Heights - River Oaks - Montrose Edition | October 2023

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Heights River Oaks

Montrose Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 7 OCT. 11NOV. 6, 2023

2023 Voter Guide

A crowd of more than 100 people showed up to hear candidates in Houston’s mayoral election discuss their transportation priorities at a Sept. 23 forum hosted by LINK Houston.

SHAWN ARRAJJCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Houston’s next mayor to face budget, planning decisions

weekly meetings as well as a vote on each item. However, a ballot proposition this year could also put some power back in the hands of council members.

the Nov. 7 election, and whoever wins will have the task of balancing the city’s budget. Houston’s mayor is considered one of the most powerful in the U.S., experts said, with the power to single-handedly determine the agenda for Houston City Council’s

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & LEAH FOREMAN

After eight years under the leadership of Sylvester Turner, Houston will have a new mayor in January. Seventeen candidates led to run for the seat in

CONTINUED ON 13

Also in this issue

Impacts: Women-led cocktail bar opens in Heights (Page 6)

Voter Guide: Candidates running in Houston elections (Page 8)

Transportation: North Main Street safety project extended (Page 19)

Business: Teamwork central at DUO Houston (Page 22)

# 1 HOSPITAL IN TEXAS FOR PATIENT CARE & SAFETY *

For more than 100 years, we have provided patients with the best — and safest — clinical care, advanced technology and patient experience. That is our promise of leading medicine.

houstonmethodist.org/bestintexas 713.790.3333

*Two-way tie

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

There’s a little bit of all of us at Miller... For 100 years, Miller Outdoor Theatre has delighted generations of audiences with the best in performing arts entertainment. And every performance free. Located in Hermann Park. Visit milleroutdoortheatre.com for the complete calendar.

Don’t miss Miller’s fall season. NOW THROUGH NOV. 11. Plus, one final epic Celebrate Miller 100! event!

NOVEMBER 11 — A Steampunk Spectacular. Dress in your best Steampunk costume and step back in time through machines, performances, photo installations and more all ending in a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between Bella Gaia and William Close & The Earth Harp Collective, bringing the magic of both shows together. Two Earth harps will frame the stage and the spectacular sounds combine with the visual story of BELLA GAIA (beautiful earth) blending music, visually-stunning dance with motion sculpture—by Capacitor—along with NASA satellite imagery to tell a cosmic story. Bringing together two of the most popular shows touring in recent years, this dynamic combination is unique and is sure to be a highlight of the anniversary season. SEASON FINALE.

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

MORE COMMUNITIES. MORE CONNECTED CARE.

Twice the care. Double the convenience.

River Oaks Clinic

Greater Heights Clinic

Our new clinics in River Oaks and Greater Heights are now open and welcoming new patients.

When it comes to exceptional care right in your neighborhood, Kelsey-Seybold has you covered with two new state-of-the-art clinics. Offering innovative, connected healthcare, both clinics feature specialists in primary and specialty care, plus the convenience of an on-site laboratory and X-ray. There’s even an on-site pharmacy at the Greater Heights location. Same-day or next-day primary care appointments are available now.

Scan to schedule your appointment 24/7, or call 713-442-0000.

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – River Oaks 2040 W. Gray St., Suites 120 and 200 Houston, TX 77019

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Greater Heights 1900 N. Loop W., Suite 400 Houston, TX 77018

Accepting more than 50 health insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, KelseyCare, UnitedHealthcare, and more!

kelsey-seybold.com/locations |

897272287

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

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Jay McMahon General Manager

Shawn Arrajj Senior Editor

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HCDAO VICTIMS SERVICES (713) 274-0250 ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE (713) 627-3490

LGBT SWITCHBOARD (713) 529-3211 THE MONTROSE CENTER (713) 529-0037

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Impacts

W. 34TH ST.

Corridor is known for hosting social activities, including patio games and trivia nights. The second location offers more space, an expanded patio and more games. The bar is also pet-friendly. • Soft opened Sept. 22 • 1717 W. 22nd St., Houston • www.facebook.com/nettbarhouston 3 Tumble 22 Hot Chicken The Austin-based eatery specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken and also offers drinks and homemade pies. It features a full-service bar and a pickup window for carryout orders. • Opened Sept. 12 • 1017 Houston Ave., Houston • www.tumble22.com 4 Craft Culture X This new craft beer taproom and co-op is jointly run by the Black- and Latino-owned For the Culture Brewing Co. and the women-owned Ovinnik Brewing. The taproom serves a variety of beer styles that rotate every few weeks, as well as 5-ounce tasting flights. A grand opening is set for Oct. 21. • Soft opened Sept. 2 • 7201 Wynnpark Drive, Houston • www.craftculturex.com

W. 22ND ST.

290

610

20TH ST.

