July/August 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:

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Facebook:

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Willowbend/Willow Meadows
 
What You Can Do to Help Combat Aggressive Panhandling 
 
In April of this year, Council Member Green facilitated a community meeting with the surrounding civic associations around the West Bellfort/South Post Oak Rd. intersection to strategize and address the aggressive panhandling occurring at this location. The District K office coordinated a surveillance camera to be installed at the Chase Bank strip center location to keep an eye on the panhandling situation.

In addition, Council Member Green provided a strategy that the area civic associations can collectively collaborate on a grassroots initiative to suppress the panhandling in our district. He provided information about a civility ordinance that is currently occurring in six (6) locations throughout the city of Houston. This civility ordinance involves creating a zone that will help reduce the aggressive panhandling though a required petition process. The process involves the following for this particular area:
2. The language of the current City Ordinance governing the creation of the zone (see below)
3. A proposed amendment to the existing City Ordinance regarding aggressive panhandling (see below)
 
"This civility ordinance process will involve everyone coming together and working as a grassroots coalition," states Council Member Green. "Through this process, the District K office will work through the leadership of the area civic club presidents which includes the Willow Meadows Civic Club, Willowbend Civic Club, Precinct 287 Civic Association, Westwood Civic Club, Westbury Civic Club, and the Meyerland Community Improvement Association."

As part of this grassroots initiative, the Greater Post Oak/West Bellfort Neighborhood Coalition was formed. Below is the collective message these civic associations are expressing among their residents and the surrounding business community.
 
Do not give money directly to those panhandling on the street.
  • Report aggressive behavior and drug use to the Houston Police Department non-emergency line at 713-884-3131
  • Report loitering, littering, drug use and aggressive behavior at Metro stops to the Metro Police line at 713-224-2677
  • Contact 311 to report littering and damage to city property
  • Sign the petition to create a zone that would prohibit sleeping on the street during daytime hours. We will begin to collect signatures for this petition in September of 2016
  • Attend public session at City Hall to raise awareness among our elected officials of the issue of aggressive panhandling (Date TBD)
  • Join your local civic association to help in their efforts to beautify the esplanades and make them locations that are not conducive to aggressive panhandling.

Hiram Clarke

 

Turner Construction Interns choose Townwood Park for Summer Project
Council Member Larry V. Green, was happy to get the call from Turner Construction intern team looking for a summer project. The nine member intern team set out to positively impact the Houston community by applying the skills and processes they learned over the course of their summer internship. The intern team took on the opportunity to beautify Townwood Park entrance. The District K office, Trees for Houston and Keep Houston Beautiful all worked together to ensure their project was a huge success.
 
The intern team came up with their entrance design and submitted for approval. Once the plan was approved the interns braved the heat and met for two weekends of tree layout, tree planting, mulch laying, bush planting and more. Their projected budget was  over $5000, however thanks to the generous donations from Keep Houston Beautiful, Trees for Houston and the District K office their project came in at $979.56.
 
The beautification project consisted of repositioning the sign, adding rose bushes to the area near the sign, placing stone and mulch around the sign and adding solar lights so the sign can be seen at night. The project also included placing stone and mulch around the existing trees at the entrance as well as adding additional trees in the roundabout and a stone lined flower bed. Once the trees and flowers begin to bloom, this project will surely enhance the entrance of Townwood Park and Community Center. Special thanks to Turner Construction for promoting and encouraging community service within their internship curriculum.
District K Hosts Back-to-School Event - August 20th
On Saturday, August 20, the District K council will co-partner with the Hiram Clarke HPD storefront to again sponsor the annual Back-2-School Health and Education Community Celebration at William P. Hobby Elementary School (4021 Woodmont St.) from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
 
This back-to-school event will consist of health information, free food and drinks, games, and celebrity appearances. The event is open to the public and Council Member Green welcomes everyone to attend.
 
For more information about this back-to-school event, contact the District K office at 832-393-3016.
Central Care Integrated Health Services in District K
Are you looking for comprehensive, affordable health care services near home? Central Care Integrated Health Services could be the answer. Located in the Fountain Life Center, this healthcare facility is committed to providing an array of high quality health services with reasonable payment options. Services provided include dental, family medicine, geriatrics, immunizations, pediatrics, physical exams and more. You can also join their fitness classes and even relax in the hot sauna. In order to combat the many barriers to effective healthcare, the facility accepts CHIPs, Medicaid HMO, Medicare, private insurance, fee scale payments and also offers payment plans if needed.
 
