January/February 2016
District K
Contact Information
____________________
  

 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:

DistrictK@houstontx.gov

 

Website:

Click here

  

Archived Newsletters:

Click here

 

Facebook:

Click here 

Council Member Green Reappointed to Chair TTI Council Committee and Appointed to Regional Transportation Policy Council
Council Member Green has been reappointed as Chairperson of the City's Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure Committee by Mayor Sylvester Turner. By directive of the Mayor, this reappointment will be for the 2016-2017 term.
 
The Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure Committee (TTI), oversees the City's Information Technology, General Services, and Public Works and Engineering Departments, as well as the Rebuild Houston streets and drainage and water resources and conservation projects. In addition, the TTI Committee oversees the interest of the City of Houston relative to the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO), and the Port of Houston Authority. The TTI Committee oversees revenues and expenditures garnered from the City's General Fund, Enterprise Funds and Special Revenue Funds. The Committee is comprised of 9 out of the 16 council members that serve on City Council.
 
"I respectfully thank the Mayor for reappointing me as Chair of the TTI Committee. I'm looking forward to spearheading this Committee and moving the City's transportation, technology, and infrastructure needs forward. Through the collaborative efforts of my council colleagues, I'm confident this Committee will continue to find solid solutions to Houston's infrastructure needs," states Council Member Green.
 
In addition, Mayor Turner has also appointed Council Member Green as one of two (2) elected officials to represent the City of Houston on the Houston Galveston Area Council's (HGAC) Transportation Policy Council.
 
Hiram Clarke
  
South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Hosts 3rd Appreciation Awards Banquet
 
The South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition ("Coalition") held their 3rd annual awards banquet on January 23, 2016 at The Fountain Life Center. The semi-formal gala entitled Community of One highlighted the contributions and support of the Coalition during the 2015 calendar year. Council Member Green, along with other notable community leaders, were acknowledged and recognized for their continued service to the greater Hiram Clarke community. "As a past recipient of one of their distinguished awards, I continue to applaud and acknowledge the good works and stewardship of the Coalition," states Council Member Green.
 
Congratulations to all of the award recipients!
Outstanding Civic Club Award- Pamela Heights Civic Club
Special Recognition Award- Five Corners Management District
Volunteer of the Year Award- Cecelia Marks
Public Servant Award- Kishma Walker
Corporate Award- CEMEX USA
Unsung Hero Award- Donald Perkins
        
Council Member Larry Green Presents a Proclamation to Linda Scurlock
On January 12, 2016, Council Member Larry Green, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner, presented a well-deserved mayoral proclamation to Linda Scurlock. Ms. Scurlock began her activism at the University of Houston. 
In her professional life, she was a building representative for the Houston Teachers Association (HTA). She was elected Westbury High School's English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher of the Year for three consecutive years. She also served on the school's Shared Decision Making Committee (SDMC).
Ms. Scurlock says that if she is to be remembered, she would like to be remembered as an advocate for her community.
 
"We are so fortunate to have such a passionate neighborhood activist in our district. Ms. Scurlock is well respected and her work is invaluable," states Council Member Green. " I am looking forward to many more years of working together."
 
Council Member Larry Green Unveils Fire Station #59 Mini-Mural
On January 26, 2016, Council Member Green unveiled a new traffic control electrical box at Houston Fire Station #59. The mini mural project is an ongoing project sponsored by District K and the City of Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, the Public Works & Engineering Dept. and the Houston Arts Alliance. Council Member Green, the Houston Fire Dept. Station #59, and District K residents attended the unveiling of this unique mini-mural electrical box that captures Fire Station #59's logo.
 