W. 18TH ST.

WYNNPARK DR.

T. C. JESTER BLVD.

W. 11TH ST.

WHITE OAK DR.

W. 6TH ST.

WHITE OAK PARK

WASHINGTON AVE.

TAYLOR ST.

MEMORIAL PARK

SAWYER ST.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

BUFFALO BAYOU

P K

610

W. GRAY ST.

Coming soon

5 Miron Crosby This bespoke cowboy fashion brand will offer handmade and customizable cowboy boots and accessories. • Opening in fall • 3270 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.mironcrosby.com 6 Hudson House The eatery will specialize in American dishes, with several signature items inspired by East Coast fare, including oysters flown in fresh daily. Cocktail offerings will include a selection of martinis. • Opening in October

W. ALABAMA ST.

527

RICHMOND AVE.

concept with a patio. • Opened Aug. 26 • 888 Westheimer Road, Ste. 107, Houston • www.fiorasbottleshop.com

Now open

1 Fiora’s Bottle Shop This wine bar and sandwich shop sells an array of wines by the glass and by the bottle. Its sandwich menu is crafted with ingredients from local vendors on fresh baked breads. Fiora’s Bottle Shop has an open

2 NettBar The neighborhood bar with a location in the Washington

• 1966 W. Gray St., Houston • www.hudsonhousehp.com

CALLING ALL TEACHERS FIND OUT WHY HOUSTON IS A TOP PLACE TO BE A TEACHER!

A COLLECTIVE EFFORT MADE POSSIBLE BY

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR & SHAWN ARRAJJ

Now open

Coming soon

7 Stick Talk Cajun-Hibachi A brick-and-mortar location of a Houston-area food truck fuses Japanese hibachi cuisine with Cajun flavors. Menu items include hibachi chicken, shrimp, filet mignon, crawfish, salmon and lobster tails. • Opened Sept. 1 • 502 Elgin St., Houston • www.sticktalkhouston.com

8 Best Regards Best Regards, conceptualized by owner and native Houstonian Morgan Hansen, features premium cocktails and an extensive wine and champagne list. The venue features an indoor space with a bar and an outdoor space decorated with greenery. • Opened Aug. 27

9 Drake’s Hollywood This Hollywood-inspired lounge is in the former location of Underbelly, and will offer a selection of craft cocktails and vintage wines. Food options will include wagyu and prime cut steaks, Melrose cracker-crust pizza, and pasta and seafood options. The interior features art of Hollywood icons. • Opening in November • 1100 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.drakeshollywood.com

• 222 W. 11th St., Houston • www.bestregardshou.com

A MUSICAL JOURNEY FROM TRADITION TO THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

DEC 8 & 9

The Loop Campus 7401 Katy Freeway

Tickets available now at TheFirstChristmas.org

GREGG MATTE, PASTOR • HOUSTONSFIRST.ORG

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Election

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

Voter Guide

2023

Only candidates in contested citywide and local districts are included. Go to county election websites for information. Write-in candidates are not included in this list.

*INCUMBENT

City Council, at-large Position 3 Bernard “Bernardo” Amadi Richard Cantu Twila Carter Donnell Cooper Casey Curry Ethan Michelle Ganz James Joseph Ericka McCrutcheon Richard Nguyen City Council, at-large Position 4 John Branch Jr. Roy Morales Andrew “Drew” Patterson Letitia Plummer* City Council, at-large Position 5 Sallie Alcorn*

Roy Vasquez John Whitmire City Council, District C Perata PB Bradley Felix Javier Cisneros Abbie Kamin* City Council, District G Tony Buzbee

Dates to know

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Where to vote

Mary Nan Huffman* Enyinna O. Isiguzo City Council, District H Mario Castillo Mark McGee Cynthia Reyes Revilla Sonia Rivera Michelle Stearns City Council, at-large Position 1 Kendall Baker Eriq C. Glenn Melanie Miles Julian Ramirez Conchita Reyes Leah Wolfthal City Council, at-large Position 2 Danielle Keys Bess Marina Angelica Coryat

Harris County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting and on Election Day. Visit www.harrisvotes.org for polling locations.

