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District K
Contact Information
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| 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 |
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South Post Oak TIRZ (#9) Expands Its Boundary
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 The South Post Oak Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ #9), better known as the Corinthian Pointe development TIRZ has officially expanded its boundary to annex approximately 149 additional acres into the Zone. City Council approved the measure unanimously.
The South Post Oak TIRZ (#9) was created by City ordinance in 1997. Following the passage of the TIRZ creation, City Council also approved a Project Plan for the Zone. In 1999, City Council authorized the creation of the South Post Oak Redevelopment Authority to implement the Plan.
"With the expanded annexation of TIRZ #9 beyond its small geographical boundary, the TIRZ can now begin to capture undeveloped land that is ripe for development purposes while increasing the taxable value within this area," states Council Member Green.
In addition to the approved TIRZ expansion, the TIRZ Board of Directors had to approve a proposed amendment to the existing Project Plan. The amended Plan outlines the added 149 acres to the existing Zone that will further enhance the roadway infrastructure, pedestrian access, general mobility, and increase mobility. The South Post Oak Redevelopment Authority will continue to implement the Project Plan and the Reinvestment Zone Financing Plan for the TIRZ; to develop a policy for the financing and construction of public infrastructure improvements necessary for the development of mixed use, residential, commercial, retail and other related land uses within the zone; and to develop and implement a development policy for the Zone. The South Post Oak Redevelopment Authority Board shall consist of the same members of the TIRZ #9 Board.
"I'm delighted that the TIRZ #9 Board was able to expand its border to further promote economic development for the TIRZ." I want to thank Algenita Scott-Davis, TIRZ #25 Board Chairperson, for working diligently with her Board colleagues and the City of Houston Office of Economic Development to see this process through," states Council Member Green.
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District K Celebrates A Klean It Up/Green It Up Event
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The
District K office celebrated a community Klean It Up/Green It Up wildflower planting event earlier this month in partnership with the Houston Parks Dept. The wildflower planting event occurred in two (2) locations within the Hiram Clarke community. One planting took place at Townwood Park (3403 Simsbrook Dr.); and the other location occurred along the vast esplanades of West Orem Dr. from Almeda Rd. to Hiram Clarke Rd. The volunteers that participated in the event included youth and seniors.
The Townwood Park planting was a collaboration with the Houston Parks Dept. and the Houston Parks Board as part of the annual Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Planting Project. This event consisted of spreading wildflower seeds along the banks of Sims Bayou as part of the Bayou Greenway initiative. The West Orem Dr. esplanade planting was coordinated by the Houston Parks Dept.
"I am most appreciative the District K council office was able to partner with the Houston Parks Dept. and the Houston Parks Board to support this wildflower planting event. Events like this will make a better Houston and a more beautiful District K," states Council Member Green. "Last year, we planted over 2,000 trees throughout the District. This year we are planting more trees and adding wildflowers to our Klean It Up/Green It Up campaign. Enhancing the quality of life for District K residents is a top priority for me. One way to accomplish this is by partnering with other agencies that share the same aesthetic goal."
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| Council Member Green Demolishes Another Dilapidated Structure within District K |
Earlier this month, Council Member Green, in partnership with the Dept. of Neighborhoods, demolished another unsound, dilapidated residential structure. The demolished property was located at 5162 Wickview Lane within the Briarwick subdivision of the Hiram Clarke community.
Promoting public safety and enhancing the quality of life for residents are top priorities for Council Member Green. One way to accomplish this is by eliminating blighted, hazardous buildings within District K neighborhoods. In addition, this demolition is part of the District K Klean It Up/Green It Up initiative.
The Klean It Up/Green It Up campaign is an initiative focused on beautifying District K through tree plantings, community clean-ups, mini-murals, an increased focus on recycling, and elimination of blighted structures among other green initiatives. The campaign will 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. 
Council Member Green states, "I'm excited the District K council office was able to move forward with the demolition of this dangerous building site within the Briarwick subdivision. Over the years, 5162 Wickview Lane has detrimentally plagued this area. Through continually working with the District K council office, this community's persistence has been notable."
This demolition event is part of the City of Houston's demolition initiative, which will include razing a number of dangerous buildings at locations across the city. The initiative will continue until all of the designated structures have been demolished.
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| Westbury
Is Westbury Square Up for Redevelopment?
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During the past several months, residents of Westbury have noticed a large For Sale sign placard at the Westbury Square commercial site. It looks as if a deal may be in the works for this dilapidated
commercial strip center to see new life as a renewed residential community.