"I'm very excited that our council office is bringing civic art to District K. I'm thrilled to work with UP Art Studio and Fire Station #59 to bring civic art to our Houston fire station and the Five Corners District," states Council Member Larry Green. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the men and women that work at Fire Station #59 and are honored to have the opportunity to work with them on this civic art initiative. Pilot FX's artistry was ideal to capture the spirit of this fine station. "
 
Thank you to all of the residents who came to witness the unveiling of this outstanding mini mural. We are excited to announce Council Member Green and UP Art studio have at least twelve more traffic control boxes scheduled to be transformed into colorful works of art throughout District K.  
Wild Heather and Brentwood/Pamela Heights Communities Positioned for Speed Cushions
Last month, the District K office coordinated two Neighborhood Traffic Management Program community input meetings, in conjunction with the Public Works Dept. Traffic Operations Division, for the Wild Heather community and the Brentwood/Pamela Heights community.
 
The Wild Heather community input meeting occurred at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center; whereas the Wild Heather community input meeting occurred at Hobby Elementary School. Both community meetings addressed their respective traffic analysis results of their long awaited speed cushion application. The traffic analysis reported that the Wild Heather neighborhood is poised for seven (7) speed cushions (mainly along Bathurst and White Heather St.). The Brentwood/Pamela Heights neighborhoods are poised for 25 speed cushions
 
"I'm glad to say that the community meeting was well received by the attendees," states Council Member Green. Next steps are for the assigned consultant firm to review the comments received during their 14-day comment period, which expired at the end of January, and move forward with their recommendations to the PWE Dept. for consideration. The final step involves City Council approval. "I'm looking forward to supporting this agenda item when it comes before City Council," states Council Member Green.
  
 Hiram Clarke Bridging the Divide Meetings Move to 4th Fridays  
Prior to the Holidays, the District K office polled the existing attendees of the Bridging the Community Divide and asked to move the monthly meetings to the 4th Fridays instead of the 4th Thursdays. As part of this move, the meeting location within the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center will also change to a larger room to accommodate the growing attendance every month.
 
The monthly Hiram Clarke Bridging the Community Divide meeting will continue to meet at 9:30 a.m., but in the auditorium of the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. The next scheduled meeting will occur on Friday, February 26th.
 
If any school, church, or business within the Hiram Clarke community is interested in attending these meetings, please contact Vivian Harris at 832-393-4203 or Vivian.harris@houstontx.gov.
Westbury
  
Westbury Civic Club is Marking 2016 as Their Diamond Anniversary
 
2016 marks an exciting time in Westbury's history, as it is the 60th anniversary of the Westbury Civic Club! The Westbury Civic Club is seeking Westbury residents to volunteer and participate in this year-long celebration. Interested in how you can participate in the festivities? The civic club is busy setting up committees for their 60th celebration as well as other complimentary events. Look for updates in the Westbury Crier and on social media ( http://www.westburycrier.com/westbury-crier ).
 
The civic club wants your Westbury photos!If you have any photos from the 1950's-2000s depicting life in Westbury, please contact the Westbury Civic Club office. Think of neighborhood get-togethers, holiday gatherings with the neighbors, neighborhood kids playing at the park or anything that shows life in our great neighborhood throughout the years. The steering committee would especially love to find some old photos of the streets and outside of homes from throughout the decades!
 
You can drop your photos off in an envelope with your name, phone number, and address to the Civic Club Office or you can scan them and email them to Jennifer Edmondson at westburycc@sbcglobal.net . She will be very careful with your photos. Your photos will be returned once they have been scanned. Jennifer will hand deliver them back to your home!
The photos will be on display at the honorary celebration party as well as in the Crier throughout this "diamond" anniversary year. According to the civic club, you can choose to have your name associated with them or not.
 
For more information or questions, contact Jennifer at 713-723-5437. 
 
Westbury High School Community Meeting -- February 18
HISD is hosting a 2nd Westbury High School community meeting on February 18 to discuss the proposed additions and renovations project at the school. This overall renovation project is part of the 2012 HISD Bond. The meeting will be held in the Westbury High School, Lecture Hall at 6:30 p.m. The Lecture Hall can be accessed from the front of the school along the Chimney Rock Rd. parking lot by the Atrium.

