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Residents of District E,
It has been another very busy summer and my staff has been hard at work these last few weeks
c
oordinating the annual round of fall town hall meetings in the district.
I would like to invite you to save the date for the
upcoming meetings:
Kingwood
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Kingwood Community Center
4102 Rustic Woods Drive
Houston, TX 77345
Southeast Houston/Clear Lake
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058
I have extended the invitation to several city departments as well as a variety of community speakers. In Kingwood, Mayor Sylvester Turner will be back to visit and provide another post-Harvey update. Additionally, we will also hear from Stephen Costello, City of Houston Chief Resiliency Officer and Marvin Odum, Chief Recovery Officer on the progress made to rebuild the City post-Harvey. Matt Zeve with Harris County Flood Control will provide a post-Harris County Flood Control Bond update.
Stan Sarman, the chair of the TIRZ 10 board will be able to provide information on a variety of projects including Northpark Drive Mobility Improvement Project and the status of area intersection improvements.
There will be an update on the Lake Houston Debris Removal project provided by a member of the City of Houston Solid Waste Team. State Representative Dan Huberty is confirmed and will be providing insight on the upcoming legislative session.
For those that arrive to the Kingwood town hall early there will be information tables from Harris County Precinct 4 that will be prepared to talk about their upcoming projects in Forest Cove, the Texas Department of Transportation to educate residents on the expansion of TX Loop 494, Houston Parks Board will be providing information on the upcoming San Jacinto Greenway Project, Houston Department of Neighborhoods and the Houston Police Department's Kingwood Division will also be on site with information available to residents before and after the town hall.
In
Southeast Houston/Clear Lake, Mayor Turner will provide an update on the post-Harvey progress of the City. John Branch with the Clear Lake City Water Authority will also part of our agenda to discuss the progress of Exploration Green. Matt Zeve with Harris County Flood Control will provide a post-Harris County Flood Control Bond update.
A representative from Harris County Precinct 2 will speak regarding the progress of the El Dorado Boulevard widening project. William Harris with Space Center Houston is happy to update residents on their programming and community initiatives. Finally, Captain Hitzman will provide an update on crime statistics within the community.
There will be two information tables available in Clear Lake and they will be hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation with information on the Highway 3/Gulf Freeway Projects as well as a table hosted by the City of Houston's Department of Neighborhoods.
We look forward to hearing these updates and addressing community questions, comments and concerns. If you have never been before, it is the perfect opportunity to engage with your community and have your questions answered. We hope you will join us. Please feel free to invite a neighbor, friend or colleague! Everyone is welcome to attend.
In observance of Labor Day the District E Office will be closed on Monday, September 3, reopening on Tuesday, September 4.
Sincerely,
Dave Martin
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The District E Office
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Contact Information
Phone: (832) 393-3008
Fax: (832) 393-3279
District E Team
Jessica Beemer
Chief of Staff
Katherine Cunningham
Deputy Chief of Staff
Jordan McGinty
South Sector Manager
Clarissa Perez
North Sector Manager
City of Houston Contacts
City of Houston 3-1-1
(713) 837-0311
Mayor's Citizens
Assistance Office
(832) 393-0955
Harris County Flood Control District Kingwood Resources
Kingwood Community Center
(281) 348-2570
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District E Welcomes New North Sector Manager
Council Member Martin is proud to welcome District E's new North Sector Manager, Clarissa Perez, to the team.
Clarissa graduated from the University of North Texas (UNT) in May 2018. She received two Bachelor of Arts Degrees, one in International Studies with a Focus in Humanitarian Studies and Development and the other in Spanish Language and Literature.
While at UNT, Clarissa became very involved on campus and maintained various leadership roles such as President of the Rho Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma, Director of Philanthropy and Service of the Greek Community Board, and Event Coordinator and Secretary of This Ends Now.
During her time in undergrad, Clarissa also worked to enhance her professional experience outside of school. She served as an intern with the Pearland Chamber of Commerce and spent her last year with Ross Law Offices, a Denton based criminal defense firm.
She looks forward to learning more about the beautiful City of Houston while also utilizing her experience and education to serve the North Sector of District E.
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New Addition to the District E Family!
Council Member Martin and his staff are happy to announce the newest addition to the District E family, Magnolia Jean Cunningham.
Magnolia Jean Cunningham was born 19.5 inches and 6.7 pounds on Tuesday, August 14 at 7:56 am.
Mom, dad and big sister, Scarlet, are all doing well and happy to have baby Magnolia home. We look forward to welcoming Katherine back to the office later this year in November. Congratulations to the Cunningham family!