"We are excited to have this caliber of healthcare service in our community," states Council Member Green. "The on-site care and ability to screen for five diseases in just five minutes is a great benefit for our residents, especially our seniors. We are constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of life for our residents and the Central Care Integrated Healthcare facility is a welcomed addition to the District K community," exclaims Green.
 
For more information about the facitlity visit www.centralcareIHS.org or go by for a facility tour. The Hillcroft (Southwest) facility is located at 14087 South Main St., Houston, TX 77035 and their phone number is 713-734-0199.

Westbury

Glass Recycling Comes To Westbury and to the Surrounding Neighborhoods!
 
The District K office is glad to announce that there is an option to recycle glass. Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a pilot program through a partnership with Strategic Materials, which is the largest glass recycler in North America. The company will operate ten containers where Houstonians can drop off their glass bottles. One of the ten citywide locations selected will be within Westbury. This is in part due to the significant number of Westbury residents that persistently advocated for glass recycling and implemented a survey earlier this year to demonstrate a strong need for glass recycling. "Westbury's persistence paid off because it showed the City just how many committed recyclers we have out here in our community," states Council Member Green.

The location of the glass recycling container is in the parking lot of Westbury United Methodist Church, 5200 Willowbend Blvd. (at the corner of Willowbend and West Bellfort Ave.). The parking lot is accessed easily from Cedarhurst Dr., on the backside of the Church or from West Bellfort.
 
Glass containers must be empty and rinsed. Remove all caps, corks, and lids before taking them to a glass recycling location. Glass ONLY is allowed.

The Westbury community thanks the Westbury United Methodist Church for allowing this recycling on their property. The glass recycling container is a privilege and we need to make sure that the area around the container stays clean and without broken glass. The Westbury community asks that users clean up any glass that breaks.

"The glass recycling container is not exclusive to Westbury residents, but is open to all to use," states Council Member Green. "This location site should be convenient for nearby neighborhoods and accessible for others further away."  The Solid Waste Dept. is also looking at a location site on the southern part of the District. The District K office will keep you informed. 
Brays Oaks
  
The Brays Oaks District Announces New Chair of Board of Directors
 
BOMD logo After serving 12 years on the Brays Oaks Management District Board of Directors, and three years as chairman, Fred Meyers resigned his position at the July 19, 2016 District board meeting. "I want to personally thank Fred Meyers for his years of service and leadership on the Brays Oaks District Board and serving the greater Brays Oak community," states Council Member Green. "Thanks to Fred's leadership, crime is lower and the area within the Brays Oaks District looks much better."
 
The Brays Oak District not only encompasses the Brays Oaks area, but also includes the Westbury community and the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Reserve. The Brays Oaks District appointed Ralph Reiger to Chair the Board of Directors. Mr. Reiger is currently the President of the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy. He also owns a small business, Reiger CPA, on Chimney Rock Rd. within the Westbury community. In addition, Mr. Reiger is also a board member of the non-profit Westbury Area Improvement Corporation and a member of Rotary. "Congratulations Ralph on this new appointment," states Council Member Green.

Shifa Women's Center  Ribbon Cutting Celebration
 
The Houston Shifa Services Foundation and the Shifa Healthcare and Community Services, USA has recently celebrated the ceremonial opening of the Shifa House.
 
Nearly 4 years ago, the Houston Shifa Services Foundation approached CM Green about constructing a facility within the District K area to provide social services for abused women and children. This facility will further ensure the health, emotional needs and well-being of these victims within a safe and secure homelike setting. According to the Foundation, this new facility will serve between 16 to 18 individuals (mothers and children) at any given time; thus, providing a stable and secure environment to these families at risk. This facility is projected to serve a number of individuals who are victims of domestic abuse and family violence.
 
In 2014, Council Member Green participated in the groundbreaking of this facility. "Now in 2016, I want to acknowledge the City's Housing and Community Development Dept. for investing $1,050,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds toward the construction of this 7,200 square foot facility. I would like to commend the Housing and Community Development Dept. for working with the Houston Shifa Foundation team to bring this women's center facility to District K," states Council Member Green. 
 
The location of the Shifa House is in one of the most soci-economically diverse areas of District K. This facility is an asset to our immediate community. "With a City facility nearby, including the proximity of schools, the families being served at this facility should have an easier transition with daily activities," states Council Member Green.