Sample ballot

City of Houston Mayor Gaylon S. Caldwell Jack Christie Robert Gallegos Annie “Mama” Garcia Gilbert Garcia M. “Griff” Griffin Naoufal Houjami B. Ivy Sheila Jackson Lee Lee Kaplan M.J. Khan David C. Lowy Julian “Bemer” Martinez Chanel Mbala Kathy Lee Tatum

J. Brad Batteau Rigo Hernandez Controller

Chris Hollins Dave Martin

Shannon Nobles Orlando Sanchez

Houston ISD Board of trustees, District III Fe Bencosme Dani Hernandez* There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more at www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

Willie Davis Nick Hellyar Obioha “Obes” Nwabara Holly Flynn Vilaseca

SOURCES: CITY OF HOUSTON, HOUSTON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Metropolitan Multiservice Center 1475 W. Gray St., Houston Harris County Attorney Conference Center 1019 Congress Ave., Houston Houston Community College West Loop Campus 5601 W. Loop 610 S., Houston

SPJST Lodge 88 1435 Beall St., Houston Moody Park Community Center 3725 Fulton St., Houston Houston Marriott West Loop 1750 W. Loop 610 S., Houston

Polling locations

The following locations in the Heights, River Oaks, Montrose and surrounding areas will operate as voting centers during early voting. Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel 3000 N. Loop 610 W., Houston

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Voters to decide on hospital bond

A closer look

Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the country, according to the 2021 American Community Survey. In Houston, 1 in 4 people are without health insurance. Harris County’s population also continues to grow, making the county’s health system insucient in meeting current needs and future demands, HHS ocials said. Both hospitals are operating at over 90%-100% daily occupancy. Research by public health experts has found that low-income families face consequences when they are unable to access health care, including: • Uninsured patients coming in for late-stage diseases, including cancer

Hospital; expand the capacity of Ben Taub Hospital; and create new community clinics in precincts 2, 3 and 4. Harris Health President and CEO Dr. Esmaeil Porsa said the hospitals have failing infrastructure and the county population is rapidly growing. The system is mandated by law to provide health care services to the uninsured and underinsured populations, but also serves the entire county.

In November, Harris County voters will have to decide whether to fund a $2.5 billion expansion of the Harris Health System over the next 10 years in a move that could increase health care access for more than 1 million uninsured residents. If approved, the improvements are projected to cost the owner of a $300,000 property $6 more per month in taxes. The bond funding would allow the system to replace and renovate Lyndon B. Johnson

Precincts selected for new clinics if bond passes

Harris Health overview Current countywide Harris Health health care operations include: Two full-service hospitals

Precinct 2

Precinct 3

• Higher mortality rates • Poor diabetes control • Avoidable hospitalization

Precinct 4

Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital 215 acute-care beds Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital 402 acute-care beds

When it comes to need, the county’s poverty rate is higher than the national average at 16.4% for all age groups, compared to 12.8% nation- wide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

99 TOLL

3 same-day clinics Dental center Mobile health units

17 community health centers 8 homeless shelter clinics 4 multispecialty clinics

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Percent uninsured 21.8%

610

GALVESTON BAY

In one year, HHS serves: 854,313 clinic visits 147,496

193,727 telehealth clinic visits

18%

emergency room visits

8.8%

288

Harris County

Texas National

SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What they're saying

What's next

Estimated facility construction timeline per project

Porsa emphasized at an Aug. 18 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting that, if the bond gets approved, each project has various phases that are expected to be carried out over several years. Planning for the LBJ hospital replacement dates back several years with the understanding that it would be inevitable, even without a bond, Porsa said. Construction at the new LBJ Hospital will break ground in April or May of 2024.

Construction for LBJ Hospital campus

“We need this urgently. The facilities are inadequate, whether we’re talking about bed numbers, operating rooms, recovery space, Level I trauma capacity. We’re behind. This bond election is an investment in the future for Harris County and the city of Houston.”