The broker company, Camelot Realty, has not finalized everything as of this date, but the Houston Business Journal has reported that
the property is under  contract to be sold to the Villas at Westbury Square LLC - a group of developers who have projects in Texas and Florida. The current owner, Alfred Antonini, has put the Westbury Square commercial center up for sale once before; however; this deal may actually come to fruition.
Council Member Green states, "the Westbury community has long-awaited something positive to come out of this derelict property. If this proposed deal happens, it will be a game changer for this prime tract of land. Nestled in the heart of Westbury, the proposed development will be the catalyst for quality retail that is so needed in this community."
The District K office will continue to monitor the transaction.
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| Westbury Community Previews Westbury High School Campus Renovations |
The Westbury community got a preliminary snapshot of the proposed additions and renovations under the 2012 bond program for Westbury High School. This public community meeting was organized and coordinated by HISD so the community could provide feedback on early design concepts for this renovation project.
"I'm really excited to see the improvements at Westbury High School. This is a step in the right direction," acclaimed Becky Edmonson, Westbury Civic Club President and a member of the school's Project Advisory Team.
The current proposal consists of constructing a new 2-story addition to the existing campus at the corner of Chimney Rock and Dryad. This new building would feature learning centers, new replacement athletic facilities, as well as a commons area that would serve a dual purpose as a new dining cafeteria and gathering space. The assigned architect informed the attendees that the goal is to use the new building to help give the students a state of the art facility to support 21st century learning styles. This would eliminate the need for those temporary buildings located off Burdine St. in back of the campus.
The design team highlighted the relocation of the school's main campus entrance to a more prominent location which will help create a new identity image for Westbury High School. In addition to a new entry for the campus, there will be other areas within the existing campus renovated to create flexible use for 21st century learning environments in both the new and existing portions of Westbury High School.
As part of the renovation design, HISD officials illustrated that the new baseball and softball complex will be situated along the east side of Gasmer Rd. on non-contiguous property purchased by the District. This new athletic complex is being done in addition to the $40 million bond project. HISD administrators are looking into options to create a safe passage for students to get back and forth to the new athletic complex.
HISD Board is funding a proposal that could add some additional money to all 2012 bond school projects. Since 2012 when Houston voters approved the District's $1.89 billion bond program, the District has seen an unprecedented and unanticipated spike in construction costs of nearly 40%.
If approved by the HISD Board, the $211 million would be distributed proportionately to each project's original construction budget to support needs related to the project scope.
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Brays Oaks
Braeburn Valley Protected by Minimum Lot Size Area Ordinance
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Last month, the Braeburn Valley neighborhood, which represents Sections 3-7, was approved by City Council to establish a special minimum lot size area ordinance pursuant to Chapter 42 (City of Houston land development ordinance).
The Braeburn Valley submittal resulted in two separate MLSA applications. One application consisted of a portion of sections 5, 6 and all of 7; whereas the Planning and Development Dept. and the Houston Planning Commission recommend that City Council adopt an ordinance establishing a MLSA of 9,360 square feet. The other application consisted of all of sections 3, 4 and the remainder of 5 and 6 with an ordinance establishing a MLSA of 8,625 square feet.
The Glenshire community is next in line to receive a MLSA ordinance. Currently, their applications are going through Legal review before heading to City Council for final approval. Stay tuned.
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| NEW Houston Community College --Brays Oaks Campus Finally Starts Construction |
Earlier this year, Council Member Green, along with Houston Community College Trustees Christopher Oliver and Robert Glaser as well as Chancellor Abel Maldonado and President Dr. Fena Garza of the Southwest campuses, David Hawes, Executive Director of the Brays Oaks District, State Representative Dr. Alma Allen, and community leaders within the Bray Oaks District gathered on the grounds of the India House, which is directly across the street from the actual site, to celebrate a ceremonial groundbreaking event of the new campus.
With the passing of the 2012 HCC bond, Houston Community College is responding to the demand for affordable workforce training with a new campus in the Brays Oaks District. "The City of Houston is open for business, but the City of Houston can't stay open for business if we don't have a trained workforce," states Council Member Green.
The $12 million, 28,000 square-foot workforce center will be constructed along West Bellfort Ave. near Riceville School Rd.
With the assistance of the Brays Oaks District and the Housing and Community Development Dept., we were able to secure $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the City of Houston to purchase the land for the HCC campus.