SAVE THE DATE - South Gessner HPD Substation Parking Lot Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting Event -- August 26th
 
The District K office is proud to announce a ceremonial ribbon cutting event planned for the South Gessner HPD Substation on Friday, August 26 at 10:00 a.m. This occasion will mark the expansion of a needed parking lot at this police substation.
 
When the City purchased the land to build the substation over 10 years ago, they didn't incorporate additional parking. Over the course of 2 years, Council Member Green was able to not only advocate for the needed parking lot but also coordinated with the Administration to find the funding to make this a reality. "I worked very hard on this HPD parking lot facility. I want to thank the Houston Police Dept. and the General Services Dept. for working with me to move this project diligently through the budgetary process," states Council Member Green. "I encourage all Brays Oaks area community stakeholders to come out and celebrate this momentous occasion."

Braeswood
  
Brays Bayou Federal Flood Control Project Channel "Project Brays" is Moving Along

The Brays Bayou Federal Flood Control Project channel modifications on Brays Bayou from Bertner Ave. to 2,200 feet upstream of Buffalo Speedway is finally moving forward. In an effort to keep you up-to-date on the Harris County Flood Control District's (HCFCD) continuation of improvements in the Brays Bayou watershed, the HCFCD will continue with the next phase of channel modifications on Brays Bayou within the vicinity of the Braeswood area.
 
Project Brays is a multi-year cooperative effort between the HCFCD and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This $480 million is a project that will substantially reduce flooding risks in the Brays Bayou watershed. During this construction phase of widening the bayou from Bertner Ave to 2,200
feet upstream of Buffalo Speedway, the HCFCD will excavate approximately 300,000 cubic yards of soil, and will construct retaining walls from downstream of Braeswood Blvd. to upstream of Kirby Dr.  These operations require the use of large trucks to carry the excavated soil from the construction site for off-site disposal, and to pour the concrete for the retaining walls. All motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to be alert to large truck traffic when passing near the construction access points. The HCFCD appreciates the public's patience and apologize for any inconvenience caused.
 
To make way for the channel modification project, the HCFCD will have to clear some trees and vegetation. When construction is complete, the District is committed to replanting trees and shrubs along the bayou during the next planting season. To date, the HCFCD has planted approximately 38,700 trees along completed sections of Brays Bayou, and at four regional stormwater detention basins.
 
Overall, the contractor for this segment of the Project Brays project is SER Construction Partners LLC. The reported contract amount is $14.2 million (approximately) with a construction start date of June 2016 and an anticipated completion date of August 2017.

In summation, Project Brays includes the widening of 21 miles of Brays Bayou from the Houston Ship Channel to Fondren Road and from West Houston Center Blvd. to State Highway 6; the replacement or modification of 32 bridges to accommodate channel modifications; and excavation of four stormwater
detention basins that will hold a collective 3.5 billion gallons of stormwater. To date, more than $300 million has been spent on multiple components of Project Brays. More information is available at www.projectbrays.org.

Linkwood Neighborhood Celebrates National Night Out Two (2) Months Early
 
Across the nation, National Night Out is celebrated on the first Tuesday in August; except for the state of Texas. The Texas date is the first Tuesday in October, due to the heat. However, this didn't stop the Linkwood Civic Club from organizing their own National Night Out event early this month. Like the mission of National Night Out, the event encourages community involvement toward building a safer and better neighborhood.
 
As part of their August 2 event, the Linkwood Civic Club coordinated a large block party within their neighborhood. This provided neighbors within Linkwood to block-stop where snacks and drinks were provided by the sponsoring homeowner.  
 
According to Barbara Shurberg, President of the Linkwood Civic Club, "this was a great time to visit with old friends and meet new ones."   
Main St. Rehabilitation - North Braeswood Blvd. to Montrose Blvd.
   
A $1.8 million project to repave Main St. from North Braeswood Blvd. to Montrose Blvd. began in June with an expected mid to late August completion. The project consists of removing existing asphalt pavement and overlaying with new asphalt. Existing curbs and curb ramps will also be repaired or improved as part of the project. Phase One, Main St. from Mecom Fountain to North Braeswood, is currently under construction, Phase Two, from Mecom Fountain to Bissonnet St., will begin once Phase One is completed.
 