2024-2035

Renovations for Ben Taub Hospital campus

2024-2030

Construction for new clinics and health centers

2025-2033

PAUL KLOTMAN, PRESIDENT OF BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Election

Houston mayor

If elected, what would your top priorities be entering your rst year in oce?

Gaylon S. Caldwell Occupation: emergency management specialist Relevant experience: emergency management professional; former volunteer reghter/emergency medical technician

Annie “Mama” Garcia Occupation: divorce attorney, executive director of OpHeart Relevant experience: I am a dual Spanish-American citizen, Rice [University] alumnus https://mamaformayor.com

Naoufal Houjami Occupation: businessman , U.S. national security strategist, author Relevant experience: over 25 years of experience [as a] businessman www.houjamifortexas.webador.com

Priority 1: save black male youth; Priority 2: marijuana- friendly policing; Priority 3: gun control through rearm safety, education and awareness; Priority 4: safe neighborhood parks initiative; Priority 5: expand the stang and capabilities of the city of Houston Oce of Emergency Management; Priority 6: maintain the best Houston Fire and [Emergency Medical Service] agency ...

Expand the Parks & Recreation Department to provide after-school, summer programs and tutorials to Houston students, provide a library to every [New Education System] school through the Houston Public Library system and whatever else we can to get the state out of our schools and return to an elected school board.

1: Improve transparency, ethical practices and less bureaucracy [in] permitting, create city manager; 2: xing the crisis of aordable housing; 3: lower crimes and violence; 4: improve ood recovery and resiliency eorts; 5: employment and economic opportunities for all Houston

Jack Christie Occupation: chiropractor

Gilbert Garcia Occupation: managing partner Relevant experience: member of the [U.S. Securities Exchange Commission]’s Fixed Income Market Structure Advisory Committee www.garciaforhouston.com

B. Ivy Occupation: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time. Relevant experience: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Relevant experience: Three-term Houston City Councilman at-large; former chairman of the State Board of Education www.christieformayor.com

Public safety is number one, and I’ve been calling for hiring 500 new [Houston Police Department] ocers for years. Our reghters deserve a pay raise, and it’s long overdue. Infrastructure and quality of life—we have got to get the basics right.

I have released a pledge to Houston with all the issues that I would tackle in my rst 100 days. You can read at www.garciaforhouston.com. My top three issues are public safety, ooding and cleaning out corruption from City Hall. I want to create a taskforce and audit departments.

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Robert Gallegos Occupation: Houston City Council Member District I Relevant experience: Houston City Council Member District I; Harris County Sheri’s [Oce], jailer www.voterobertgallegos.com

M. “Gri” Grin Occupation: Candidate did not respond. Relevant experience: Candidate did not respond.

Sheila Jackson Lee Occupation: U.S. representative Relevant experience: practicing attorney; Texas deputy commissioner of agriculture; municipal court judge; [former] at-large council member www.sheilaforhouston.com

Reducing crime; improving infrastructure (including streets and replacing aged water, sewer and drainage lines); solid waste department picking up trash on schedule; and making sure all city departments are providing timely, ecient and courteous service to all Houstonians. Seniors-rst policy, capping city water tax rate for seniors at 65 years of age ...

During my rst year I would concentrate on making Houston one of the safest cities in the country, and I will make sure that ooding risks are lowered and investigate why our Houston streets and trac problems are not being taken care of.

• Crime • Permitting reform • Aordable housing • Infrastructure

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & LEAH FOREMAN

Lee Kaplan Occupation: attorney Relevant experience: small business owner and job creator; attorney; community and civic leader https://kaplanforhoustonmayor.com

Julian “Bemer” Martinez Occupation: business owner, Bemer Motor Cars Relevant experience: I am a successful business owner in the Westchase area for 38 years www.jmartinez2024.com

Roy Vasquez Occupation: learning and development director Relevant experience: 10+ years learning/education leader; community volunteer www.royvasquezformayor.com

I will focus on the basics: crime, infrastructure and trac, and making sure the garbage is picked up in every neighborhood. I’ll tackle these problems head-on to move our city forward. I won’t get distracted by petty arguments or rhetorical disputes as we focus on what needs to get done.