"The programs proposed for this facility will provide opportunities for students to advance their potential in high-skill and high-growth occupations. The Brays Oaks area is one of the most socio-economically diverse areas within District K. This facility will be an added asset to this vibrant community," states Council Member Green.
The HCC Brays Oaks Campus is set to open in Fall 2016. For more information on this project and others in the HCC Groundbreaker Bond Program, visit
hccs.edu/bond
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Braeswood
Townhouse Manor Celebrates 50 Years
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Townhome Manor is a quaint townhouse community nestled along I-610 (South  Loop) near Stella Link Rd. The tight-knit residential neighborhood is directly adjacent to the Woodshire community. This month, the Townhome Manor is celebrating its 50th anniversary as the first established townhouse community in the City of Houston.
Approved by the Houston Planning Commission in 1965, the developer marketed the development as:
"Townhouse Manor: Houston's Most Charming and Livable Townhouse Community!" It's a true townhouse community that provides full value per dollar, countless conveniences and around-the-clock security. Houston's prime location - only minutes from downtown and the major centers of activity! Located along the South Loop at Stella Link Rd.
Known for its carefree living environment, Townhouse Manor has been able to sustain its neighborhood character with overall architectural control. A variety of architectural features includes Colonial, English, Contemporary, Mediterranean, New Orleans and others. A unique feature during its construction, the development consists of open courtyards, two and three car garages, with back entrances; and soundproof 8-inch thick masonry walls; and spacious rooms, large walk-in closets, and functionally designed all-electric kitchens.
Within Townhouse Manor, there are three (3) townhouses that were constructed in 1968 that were shown at the January 1969 National Homebuilder's Show held at the Astrodome. The same architectural firm that was involved in designing the Astrodome designed them in the International Style, very modern with open rooms and an abundance of glass. Known as the "Style-In Steel" townhouses, they were framed entirely in steel, were all electric and designed and constructed to commercial specifications. These three townhomes were published in national architectural magazines, and in 1998 honored with a Twenty-Five Year award by the Houston American Institute of Architects. In 2007, they were granted a Protected Landmark status by the City of Houston. These are both the first  townhouses and the first project less than fifty years of age to be granted this status.
"I'm honored to have significant communities within District K. The Townhouse Manor development reflects the diversity of Houston's overall residential community," states Council Member Green.
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Fort Bend Houston
Fort Bend Houston CIP Projects Update
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 "Prior to coming into office, the Fort Bend Houston community didn't have Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects on the books. To-date, I was able to successfully advocate for multiple CIP projects," states Council Member Green. These Fort Bend Houston CIP projects include the following:
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FM 2234 (via TxDOT)
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South Post Oak Rd. Rehabilitation project (interlocal project with Ft. Bend County)
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Hillcroft/Court Rd. Extension Reconstruction project (interlocal with Ft. Bend County)
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West Fuqua St. Reconstruction (using Ft. Bend County mobility funds for design phase)
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Fondren Rd. sidewalks
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Blue Ridge Library roof & interior upgrades
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Street lights through various locations
The District K office will continue to keep the Fort Bend Houston community apprised of these ongoing projects.
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General District K News
District K Offers FREE Spay/Neuter and Pet Wellness Services
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Again, the District K office sponsored another successful pet wellness services  event. This event was a collaborative sponsorship of BARC, Emancipet, SNAP, and Friends of Life. Like the previous event, the District K office reported an overwhelming positive response to sponsor the event again in the Spring of 2016.
This recent pet wellness services event consisted of 3 District K locations -- the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, the Platou Community Center in Chimney Rock Park, and the Marian Park Community Center. Overall, we completed a total of 197 surgeries
For more information about BARC's spay/neuter pet wellness services, contact the BARC office at 832-395-9003.
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HISD Considered Approval of $211 Million for 2012 Bond Program
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 The Houston Independent School District's Board will consider a proposal by District administrators to add $211 million in funding to the 2012 bond program this month. The proposal would cover unprecedented and unanticipated inflationary construction costs.
So far, HISD has spent $208 million of the voter-approved funds for the 2012 bond, including $44.5 million on real estate. If approved, HISD would issue $200 million in new maintenance debt. The District K office was told that this new debt would not impact funding for any other school district needs, its credit rating or the tax rates paid by property owners. The remaining balance of $11 million needed to cover the inflation-related construction fund gap would be taken from the reserve fund of the 2007 bond program. Thus, the $211 million would be distributed proportionately to each school project's original construction budget to support needs related to project scope. Under the 2012 bond the schools in District K that are currently approved are Madison High, Dowling Middle, Parker Elementary, and Westbury High.