Major construction occurs nightly between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. At least one lane each direction will remain open during construction hours. Daytime motorists can expect intermittent, single lane closures, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to facilitate repairs to the curbs and curb ramps.
 
Prior to placing new asphalt, motorists will experience a rough ride from uneven street surfaces as the old pavement is milled and removed and base failures repaired. Motorists are advised to drive with care in this area during this time, and heed all traffic control protocols.
 
This project is funded through ReBuild Houston - the voter-approved pay-as-you-go plan to rebuild and maintain the City's aging drainage and street infrastructure, without incurring new debt. This project is an active example of how ReBuild Houston is providing better streets, better drainage and a better future.
 
For questions email pwecip@houstontx.gov or call 832.395.2090. To learn more about ReBuild Houston, visit www.rebuildhouston.org.
 
Stadium Park
  
Fannin St. Concrete Panel Replacement is Near Completion
 
The Fannin St. concrete panel replacement project between I-610 (South Loop) to Old Spanish Trail began in October 2015 with completion anticipated later this year. The City's Public Works and Engineering Dept. first began the Fannin St. project in late 2015 (I-610 to Holly Hall Dr.) in preparation for the 2016 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show. The remaining segment of Fannin St. (Holly Hall Dr. to Old Spanish Trail) is currently underway. This roadway project is part of a three-street improvement project (Fannin St., West Orem Dr., and Crosspoint) that has deteriorated beyond normal maintenance and repair. The total cost of the three projects is $4,395,333.00.
 
Concrete panel replacement is used to rehabilitate severely cracked and broken sections of concrete streets. The Buffalo Speedway concrete panel replacement project involves the design and construction of reinforced concrete pavement, base repair, as well as repairs and improvements to curbs and accessible ramps.
 
This Fannin St. panel replacement project is an active example of a ReBuild Houston project. The ReBuild Houston Initiative is the City of Houston's voter approved pay-as-you-go plan to rebuild drainage and street infrastructure. Its goal is to improve quality of life and mobility for residents through the reconstruction and proper maintenance of drainage and street improvements. For questions about this project, e-mail pwecip@houstontx.gov or call 832-395-2090.
 
Fort Bend Houston
 
Mayor Turner Hosts Fort Bend Houston Community Town Hall Meeting
On August 3, 2016, Mayor Sylvester Turner hosted his first Town Hall Meeting in Fort Bend Houston at Willowridge High School. Mayor Turner wanted this informative town hall meeting to serve as a meet and greet as well as an opportunity for the residents to share their concerns throughout the Fort Bend area. City staff in attendance included HPD police chief, Martha Montalvo; Director of Dept. of Administration and Regulatory Affairs, Tina Paez; Director of Mayor's Office of Boards and Commissions, Danielle Bartz; Director of Department of Neighborhoods, TaKaha Francis; HFD interim police chief, Rodney West; Director of Department of Public Works and Engineering, Dale Rudick; Chief Resilience Officer, Stephen Costello; Director of Solid Waste, Harry Hayes; Interim Director of Dept of Housing and Community Development, Tom McCasland and the City Attorney, Ron Lewis.
The Willowridge High School ROTC presented the colors to open the meeting and Willowridge principal, Thomas Graham welcomed the community to their campus. Council Member Larry Green also welcomed the attendees and gave an informative update on the numerous projects that have been done and are being done in the Fort Bend area. State Representative, Ron Reynolds introduced Mayor Turner, who then took to the podium to start addressing the concerns of each citizen who asked a question. There were no unaddressed questions by the end of the town hall meeting.
"This was a great town hall meeting. It's always helpful for us to hear the concerns of the residents and to be able to make sure their concerns are being addressed. We take pride in being accessible and responsive to the constituents in District K, says Council Member Green.
SAVE THE DATE -- TxDOT Hosts FM 521 Pubic Hearing -- August 25th
 
The Texas Dept. of Transportation (TxDOT) is scheduled to host a community public hearing regarding the roadway improvement of FM 521 which will also include the redesign of the FM 521 at FM 2234 intersection. The community hearing will occur at Willowridge High School on August 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
The purpose of the public hearing is to gather public input on the proposed roadway widening and improvements to FM 521 (Almeda Rd.) from Beltway 8 to FM 2234 (McHard Rd.) in Harris and Fort Bend counties.