As mayor of Houston I plan to address the issues like ooding, road repairs, the unhoused community, trac congestion and public transportation are some, and a decrease in crime. Additionally, sewage system management, recycling services and proper drainage remain top priorities for Houstonians.

Reducing homelessness and providing better social assistance to those in need; animal welfare: educating/ raising public awareness, increased funding for our shelters, reducing number of healthy animals that are euthanized in our shelters; improved ooding resilience

M. J. Khan Occupation: businessman; candidate for mayor of Houston Relevant experience: MBA, Rice University; former Houston City Council District F, 2004-09 www.mjkhan.com

Chanel Mbala Occupation: IT professional and Uber Black driver Relevant experience: over 15 years of IT expertise, problem-solving skills and innovative solutions. www.chanel4mayor.com

John Whitmire Occupation: Texas state senator/ attorney Relevant experience: Texas House of Representatives, 10 years; Texas Senate, 40 years www.johnwhitmire.com

Public safety: add 500 police ocers, blight out of neighborhoods; infrastructure: repair roads, drainage, water lines; ecient government: eliminate waste and inuence of special interests, practice meritocracy; balance budget; rein in [Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County] and [tax increment reinvestment zones]; improve relationship with state government

If elected, my top priorities would include addressing public safety, improving infrastructure and promoting aordable housing.

Public safety, including re, police and municipal employees; city infrastructure, including streets, water lines, ooding and drainage; city services, including garbage pickup, outrageous water bills, illegal dumping, a barely functioning permitting oce; budget, transparency and ethics

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50

David C. Lowy Occupation: husband, father, candidate for mayor Relevant experience: president, middle school honor society 1968-69 www.lowyformayor.com

Kathy Lee Tatum Occupation: Candidatedid not respond to questionnaire before press time. Relevant experience: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/ voter-guide.

To meet with every single area of the city and nd out what people need; to drive every single road in Houston and see what needs urgent attention; to make city departments more cost eective, responsive and eective; to show people how they can be happier, more eective and powerful

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Election

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

*INCUMBENT

Houston City Council, District C

Perata PB Bradley Occupation: freelance grant writer Relevant experience: certied nonprot professional and multidisciplinary artist www.pbfordistrictc-htx.com

you need to know about your community in 5 MINUTES

Why did you choose to run in this election?

I witnessed rsthand the lack of representatives, especially in City Hall, who truly comprehend the challenges faced by my community and other communities. The abuse of authority and power in City Hall was troubling to say the least. I decided to run to represent the people of Houston.

Felix Javier Cisneros Occupation: retired Relevant experience: Candidate did not respond. felixcisneros50@gmail.com

Why did you choose to run in this election?

Because we need major change in the city of Houston. Safety is most important in District C. Crime is up, and I’m unsafe in our neighborhoods. And we need major changes to protect families and homes.

Abbie Kamin* Occupation: HoustonCity Council member, District C Relevant experience: four years on City Council, chair of City Council’s Public Safety Committee, civil rights attorney www.abbiekamin.com

Why did you choose to run in this election?

To continue our progress: expanding neighborhood safety and police patrols; tackling domestic violence and gun violence; advancing neighborhood drainage projects in areas including Greater Heights, Montrose and Meyerland; improving dangerous intersections, school crossings, and sidewalks; creating the Houston Women’s Commission; passing paid parental leave policy for city employees and more.

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Houston’s next mayor to face budget, planning decisions From the cover BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & LEAH FOREMAN

Several representatives of community groups in the Washington Corridor and Lazybrook/Timbergrove areas spoke with Community Impact about what they view as top issues facing the city that they would like the next mayor to tackle.

What they're saying

Two-minute impact

Turner’s successor will have roughly six months after the election before significant budget decisions must be made, Houston Controller Chris Brown said. When Turner entered office, he faced a $160 million budget hole, and he will leave with a projected $420 million surplus. However, Brown said Turner has balanced several budgets with one-time funding sources, including federal funding from programs such as the American Rescue Plan Act. “The challenge with using one-time financing sources to shore up a budget gap is they are exactly that: they’re one-time,” Brown said. “So you find that you’ll have that money this year, but then you’ve got to figure out what happens the following year.” In 2016, the estimated structural deficit was $150 million. As of 2023, Brown estimated it was around $300 million. In public statements, Turner has said the city is in a good economic position, pointing to the general fund reserve, which functions as a piggy bank and is projected to be around $420 million by the end of fiscal year 2023- 24. By city policy, it must never fall below 7.5% of the general fund expenditures, minus debt service, or roughly $220 million in fiscal year 2023-24. Brown estimated the city may need to lay off 3,000 employees by FY 2025-26. The city of Houston did not respond to requests for comment. However, Brown applauded Turner’s work to lower the city’s unfunded pension liability—the difference between the estimated cost of future benefits and the assets set aside to pay for them—from about $8.2 billion to around $2 billion.