The meeting will cover the following:
  • Presentation on the project status including status of construction with the ballfields
  • Presentation of the proposed design improvements including renovations and additions
  •  Presentation of information on the overall projected construction timeline
According to the Westbury Crier, the overall community is actively watching this school renovation process. "We were promised much more than what was delivered with the voter-approved HISD bonds," states Becky Edmondson, Westbury Civic Club President. "Let's show HISD that we care about the kids that attend and the school that bears our name! Come to the meeting on February 18th".  
 
Brays Oaks
  
District K Celebrates 2016 Arbor Day
The District K office, in partnership with Trees for Houston, Keep Houston Beautiful, and the Brays Oaks District, hosted a  2016 Arbor Day event within the Brays Oaks and Westbury areas on January 23. The staging location was the parking lot of the Fiesta Shopping Center along Fondren Rd. at West Bellfort Ave.
 
The Arbor Day tree planting event cumulated in the planting of 65, 15-gallon live oak trees along the esplanades throughout the Brays Oaks and Westbury communities.  Over 75 volunteers converged onto the large parking lot to lend a hand. As part of Council Member Green's Klean It Up/Green It Up program in District K, he, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner, joined community volunteers to dedicate the trees and talk about their value to the neighborhood and the community.
 
 "Working with Trees for Houston, we chose this area of District K because the Brays Oaks District stepped up to sustain the trees for the next 2 years. Thanks in part to the generous donation of Centerpoint Energy who paid for the trees and the in-kind donation of mulch from Keep Houston Beautiful via Scotts Miracle-Gro, this area now will have full esplanades that are aesthetically equitable to other areas of the city," states Council Member Green.  
 
This citywide event was in conjunction with the District K Klean It Up/Green It Up campaign. The Klean It Up/Green It Up campaign is an ongoing initiative focused on beautifying District K through tree plantings, the development of community gardens, an increased focus on recycling, and opening community farmer's markets, amongst other green initiatives. The campaign will continue to utilize special events, community partnerships, and a robust social media program to help educate residents on how to make District K a healthier, greener, and more environmentally friendly place to live and raise a family.
   
For more information on the campaign and Council Member Larry Green, please visit www.KleanItUpGreenItUp.Org . The campaign can also be followed on Facebook and by utilizing the #KleanItUpGreenItUp hashtag on social media outlets and posts. Please email Ashley@elitechange.com  for any further questions or if your organization would like to participate in the upcoming event.  
  
District K Hosts Fondren Rd. Community Engagement Meeting
Last month, Council Member Green, in conjunction with the Public Works Dept.'s ReBuild Houston team, hosted a Fondren Rd. community engagement meeting at Fondren Middle School.This public meeting gathered community input while the roadway reconstruction project is in the pre-design phase. The Fondren Rd. reconstruction project is programmed to start in 2018.
 
"Everyone that attended thi s community meeting has a better scope of what's planned for this upcoming CIP project. Overall, I want to thank all those community residents within the Brays Oaks area that took the time to attend this meeting," states Council Member Green.
 
This reconstruction project consists of expanding Fondren Rd. from South Braeswood Blvd to Portal Dr. from a 4-lane major thoroughfare into a 6-lane major thoroughfare. The segment between Portal Dr. to West Airport Blvd. will remain a 6-lane major thoroughfare. Below are links to the presentation and a handout distributed at the community input meeting:
 
Stadium Park
  
Naomi Place Poised for Speed Cushions
Last month, the District K office, in conjunction with the Public Works Dept. Traffic Operations Division, facilitated a Neighborhood Traffic Management Program community input meeting for the Naomi Place community at the City of Refuge Church. This community input meeting addressed the traffic analysis results of their long awaited speed cushion application. The traffic analysis reported that Naomi St. will receive two (2) speed cushions and Englemohr will also receive two (2) speed cushions. Both streets are segmented between Cambridge St. and Knight Rd.
 
"I'm glad to say that the community meeting was well received by the attendees," states Council Member Green. Next steps are for the assigned consultant firm to review the comments received during their 14-day comment period, which expired at the end of January, and move forward with their recommendations to the PWE Dept. for consideration. The final step involves City Council approval. "I'm looking forward to supporting this agenda item when it comes before City Council," states Council Member Green. "I'm using my District K council service budget funds appropriated from last year to pay for this year's Naomi Place speed cushions."
 