The proposed project consists of reconstructing and widening the existing two-lane rural undivided roadway to a four-lane divided roadway from Beltway 8 to 0.3 mile south of FM 2234. The project also includes improvements on FM 2234 from 0.3 mile west of FM 521 to 0.2 mile east of FM 521.
  • Approximately 13.2 acres of additional right of way would be required
  • This project was initially evaluated with a state environmental assessment and a public hearing was conducted; however, based on the recent inclusion of federal funding, this document has been prepared in accordance with the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. No design modifications have occurred since the previous public hearing held on May 7, 2015.
  • This includes a total of 1.67 acres out of 45.75 acres of Almeda Road Nature Preserve
  • This project includes railroad overpasses at the Union Pacific Railroad crossings on FM 2234 and FM 521 in the nature preserve/park boundary.
The environmental review, consultation and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated Dec. 16, 2014, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and TxDOT.
 
For more information, please contact the TxDOT Houston District Public Information Office at 713-802-5072 or via the web-link: http://www.txdot.gov/contact-us/form.html?id=hou-email.

Phase II of the FM 2234 Roadway is Scheduled to Begin
 
Phase 1 of the FM 2234 roadway from Cartwright Rd. to the Fort Bend Tollway has finally concluded. Now Phase II (Fort Bend Tollway to FM 521) is on the horizon to start mid-August. According to TxDOT, the Brazoria Area Engineer's Office will manage this project. 
 
Similar to the Phase 1 FM 2234 project, Council Member Green will again facilitate a community informational meeting for the residential neighborhoods that abut this portion of FM 2234.  The meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 29 at Christa McAuliff Middle School (16650 South Post Oak Rd., 77053) at 6:30 p.m.
 
"I strongly encourage the Ft. Bend Houston residential communities that abuts this segment of FM 2234 to attend. This includes Quail Village, Benchmark/Quail Bridge, Ridgemont, and Green Valley Estates," states Council Member Green. The goal is to invite the TxDOT project managers and the project construction team to provide an overall project scope and timeframe for Phase II of this roadway project. Stay tuned.   
 
General District K News
 
Council Member Green Neighborhood Sightings (late June - mid August)

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 June through mid-August:
 
* June 20 - Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee meeting
* June 21 -- Westbury Community Garden Master Plan meeting
* June 21 - Braeburn HDP PIP meeting
* June 23 -- Linkwood Park Master Plan Concept meeting
* June 24 - Hiram Clarke Bridging the Community Divide meeting
* June 28 - Southwest HPD PIP meeting
* June 30 - Turquoise House Prayer Vigil and Press Conference
* July 2 -- Glenshire Annual 4th of July Picnic/Parade
* July 9 -- Mayor Turner/District K Turnaround Houston event
* July 11 - Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston HPD PIP meeting
* July 12 -- Brays Oaks District Environmental & Urban Design Committee meeting
* July 12 - Windsor Village Civic Club meeting
* July 12 - Central Southwest SNC quarterly meeting
* July 16 -- Townwood Park entryway project event (Phase I)
* July 18 -- Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee meeting
* July 19 -- Braeburn HDP PIP meeting
* July 20 - Woodshire Civic Club meeting
* July 23 -- Townwood Park entryway project event (Phase II)
* July 23 - Fountain of Praise Prayer Vigil
* July 18 -- Shifa Woman's Center Ceremonial Opening Celebration
* August 1 -- West Airport 24-inch waterline project informational meeting
* August 2 - Linkwood Civic Club National Night Out
* August 2 - Brays Oaks SNC monthly meeting
* August 3 - Mayor Turner Ft. Bend Houston Town Hall meeting
* August 4 - Villa of Brentwood HOA annual meeting
* August 5 - SWAG to College Kick-off event
* August 8 -- Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston HPD PIP meeting
* August 9 - Windsor Village Civic Club meeting (officers' installation)
* August 11 - UniverSoul Circus event
* August 13 - Marian Park Basketball Summer League recognition event

District K Offers FREE Spay/Neuter and Pet Wellness Services

Once again, the District K office has partnered with BARC to coordinate a FREE pet wellness services initiative for District K residents. The last BARC event occurred early this year in February, whereas the District K office reported an overwhelming positive response to sponsor the event again.
 