For more information on the district's building programs, please visit www.BuildHISD.org.
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| National Night Out Was a BIG Hit in District K |
Across the nation, National Night Out was 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 District K civic associations from organizing and coordinating big and small National Night Out events earlier this month. Like the mission of National Night Out, the event encourages community involvement toward building a safer and better neighborhood. 
"I want to thank those District K neighborhoods that reached out to the council office to attend their block and neighborhood parties," states Council Member Green. "This event offered neighbors an opportunity to meet the folks across the street, down the street, and next door as well as celebrate the positive initiatives of your civic association and provide important information about public safety and security concerns."
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Council Member Green Neighborhood Sightings (late August - Mid October)
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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 August through mid-October.
August 15 - District K Back to School event
August 15 - India House Back to School Explosion
August 18 -- Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee meeting
August 18 - Brays Oaks Management District Board meeting
August 19 - Westbury Area Improvement Corporation/Westbury SNC meeting
August 19 - Westbury Civic Club meeting
August 20 - Northbrook North Townhomes HOA Board meeting
August 20 - South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition meeting
August 21 - Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide meeting
August 21 -- Five Corners Management District Board meeting
August 25 - Joint Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure/Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee meeting
August 27 - Special Called Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure meeting
August 27 -- Hiram Clarke Bridging the Community Divide meeting
August 27 - Glen Iris Civic Club meeting
Sept. 1 - Brays Oaks SNC meeting
Sept. 3 -- TIRZ #25 Board meeting
Sept. 6 - Constable Ruben Davis 18
th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast
Sept. 8 - Chasewood Civic Club meeting
Sept. 8 - Almeda Plaza Civic Club meeting
Sept. 10 -- Fort Bend Houston SNC meeting
Sept. 11 - District K Economic Development Tour
Sept. 12 - ABC Dental Community Health Fair
Sept. 12 - Briar Villa South, Sec. 2 HOA meeting
Sept. 14 -- Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure meeting
Sept. 16 - Westbury Civic Club Annual meeting
Sept. 17 - Westbury High School Bond Community meeting
Sept. 17 -- South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition meeting
Sept. 18 -- Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide meeting
Sept. 18 -- Five Corners Management District Board meeting
Sept. 19 - Bethel's Place Empowerment Center Y.E.S. (Young Entrepreneurs Succeeding) event
Sept. 19 - UP Art Studio Mini-Mural Art Show event
Sept. 23 -- TIRZ #9 Board meeting
Sept. 24 -- Hiram Clarke Bridging the Community Divide meeting
Sept. 24 - Wild Heather Civic Club meeting
Sept. 29 - District K SNCs' Sponsored Candidates' Forum
October 1 - TIRZ #25 Board meeting
October 6 - National Night Out
October 8 - Demolition event (5162 Wickview Lane)
October 8 - Fort Bend Houston SNC meeting
October 10 - Madison High School Homecoming Parade
October 10 - Townwood Park/Bayou Greenway Wildflower Planting event
October 10 - West Orem Dr. Esplanade Wildflower Planting event
October 11 - Willow Meadows Civic Club Annual Community Picnic
October 12 - Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure meeting
October 13 - Brays Oaks SNC meeting
October 13 - Central Southwest SNC meeting
October 15 - Braeswood SNC meeting
October 15 -- South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition meeting
October 16 -- Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide meeting
October 16 -- Five Corners Management District Board meeting
October 17 - District K Neighborhood 101 workshop
October 17 - Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy Wildflower Planting event
October 17 - Townhouse Manor 50
th Anniversary Celebration
October 17 - Cambridge Village Neighborhood 2nd Annual Reunion
 
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Has Your Civic Association Been Updated with the District K Council Office?
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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 a ddress, 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.
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Houston Police Department Positive Interaction Program (PIP) meetings
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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 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.
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General City of Houston News
Citizens Invited to Provide Input on HPD Body Camera Policy
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This month, Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. and HPD commanders hosted a community meeting to answer questions and accept input on the Department's draft policy for outfitting all police officers with body worn cameras. The meeting was held at the Moody Park Community Center on the northside of Houston. 
HPD began outfitting officers with body cameras in December 2013 when 100 cameras were purchased and distributed to officers in a pilot program. With much of the funding secured to purchase body cameras for all officers, HPD is aiming to roll out more cameras before the end of this calendar year.