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UPDATE: Lake Houston Flood Gates
Earlier this summer, in June, the City of Houston submitted a Letter of Intent to the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) for the construction of 10 flood gates to be added on to the existing Lake Houston Spillway Dam.
This Letter of Intent has been approved and a complete application for these new flood gates was submitted in August for the project to be funded through Federal Emergency Management Administration Hazard Mitigation Funds.
The City's application has passed TDEM's review process and
received
a very competitive score of 2.8 on a 1 to 3 scale, 3 being the highest. Now the City's application advances to review by FEMA. FEMA is currently reviewing approximately 800 statewide projects for post-Harvey repairs and infrastructure improvements. The review process is expected to take three to five months and we are optimistic that the City will be notified of regarding the approval of the Lake Houston Flood Gate project by early 2019.
Mayor Turner has already committed to provide funds towards this project for the local match from the City of Houston in addition to funds that have been identified in the recent passage of the Harris County Flood Control Bond. The District E Office will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
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Harris County's New Regional Flood Warning System
The Harris County Flood Control District worked with Houston TranStar to develop a regional flood warning system that displays local street flooding using Flood Control District rainfall data overlayed on the TranStar traffic map.
The new system uses data from 170 Flood Control District rainfall gauges. Heavy rainfall (more than ½ inch in 15 minutes) triggers the likelihood of a flooding location in an area. The warning system then displays a pin indicating a flooded street location. The program updates every 15 minutes.
This new feature will help travelers see which local roads are probably unsafe to travel, and which are above water. This is a significant, potentially life-saving, improvement. Visit www.houstontranstar.org or download the Houston TranStar app available for iPhone and Android users.
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Harness Lane Repair Schedule
Council Member Martin would like to make Clear Lake residents aware of an upcoming panel replacement to begin on Harness Lane on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. The scope of work includes removal and replacement of sections on Harness Lane, between Tresch Lane and De Lay Drive. Construction is anticipated to be complete by October 4, 2018.
Houston Public Works (HPW) will be repairing the roadway on Harness Lane in the southeast-bound gutter and center lanes. One lane will remain open at all times to maintain the traffic flow. Construction activities behind closed areas may occur from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
To ensure driver and worker safety, traffic control measures will be in place at all times. During the project, there will be visual signage to indicate to motorists which lane will be closed. The District E office has also contacted the Houston Police Department's Clear Lake substation to ask that officers can monitor the location and provide assistance with traffic control as needed.
For more information on the upcoming repair on Harness Lane, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at
districte@houstontx.gov.
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Kingwood First Responders Back to School Bash
On Thursday, August 16, Kingwood First Responders hosted a Back to School Bash at River Grove Park. Families had the opportunity to visit with officers and representatives from Harris County Precinct 4, Houston Fire Department, Humble Independent School District Police Department, and the Houston Police Department.
Houston Police Department
Kingwood Division coordinated fun and engaging activities for all attendees along for community members of all ages a special look at the diverse tasks that our law enforcement tackles each day. It was a great opportunity to interact with the community and local law enforcement to celebrate the end of the summer before school started!
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Mayor's Back to School Fest Backpack Donations
On August 17, District E staff headed out in the district to distribute nearly 400 donated backpacks from this year's Back to School Fest, hosted by Mayor Sylvester Turner.
The Mayor's Back to School Fest provides Houston area students with some of the tools they need to start the school year off right.
Thanks to the Mayor's Back to School Festival which helped supply Humble ISD, Clear Creek ISD, and those visiting the Edgebrook Neighborhood Recovery Center, with the additional supplies!
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Mr. James Muecke Receives Proclamation
On Tuesday, August 21, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Council Member Martin had the opportunity to honor Mr. James Muecke with a proclamation for his endless contributions to the Edgebrook Corridor and his community.
Thank you to his friends, family, and community members that showed up today to celebrate him as well!
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Houston Public Works Hosts Voluntary Hazard Mitigation Program Community Meeting
The Houston Public Works Department hosted a community meeting on Thursday, August 23, at 6:30 p.m., at the Kingwood Community Center. The purpose of the meeting was to educate residents on possible mitigation grant assistance for their homes. Some homes in the area may qualify for FEMA funding for home elevation, and this program is ideal for residents that have severe repetitive flooding.
The program requires no initial commitment but an application must be completed for consideration. Applications are then submitted on a rolling basis and the selection process will determine if the applicant is eligible.
For more information on how to apply or if you have any questions about the program, please contact the Hazard Mitigation Office at (713) 470-9762 or via email at
hazard.mitigation@houstontx.gov.