Fort Bend Houston
 
Fort Bend Houston CIP Projects Update
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has completed the reconstruction and expansion of FM 2234 from Cartwright Rd. to the Fort Bend Tollway. The expansion of the FM 2234 reconstruction project includes a 4-lane highway with a curb and gutter section and a raised median. According to TxDOT, the other segment of FM 2234 from the Fort Bend Tollway to FM 521 is expected to start toward the end of the 2016 calendar year. Like most CIP projects, the District K office will host an informational meeting before the start of this construction project. Stay tuned.
 
Also, the City of Houston has just completed the expansion and extensive concrete panel replacement along South Post Oak Rd. from Beltway 8 to FM 2234. The expansion portion of South Post Oak Rd. included 6-lanes from Beltway 8 to West Ridgecreek and the extensive concrete panel replacement included the existing 4-lanes from West Ridgecreek to FM 2234. 
Braeswood
  
District K Hosts Westridge Storm Drainage Community Engagement Meeting 
Last month, Council Member Green, in conjunction with the Public Works Dept.'s ReBuild Houston team, hosted a Westridge Storm Drainage community engagement meeting at Longfellow Elementary School.This public meeting gathered community input while the storm drainage project is in the pre-design phase. The Westridge Storm Drainage project is planned to start in 2020.
 
"I want to thank all those community residents that took the time to attend this community meeting from the Westridge and Knollwood Village subdivision," states Council Member Green. "Everyone left the meeting excited and better informed of this upcoming CIP project."
 
This project boundary consist of the Westridge subdivision, Knollwood Village subdivision west of Buffalo Speedway, the streets surrounding Linkwood Park and Longfellow Elementary commonly referred to as the "doughnut", and Murworth St. (Buffalo Speedway to South Main St.).
 
The Westridge Storm Drainage Project is programmed to be constructed in two phases: Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed in 2022 and Phase 2 will be completed in 2024.  Below are links to the presentation and handouts distributed at the community input meeting:
 
  
General District K News
 
Council Member Green Neighborhood Sightings (January - mid February)
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 January through mid-February:
 
January 5 - Brays Oaks SNC meeting
January 5 - Central Southwest SNC Meeting
January 8 - District K College Day
January 11 - Naomi Place NTMP Community Input Meeting
January 11-Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston HPD PIP meeting
January 12 - Westridge Area Strom Drainage Community Input Meeting
January 12 - Linda Scurlock Proclamation Presentation
January 14 - Brentwood/Pamela Heights NTMP Community Input Meeting
January 15 - Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide Meeting
January 19 - Brays Oaks Management District Board Meeting
January 19 - Braeburn HPD PIP Meeting
January 20 - Westbury SNC Meeting
January 21 - Braeswood SNC Meeting
January 21 --  South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Meeting
January 22 -- Hiram Clarke Bridging the Community Divide Meeting
January 23 - District K Arbor Day
January 23 -- South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Appreciation Gala
January 25 - Northfield I & II HOA Annual Meeting
January 26 - Fondren Rd. Reconstruction Community Input Meeting
January 26 - HFD Station #59 Mini-Mural Civic Art Project Unveiling
January 26 - Southwest HPD PIP Meeting
January 28 - Wild Heather NTMP Community Input Meeting
February 2 - Brays Oaks SNC Meeting
February 2 - Turkish Raindrop Foundation Proclamation Presentation
February 3 - Woodside Civic Club General Meeting
February 8 - Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston HPD PIP Meeting
February 9 - Glenshire Community Association Annual Meeting
February 10 - Southwood Place Patio Homes HOA Annual Meeting
February 13 - Neighborhood 101 Workshop
February 13 - Southwest Crossing HOA Annual Meeting
February 15 -- Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee meeting
 
SAVE THE DATE - March  19, 2016 - Neighborhood 101 Workshop
The District K office will host a Neighborhood 101 workshop on Saturday, March 19th at 9:30 a.m. at Westbury High School (lecture room). The focus of this 101 workshop will address the United Way of Greater Houston Community Building Grant Program.
 