BARC is sponsoring 3 dates within District K. The scheduled dates and times will occur:

Saturday, September 10, 2016 -- Check-in 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center
3810 W. Fuqua St., 77045
 
Tuesday, September 13, 2015 -- Check-in 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Fondren Southwest Village Shopping Center
11220 Fondren Rd. @ West Bellfort, 77071
 
Friday, September 16, 2015 -- Check-in 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Shopping Center 10423 South Post Oak Rd. (between Willowbend Blvd. and West Bellfort Ave., 77035)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Limited services are provided on a first come, first served basis. If BARC cannot accommodate you any of the aforementioned dates, they will schedule another time for your pet to get spayed or neutered for FREE during the following week.
 
What's required to participate in this pet wellness event?
  • Please bring a current ID and a bill with a City of Houston address
  • Pets must be 4 months or older
  • Dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier
  • Cats must be in carrier or pillow case
For more information about this District K FREE spay/neuter and pet wellness services event, contact BARC at 832-395-9003.

Turnaround Houston comes to Hiram Clarke Multi Service Center
 
On July 9, 2016, the Hiram Clarke Multi Service Center was home to a comprehensive resource fair for Houstonians looking for a job. Turnaround Houston, which launched in March, is Mayor Sylvester Turner's initiative to remove employment barriers by connecting Houstonians with social services, job training, health and employment resources. The fair was the third event of its kind and over 800 residents took advantage of resume writing, tattoo removal, social service agencies, career and wardrobe advice, health screening, haircuts and more.
"Having a resource fair of this magnitude in our district further emphasizes our commitment to ensure our residents are adequately trained and prepared to enter the workforce. We want to make sure as companies move their businesses to District K that we also have a qualified pool of candidates for businesses to hire," states Council Member Green.
"We are putting people in touch with the best opportunities to be independent, to take care of themselves and their families. We are reaching out to folks who might have just given up. They may need that second chance, or for whatever reason, just cannot find a job, and those who think folks have given up on them," Mayor Turner said. "I want them to know that this city is not going to give up on any single person if you are willing and able, if you want it, and if you are willing to work for it."
If you are interested in attending a Turnaround Houston resource fair, the next one will be held at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center on September 15, and another on November 5 at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center. For more information and to view a full schedule of Turnaround Houston events, visit www.houstontx.gov/turnaround or call the Office of Business Opportunities at 832.393.0600.
  

2016 National Night Out - Tuesday, October 4 -- SAVE THE DATE!!!
National Night Out will be here soon so SAVE THE DATE - Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
 
Now is the time to start planning your block parties! National Night Out is the first Tuesday in October (for the state of Texas) and this is a great community event to celebrate the positive initiatives of your civic association, an opportunity to mingle with your neighbors, and a venue to provide important information about public safety and security concerns. The District K office encourages you to organize block parties or other events and get to know your neighbors.
 
If you want an HPD officer to attend your event, contact the HPD Public Affairs office at 713-308-3200. If your civic association is planning a National Night Out event, let the District K council office know so we can arrange  for Council Member Green or a District K council staffer to attend as we make our community rounds that evening.  Contact the council office at 832-393-3016.
  
SWAG to College Was a BIG Hit!
 
The District K office again co-hosted a college preparation workshop that brought out over 40 college bound youth to the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. The SWAG to College event which stands for Students with Ambition Go To College, is a college mentorship program designed to pair youth with mentors from similar backgrounds. Through this partnership, students gain the tools needed to both be admitted to college and graduate from college.
 
This program allows prospective students to be paired with highly-motivated college-driven students and assigned a mentor who will guide them through the college preparation process via college readiness goals. This mentorship program was FREE to attend and provided students with a network of peers going into college.  
 
For more information about the SWAG to College program, contact the following staff members:
 
Raj Salhotra -- neerajsalhotra@gmail.com                            mobile: 713-320-0303

Jamal Dawson -- jamal.a.dawson@gmail.com                     mobile: 832-607-4333

 

 

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.  
 
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.
 
Any Annual Civic Association Meetings Planned on the Horizon?
 
The Spring and Fall season is the time of year a significant number of civic associations host their annual civic association meetings. Since coming into office, Council Member Green has continued to make a commitment to visit every civic association within the District. If you are receiving this e-newsletter and Council Member Green has yet to attend your annual civic association meeting, please contact the District K office at 832-393-3016 or districtK@hosutontx.gov to schedule an appointment.
 
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, 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.
 