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Council Member Martin Visits Governor Greg Abbott
Last Friday, Council Member Martin and staff had the chance to visit with Governor Greg Abbott to thank him personally for his assistance to the Lake Houston area with taking an active role in the District's Post-Harvey recovery efforts. The Governor has been instrumental in helping the Lake Houston Area obtain two critical seats on the San Jacinto River Authority, ordered the emergency dredging of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River which is scheduled to start Saturday, September 1, and the Governor continues to be a close partner in discussions for plans that would further protect our area from future flooding.
Council Member Martin's visit was timely as Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, and the Harris County Flood Bond Program was passed by voters later that evening.
Thank you again Governor Greg Abbott for all you and your office have done, and continue to do for the Lake Houston area, as we begin dredging of the San Jacinto River.
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Mayor Turner Visits Kingwood on Anniversary of Hurricane Harvey
Marking the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, Mayor Sylvester Turner headed out to se
veral homes and businesses through the City of Houston to visit with residents and check on the recovery and rebuilding progress.
Many business owners and residents encountered frustrating red tape in the rebuild process and the purpose of the Mayor's visit was to better understand these complications so that they can be avoided in the future. The disaster is hard enough for residents to handle without having
to worry about complicated processes and procedures to complete on the road to recovery. Council Member Martin looks forward to working with Mayor Turner on streamlining and improving processes post-Harvey to get business owners and residents back on their feet, faster.
In Kingwood, Council Member Martin joined Mayor Turner as he stopped by Raffa's Waterfront Grill, and local boutique, Pretty Little Things. Pretty Little Things reopened their doors earlier this summer and Raffa's Waterfront Grill is expected to re-open this October.
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Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon
On Wednesday, August 29, Council Member Martin and staff attended the monthly Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club.
The luncheon program included a Congressional Panel Update featuring Congressman Brian Babin, Congressman Pete Olson and Congressman Randy Weber. The congressmen updated the members on many areas they remain passionate about: Johnson Space Center and human flight exploration, energy and industry, as well as our current booming economy in response to Hurricane Harvey.
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Kingwood Drive Panel Replacement Completed
Council Member Martin would like to make the community aware of two repairs recently completed in Kingwood. The scope of work included the removal and replacement of identified deteriorated pavement sections of existing roadway along Kingwood Drive and Chestnut Ridge. The goal of this effort is to preserve as well as to prolong the life of the road base while providing a smoother riding surface.
On Monday, August 20, crews began a panel replacement in the eastbound lane of Kingwood Drive at the intersection of Chestnut Ridge. The concrete panel replacement was performed in the eastbound gutter lanes. Additionally, there was a single panel replacement in the southbound lane of Chestnut Ridge, just south of the intersection at Kingwood Drive. The project was completed during the last week of August 2018.
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9/11 Heroes Run
Mark your calendars! The annual 9/11 Heroes Run will be held on Saturday, September 8 at City Hall.
The 9/11 Heroes Run unites communities internationally with the goal to Never Forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11 and in the wars since: veterans, first responders, civilian, and military. This year, the event will be held in over 55 cities and numerous military installation around the world.
Founded in honor of 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who gave his life while serving in Iraq in 2009, the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) assists American veterans and the families of the fallen in addition to organizing a number of charitable initiatives including the 9/11 Heroes Run.
Interested participants can register online
here
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Kingwood Community Center Marquee Sign
During the Summer of 2015, Council Member Martin began the long process of installing a marquee sign outside of the Kingwood Community Center utilizing his Council District Service Fund. As many residents are aware the Kingwood Community is heavily deed restricted and the City of Houston is not exempt to those deed restrictions and the sign that has been installed meets the community deed restrictions to maintain consistency within the community.
The sign was constructed and completed in August of this year. The sign will feature information on upcoming programs and community meetings like the Council Member's Town Hall meetings held twice a year. The District E Office looks forward to having this new resource as well as its ability to increase the Kingwood Community Center's visibility.
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Upcoming Events
Please refer to Council Martin's District E
website for location, time and more event details. Email the District E office if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!
City Wides
September 3
Labor Day - City Holiday - District E Office Closed
September 4
Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee Meeting
September 8
9/11 Heroes Run
Kingwood
September 1
Kingwood Electronic Waste Recycling
September 18
Kingwood PIP
September 18
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Peace Officers & Firefighters of the Year Luncheon
September 19
Kingwood Super Neighborhood
Southeast Houston/Clear Lake
September 8
Clear Lake Electronic Waste Recycling
September 18
Clear Lake PIP
September 26
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon
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