The United Way has created a fund that focuses on community-building initiatives. This program provides grants from $1,000 to $10,000 for short term projects or one-time expenses that will have a positive impact in the community.
  
The District K office has arranged a program manager to educate and highlight the various entities of this program. Eligible groups for this program must be a non-profit organization which may include neighborhood organizations (i.e. civic associations), art groups, environmental groups, scouting troops, schools, churches, fraternal organizations, volunteer initiatives, and other similar groups. If you are in one of these categories, please save the date - March 19th - and attend this interactive and informative Neighborhood 101 workshop.
  
All attendees are asked to RSVP, due to limited seating in the Westbury High School lecture room. Please contact Donald Perkins to RSVP via e-mail at- donald.perkins@houstontx.gov.
 
SAVE THE DATE! - District K Announces the 2016 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Meeting
Council Member Green is scheduled to host the annual District K CIP meeting on Thursday, March 10, 2016. This year's CIP meeting will occur at Willowridge High School, 13901 Chimney Rock Rd., 77053 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
 
The CIP meetings are held every year to inform citizens of upcoming projects scheduled in their respective communities.  The meetings afford citizens an opportunity to learn, voice their concerns and address City of Houston officials regarding project planning & delivery. An update on the city's implementation of Rebuild Houston will be provided as well. 
 
An Interactive Map and documents for ReBuild Houston's Draft "5+5" ten-year plan (FY 2017 - 2026) can be viewed at www.rebuildhouston.org.To view the current FY 2016-2020 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan (or any of the CIPs from the last 5 years), visit www.houstontx.gov/cip.

District K FREE Healthy Pets Healthy Streets Event
The Healthy Pets Healthy Streets initiative is coming again to District K. This event is being sponsored by BARC in conjunction with the District K office and is planned to occur during the week of March 12th to March 18th. The actual dates and locations are still being communicated, but the check-in will start at 6:30 a.m. and will continue until 7:30 a.m. The FREE spay/neuter service will be provided to pets of families living within District K. The service will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.
 
"I'm thrilled to again coordinate this event with BARC. The overwhelming attendance of District K constituents participating in this bi-annual event has prompted BARC to come back again," states Council Member Green.
 
To make it more convenient for District K residents, BARC will select various locations across District K so residents can easily drop off their pets. The service will contain a complete package which includes a free spay/neuter surgery, one year city license, rabies vaccine, flea prevention medication, and a lifetime microchip. If your dog or cat is already spayed or neutered you are welcome to bring your pet for a rabies vaccine at NO cost. In addition, pet owners will be required to bring a current ID with a current City of Houston address and a water bill. Pets must be at least 4 months old and must be on a leash or a carrier the day of the event. You will be able to bring up to 3 dogs per household. 
 
As the date gets closer and the logistics are finalized, the District K office will forward an e-blast detailing the event. Stay tuned.
  
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department Announces After-School Program with HISD
City Council approved 10 elementary schools that were selected as part of a contract with the Houston Independent School District for the operation of the After-School Achievement Program (ASAP). This program is being administrated by the Parks and Recreation Dept. Three (3) of the 10 selected schools are located in District K within the Hiram Clarke community: Fondren Elementary, Grissom Elementary, and Hobby Elementary Schools.

A request for proposal was posted on the Parks Dept. website and mailed to area schools, non-profit organizations and past program applicants. Interested applicants were required to attend at least one of seven application workshops to be eligible for funding. The Parks Dept. received a total of 33 applications in which 10 schools were selected. All the selected schools were required to commit minimum matching funds of $10,000 cash and $10,000 in-kind.  
SAVE THE DATE! - District K Annual Keep District K Beautiful Day is Scheduled for Saturday, April 2
It's that time of year again. This is an early heads-up. Council Member Green is calling all District K civic associations to participate with the annual Keep District K Beautiful Day event scheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2016. 
 
