below to report a streetlight outage.
You will be asked to provide:
- a pole number (or nearby address) for the non-functioning lights you want to report
- contact information (in case more information is needed to locate a streetlight)
- an e-mail address (if you want feedback regarding your repair request)
- the number of streetlights you would like to report
Report general power outages by calling 713-207-2222 or toll-free 800-332-7143.
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District E Electronic Recycling Events | |
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District E Upcoming Monthly Events
Email the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov) if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!
March 08 – Kingwood Median Madness Round 2
March 13 – TIRZ Board of Directors Meeting
March 13 – HPD-Northeast Positive Interaction Program (Link: PIP_Meeting.pdf)
March 17 – HPD-Eastside Positive Interaction Program (Link: PIP_Meeting.pdf)
March 18 – HPD-Clear Lake Positive Interaction Program (Link: PIP_Meeting.pdf)
March 18 – HPD-Kingwood Positive Interaction Program (Link: PIP_Meeting.pdf)
March 25 – Lake Houston Teacher of the Year Luncheon (Registration Link)
March 31 – 2025 Spring Fever Golf Classic (Registration Link)
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See a pothole, report it by calling (713) 837-0311 | |
Tune to HTV Houston to watch live and recorded City Council and Committee Meetings.
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