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| City Offering Pro-Bono Legal help for Small Business |
Obtaining legal advice for small businesses can be costly and stressful. The City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity announced a partnership with the Association of Pro Counsel (APBCO), Vinson &Elkins, LLP, and community organizations to establish the "Virtual Legal Lab". The Virtual Legal Lab gives small businesses the opportunity to schedule one-on-one Skype sessions to ask questions with pro-bono attorneys.
The Virtual Legal Lab will be hosted on the following dates:
October 28, 2015
November 18, 2015
December 9, 2015
December 16, 2015
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.
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| Get Ready to VOTE |
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Constituents within the city of Houston are gearing up for the upcoming November 3rd elections. It is very important to know what's on the ballot and what is required to cast your vote. For District K residents, we have constituents that reside in either Harris County or Fort Bend County. Below is a list of polling places and contacts for both Harris County and Fort Bend County:
HARRIS COUNTY:
According to the Harris County Clerk's office, the state of Texas requires voters to present an approval
form of photo identification to vote at the polls. To facilitate the voter qualification process when YOU go to the poll, YOU should:
- Review the list of approved Photo IDs and make sure YOU have one;
- Make sure YOUR State Approved Photo ID is current; With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the Photo ID must be unexpired or expired less than 60 days;
- Verify that the name the Voter Registrar has on file for YOU matches the name on one of the State approved Photo IDs. YOU may visit http://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/sos/SOSACManager to update YOUR 'Voter Name and Address'.
Early Voting starts October 19 and goes through October 30. Below are the early voting times within Harris County:
October 19 - October 23: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
October 24: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
October
25
: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
October 26 - October 30: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
As a side note, constituents also have the option to vote by mail. In Texas, voters who are 65 years of age or older or are disabled may submit an annual ballot by mail application to the early voting clerk starting on the first day of a calendar year. Other qualified voters may submit a ballot by mail application for a specific election beginning the 60th day before Election Day. All applications must be received before the close of business on the 9th day before Election Day. If the 9th day is a weekend, the last day to submit an application is the preceding Friday. Click the link to access the "Ballot by Mail" application: http://www.harrisvotes.com/Docs/app4BallotByMail.pdf.
FORT BEND COUNTY:
The same information as in Harris County also applies to Fort Bend County residents. The state of Texas requires voters to present an approved form of photo identification to vote at the polls.
District K residents are very fortunate to have a non-contested council member continue to represent their interest. "As I head into my final term, I want to continue to serve the constituents of District K to ensure they are prepared for the next council member to lead District K," states Council Member Green.
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Trees For Houston Offers Trees for Schools Program
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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 planted. 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 has 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, contact Trees for Houston at 713-840-8733. To access the Trees for Schools Program form, e-mail katherine@treesforhouston.org.
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CASE for Kids City Connections
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Coordinated by Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), the CASE for  Kids Division
(The Center for After-School, Summer and Expanded Learning)
is to strengthen, support and sustain after-school programs and out-of-school time activities. CASE 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.
CASE for Kids City Connections, is a new initiative funded directly by the City of Houston to support organizations that address the need for youth services outside the school day. Projects will take place in a variety of locations including schools, community centers, and churches. Grants are designed to 1) meet individual City Council district need and 2) provide prevention
-based programming that addresses gaps in services to youth.
Proposed projects must serve youth in grades K-12 before school, after school, on weekends or during summer hours.
Some examples of out-of-school time activities that could possibly be funded through this new youth initiative include robotics camps, homework assistance, cheerleading/dance groups,
and team sports.
The District K office recognized two (2) organizations that received CASE funding through this initiative. The organizations are PAIR which was award $2,250 and Young Audiences of Houston which was awarded $1,890.
To be eligible for funding, applicants are required to be a nonprofit organization
designated by the IRS as having 501(c) 3 status for at least one year prior to August 2015. Applications will also be accepted from, established charter schools, faith-based organizations, or civic groups. All applicants must serve youth located in the city of Houston.
To apply for funding, interested organizations will submit two documents for review and a formal application to CASE for Kids. CASE for Kids will review applications by city council district and will consult with each Houston City Council Members to make final selections for funding.
Grant awards will range from $2,000-$10,000. New funding will be provided to out-of-school time organizations next Spring. Applications are due by January 29, 2016 for funding availability from March 1 to May 31. Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded on the CASE for Kids website: www.afterschoolzone.org. For more information on City Connections, please contact CASE for Kids at 713-696-1331.