I'm asking District K communities to step-up and partner with the council office to enhance your respective communities. This initiative will go a long way to not only beautify your neighborhood but also foster positive community engagement," said Council Member Green. If your community is planning a clean-up or beautification event as part of the Keep District K Beautiful Day initiative, it is strongly recommended that your community group contact Keep Houston Beautiful to secure your supplies. Also, contact the District K office so Council Member Green can make his rounds during this day-long event.
  
Houston Police Department Positive Interaction Program (PIP) meetings
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.  
 
Southwest PIP Meeting (every 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.)
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
8601 Chimney Rock Rd.
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.
 
Braeburn 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.
 

Has Your Civic Association Been Updated with the District K Council Office?

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, or 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 receive this information, we need you to update your contact info. Thank you for your help and your interest in District K. 
 

General City of Houston News
  
POT HOLES!
During Mayor Sylvester Turner's inaugural address last month, he announced his plan to cut turnaround time for pothole repairs to 24 hours. Since the Mayor's announcement, nearly all requests for pot hole repairs reported via the 311 system have been repaired within 24 hours. For those repairs considered more extensive than a pothole, a prioritized list of pending repairs are being maintained by the Public Works & Engineering Director and made available to council members. While in the past we have been told that a true "pothole" is smaller than a pizza box, this new 24-hour initiative will cover any pothole or other minor road defect smaller than 5 feet by 5 feet. 
 
You may report a pothole (and make a request for most city services) via 311 in four different ways:
 
(1) Phone: 713-837-0311 (or 3-1-1)
(3) Email: 311@houstontx.gov
(4) Smartphone: download the mobile 311 app from the city site (http://www.houstontx.gov/311/) or from the Apple App site or the Google Play site, and use it to report matters directly to the City of Houston.
 
Houston Parks and Recreation Department Launches New After-School Meal Program
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) announced a new After-School Meal Program for youth, ages 6 to 13. The program will offer free snacks and suppers to youth during the school year, which began January 22 and runs through May 17, 2015. This program is currently available at 49 HPARD Community Centers and four After-School Achievement Program sites. All children must be registered in HPARD's After School Achievement Program to be eligible for the After-School Meal Program at HPARD Community Centers.
Registration in HPARD's After-School Achievement Program is required for youth to be eligible to receive a meal or snack at participating HPARD Community Centers. Snacks will be served to youth ages 6 to 13 from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., and suppers will be served from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the week. Registration is open and ongoing in January for the spring and in September for the fall at all designated After-School Achievement Program sites through the site managers. Participating District K sites include:
1. Almeda Park Community Center, 14201 Almeda School Rd., 77047 (Hiram Clarke)
2. Linkwood Park Community Center, 3699 Norris St., 77025
(Braeswood)
3. Marian Park Community Center, 11000 South Gessner Rd., 77071
(Brays Oaks)
4. Platou Community Center, 11655 Chimney Rock Rd., 77053
(Westbury)
5. Townwood Park Community Center, 3403 Simsbrook Dr., 77045
(Hiram Clarke)
6. Windsor Village Park Community Center, 14441 Croquet St., 77085
(Hiram Clarke)
7. Fort Bend Boys and Girls Club, 5525 Hobby St., 77053 (TBA) (Fort Bend Houston)
For more information on the After-School Meal Program, please visit http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/after-schoolmealprogram.html. For information on the After-School Achievement Program, please visit http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/asap.html. For information on the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, please visit http://www.houstonparks.org/ or contact Askparks@houstontx.gov.  
City's Solid Waste Department Tree Waste and Junk Waste Recycling Program
Below is the tree waste and junk waste collection schedule:
 
January -- Tree Waste
February -- Junk Waste
March -- Tree Waste
April -- Junk Waste
May -- Tree Waste
  June -- Junk Waste
July -- Tree Waste
August -- Junk Waste
September -- Tree Waste
October -- Junk Waste
November -- Tree Waste
December -- Junk Waste