General City of Houston News
 
Announcement of Upcoming Houston Citizen Police Academy (HCPA) 

The 10-week academy classes are FREE and offered every Thursday, beginning September 8th, which is orientation (mandatory to attend in order to continue) through Thursday, November 10th, which is graduation day. The classes start at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m.  The academy classes will be held at various locations around the city of Houston.
 
Please share the attached information with members of your community.  If you or any of your community members are interested in attending the next class, please contact Treva Mott, Police Officer, HPD Public Affairs Office at 713-308-3263 or via e-mail at Treva.Mott@houstonpolice.org .
 
Trees For Houston Offers Trees for Schools Program

Trees for Houston is sponsoring its Our Trees For Schools Program to provide and plant much needed trees on Houston area school campuses. Providing far more than shadier sidewalks, this program fosters a sense of pride and cooperation both in the students and in their surrounding communities. Participating schools are identified and selected based on recommendations from parents, teachers, principals and district administrators.

Once the candidate school has been selected, the campus grounds are surveyed in order to determine both the adequate number and appropriate species of trees that should be installed. As with all Trees For Houston plantings, the trees are maintained and monitored by Trees for Houston for two years to ensure survival.

Averaging about 25 campuses a year, Trees for Houston have planted nearly 40,000 trees at Houston area schools. These trees foster pride and cooperation in the students and their community.
 
To request trees at a school, please   contact Trees For Schools @ 713-840-8733

CASE for Kids City Connections

The Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids or CASE for Kids is a division of Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) that was formed in 1999. The vision of CASE for Kids is to ensure that every child in Harris County will have access to high-quality, expanded learning opportunities. CASE for Kids believes a quality out-of-school time program provides avenues for opportunities for youth to excel, explore, and expand their horizons before school, after school, on weekends, and during the summer. A quality program provides a safe and inclusive environment, diverse learning opportunities, effective administrative strategies, collaborative relationships, and intentional program promotion. 
 
CASE for Kids City Connections, funded directly by the City of Houston, supports organizations that address the need for youth services outside the school day. Projects funded by the CASE for Kids City Connections program take place in a variety of locations including schools, community centers, apartment complexes, and churches. Grants are designed to meet individual Houston city council district needs and provide prevention-based programming that addresses gaps in services to youth.

These are a few key items for this school year:
1.    There is ONE (1) application deadline this school year - September 7, 2016.
2.    The project period will run from Oct. 31, 2016  to March 31, 2017.
3.    The grant awards will range in amounts from $4,000-$10,000.
 
Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded from the CASE for Kids website: www.afterschoolzone.org. For more information on City Connections, please contact CASE for Kids at 713-696-1331.

City of Houston Offering FREE Immunizations!

Childhood immunizations The Houston Fire Dept. and the Care Van Program have teamed up once again to provide FREE  childhood immunizations just in time for the 2016-2017 school season.  The "Immunization Extravaganza"  will offer FREE  vaccinations for  UNINSURED  or MEDICAID  children, ages 4 through 18, to get them ready for the upcoming school year that starts August 22, 2016. 
 
No children with insurance, including CHIP insurance, will be serviced. Parents or guardians must accompany their children and provide their current immunization records.
 
The "Immunization Extravaganza" is scheduled for Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the HFD Val Jahnke Training Facility, 8030 Braniff, 77061 .
 
Click the link below for more information www.houstonfire.org.

City of Houston Cracking Down on Illegal Scrap Tire Operations

Effective July 1, 2016, the grace period for compliance with the City of Houston's Scrap Tire Ordinance expired and enforcement began in earnest.  The ordinance, approved by City Council in 2015, requires scrap tire operations to register with the City and establishes regulations and procedures for the safe transportation, storage, recordkeeping and proper disposal of scrap tires.
 
"Since the Solid Waste Dept. initiated this ordinance last year, they have hauled away a significant number of scrape tires that have littered certain areas within District K," stated Council Member Green. These illegal dump sites serve as breeding grounds for the mosquito-born Zika virus. With this continual epidemic, this is a huge problem in our neighborhoods and we have to attack it from every angle as the City works to remove these scrape tires."
   
If you have a tire swing or dock tire bumpers, puncture holes in the tires so they won't hold water. This will help deter mosquito breeding grounds and prevent water accumulation in tires. For more information about this initiative, contact the Solid Waste Dept. at www.houstonsolidwaste.com.

New District... New Council Member... New Beginnings!