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| City Adopts New Arts and Culture Plan |
City Council recently adopted a new Arts and Cultural Plan for the City of Houston  which will create a framework to connect more residents and visitors to the city's rich cultural assets. It will improve coordination between departments and agencies and increase understanding about the impact of the City's arts and cultural investments.
Houston has tremendous arts and cultural assets and each year the City of Houston makes important investments in these resources for the benefit of its 2.2 million residents and nearly 15 million annual visitors. With the city expected to grow by more than one million people over the next 20 years, the Arts and Cultural Plan embraces change and reflects the evolving role of culture in the community.
The Arts and Cultural Plan identifies community concerns, sets a vision for the future and recommends actions to achieve long-term priorities. "This Arts and Cultural Plan will hopefully connect communities lacking cultural art," states Council Member Green.
The City of Houston Arts and Cultural Plan has three priorities: promote engagement in quality arts and cultural programming; enhance the support system for the city's deep cultural assets; and advance strategies to strengthen the local creative economy. The Plan also includes 27 recommendations to advance the City's long-term priorities and identifies cultural indicators the City can monitor to assess change and progress over time. For more information about the Arts and Cultural Plan can be found here: http://www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs/artsandculturalplan.html
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| Municipal Courts Offers Alcohol Education Program for Minors |
 The City of Houston Municipal Courts Dept. is now offering Alcohol Education Program for Minors (AEPM) and the Texas Tobacco Awareness Program (TYTAP) education to minors via the Juvenile Case Manager Program. This program was developed in order to increase compliance and ensure successful satisfaction of judgment requirements by offering state mandated education for youth adjudicated of Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Tobacco or Public Intoxication as per the state statutes 106.071 of the Texas Alcoholic beverage Code and 161.252 of the Texas health and safety code.
The AEPM and TYTAP courses are administered by the Municipal Courts Dept. Juvenile Case Manager Program (JCMP) court based operations staff. JCMP staff have been approved and certified to teach the courses by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The classes are offered at the Herbert W. Gee Municipal Court House located in Downtown Houston at 1400 Lubbock. The cost to those who are required to attend and complete these state mandated courses will be $40 for a two-day three hour AEPM class and $50 for a two-day four hour TYTAP class. Both courses are offered in English and Spanish. To register for the classes please visit the City of Houston Municipal Courts Department website at:
http://www.houstontx.gov/courts/index.html
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Receive Plat and Permit Reports by E-Mail
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The City of Houston economy is picking up steam. With this increase is a number of development activities within the District. Keep up with development and construction projects in your neighborhood. Sign up for the City's E-Plat summary report and the E-Permit report to find out about plat and permit applications.
The Plat Summary E-Report contains information about the plats, replats, variances, and special exceptions to plats that will be considered at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting. The report provides locational, plat, and applicant information for each application in an Excel format that can be  easily scrolled through, or sorted, based on particular data, such as council district.
The Houston Planning Commission meets every other Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in City Hall Annex Chambers, 900 Bagby St. unless otherwise posted.
The Plat Summary E-Report is usually sent out approximately a week before Planning Commission meets, while the Planning Commission Agenda is posted three days in advance of Planning Commission meetings on the Planning & Development Department website ( www.houstonplanning.com ).
The Permit E-Report provides information regarding any new construction, remodeling, or change-of-use permits by zip-code in an effort to inform citizens of activity in their neighborhoods. This E-Report is e-mailed every Monday.
To sign up, click here.
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Houston Bar Association LegalLine Program - FREE Legal Hotline
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The Houston Bar Association offers a FREE legal hotline called LegalLine on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The LegalLine Program has been available to Houston area residents since 1985. This hotline services allows constituents to access an attorney free of charge. For more information about the LegalLine Program, contact the Houston Bar Association at 713-759-1133.
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Online Appointment Service for Plan Review
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The Houston Permitting Center (HPC) is still taking appointments online within its
 Code Enforcement's Plan Review section. Scheduled appointments will be available for the discussion of
plan review project comments only.
A phone number and email address is required to use the online scheduler. If you do not have either of these items, appointments may still be scheduled in person at the HPC or over the phone by calling 832-394-9000 directly.
Please note that the design professional responsible for the respective plans must attend the scheduled appointment, otherwise the appointment is subject to cancellation
All other Plan Review services will continue to be walk-in services on a first-come-first-served basis.
For questions regarding this expansion of services, please contact us at 832-394-9000 or houston.permittingcenter@houstontx.gov
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New District... New Council Member... New Beginnings!
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