Below are PDFs of District K neighborhoods illustrating their respective heavy trash day(s):
 
http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/junk_tree_2014/77025.pdf -- 3rd week of the month - zip code 77025
http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/junk_tree_2014/77031.pdf -- 2nd week of the month - zip code 77031
http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/junk_tree_2014/77035.pdf -- 2nd and 3rd week of the month - zip code 77035
http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/junk_tree_2014/77045.pdf -- 4th week of the month - zip code 77045
http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/junk_tree_2014/77053.pdf --  4th week of the month - zip code 77053
http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/junk_tree_2014/77054.pdf -- 3rd week of the month - zip code 77054
http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/junk_tree_2014/77071.pdf -- 2nd and 3rd week of the month - zip code 77071
Participate in the City's Prohibited Yard Parking Program
The Prohibited Yard Parking Program is intended to protect neighborhood property values, prevent damage to the City of Houston's underground infrastructure, and to stop the degradation of the aesthetic appearance of single-family residential areas. Parking of vehicles on any unimproved surface in the front or side yard within single-family residential areas will be prohibited where a Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area has been established.
 
Active homeowner's associations or civic clubs may apply for a Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area or a homeowner may gather 60% support from single-family residential property owners within the proposed Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area and file a petition with the City of Houston's Planning and Development Department.
  
The Planning and Development Department accepts applications for the Prohibited Yard Parking Program on the first two business days of each month before 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Annette Mitchell with the Planning and Development Dept. at 832-393-6563.
 
10th Annual Tour de Houston Rolls through the City 
The annual Tour de Houston, presented by the Apache Corporation, will take place Sunday, March 20, 2016. The annual fundraising bike ride will consist of a 20, 45, and 70 mile route.
 
Now in its 11th year, the annual bike ride offers Houstonians and visitors a unique way to view the city with routes winding through Houston's historic neighborhoods, scenic districts and parks while raising funds for the city's Reforest Houston program. 
 
While Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation is a fundraising ride, it also serves as a recommended ride for the BP MS 150. We encourage BP MS 150 participants to participate in the many recommended rides offered throughout the Houston area. Riders will start and end at City Hall located at 901 Bagby. The Mayor's Office of Special Events is planning for an estimated 5,000 riders.
 
Registration is now open. Click link to access the form: Register Online Now!
Pre-Registration  - January 30 - February 18 -- $35; $20 kids (12 yrs. and under)
Registration  - February 19 - March 19 -- $40; $20 kids (12 yrs. and under)
Onsite event registration- March 20 -- $40 - CASH OR CHECK ONLY   
 
Office for Business Opportunity Sponsors Virtual Legal Lab
Obtaining legal advice for small businesses can be costly and stressful. The City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity recently announced a partnership with the Association of Pro Bono Counsel (APBCo) and Vinson & Elkins, LLP, to establish the "Virtual Legal Lab". The Virtual Legal Lab is the first of its kind, giving small businesses the opportunity to schedule one-on-one Skype sessions with pro-bono attorneys for any business related questions they may have.
 
This Legal Lab is housed within the Office of Business Opportunity, located downtown at 611 Walker, Lobby Level. Appointments are required in order to participate.
 
Upcoming Dates:
February 10, 2016 from 2-5 PM
February 24, 2016 from 2-5 PM
March 9, 2016 from 2-5 PM
March 30, 2016 from 2-5 PM
 
Small businesses can ask questions on a variety of topics including employment law basics, independent contractor vs. employee, insurance and contracts, and entity selection. Attorneys are also available to speak to small business owners in Spanish and Chinese. Accommodations for interpretation in other languages can also be made available.
The Virtual Legal Lab is brought to you by The City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity, APBCo in partnership with Texas C-Bar, and Vinson & Elkins.
 
To make an appointment for the Virtual Legal Lab or for more information, please go to www.houstontx.gov/obo and click on Virtual Legal Lab. Make your appointment today! For questions regarding the Virtual Legal Lab, contact Tanya Makany-Rivera at tanya.makany-rivera@houstontx.gov or Francesca Marshall at francesca.marshall@houstontx.gov .
  
New District... New Council Member... New Beginnings!