“We’re struggling heavily with the external communication to talk to any city employees and the inconsistencies between the departments. We’re keen to have a mayor who is going to actively encourage collaboration between the communities and city, and department to department.” GEORGE FREY, LAZYBROOK/TIMBERGROVE SUPER NEIGHBORHOOD NO. 14

“We still have a loud noise issue on Washington Avenue. ... I would like to see the mayor collaborate with other local law enforcement agencies and expand the [memorandum of understanding] with the constables in particular to allow them to enforce the sound ordinance.” STACIE FAIRCHILD, WASHINGTON AVENUE/ MEMORIAL PARK SUPER NEIGHBORHOOD NO. 22

Zooming in

insight into the process, said Renee Cross, senior executive director with the University of Hous- ton’s Hobby School of Public Affairs. Two early decisions will involve transition teams and the potential naming of new department heads. Department heads Some mayoral transitions will also result in replacing department heads that could better reflect the goals and ideology of the next mayor, Cross said. 1992 mayoral transition When former Mayor Bob Lanier replaced Kathy Whitmire, many people were swept out of top positions in the city, Cross said. The two had a contentious relationship, she said. 2004 mayoral transition Historically, changes of department heads have also depended on the experience level of the incoming mayor as well as the department heads themselves, Cross said. When Bill White became mayor in 2004, his only other experience as an elected official was his time serving as party chair for the Texas Democratic Party. Someone in that situation may be more likely to rely on people who are already in place, Cross said.

Following the November election and a likely runoff election in December, Houston’s next mayor will take over in January. What happens next will largely depend on which candidate wins, but past mayoral transitions can give some Transition teams The next mayor will assemble teams of advisers to provide guidance on key issues. These teams will likely be put into place immediately and cover areas that voters have expressed concerns with, Cross said. The Hobby School surveyed 800 likely voters in July on their top priorities for the next mayor, she said.

Crime was named the top priority by 83% of respondents and will likely be a top focus early on for the next mayor, who could lean on the advice of Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner, Cross said. Road conditions are a top priority for 65% of respondents, but poor street conditions rose to the top priority when they were asked about problems within their own communities. Economic development is a top priority for 65% of respondents, tied with road conditions. Cross said the mayor has limited of economic development.

83%

65%

Houston general fund reserves Although Houston’s general fund reserves have increased since 2021, the city has also used one-time federal funding to help balance its budget over that time.

65%

General fund reserves

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON HOBBY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

$304.1M $311.9M

FY 2022-23 FY 2021-22 FY 2023-24*

$420.4M

What's next

ARPA funds used to balance budget

$198.6M

FY 2023-24* FY 2022-23 FY 2021-22

place an item on weekly agendas if it has support from at least two other members. “As far as weekly council operations and the ability to focus on some items that perhaps the mayor does not want to necessarily address at that time, it’s pretty major,” Cross said.

The new mayor will take on what is regarded as one of the most powerful mayoral seats in the U.S., Cross said. However, Houston voters will get the chance to approve or reject Proposition A on ballots this November, she said. Proposition A, if passed, would allow any member of the council to

$160.1M

$160M

SOURCES: CITY OF HOUSTON, HOUSTON CONTROLLER’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT *PROJECTED

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Government

Events

BY MELISSA ENAJE & LEAH FOREMAN

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Houston OKs repairs on I-69 bridge lights Houston City Council passed an item Sept. 20 approving a collaboration between the city and Houston First Corporation on the repair and upkeep of the decorative lights on bridges over the Southwest Freeway. The current situation The lights, which were installed in 2017 ahead of Super Bowl LI, have been defunct for months. The collaboration serves to repair the lights and maintain them for the next decade. The details The project is estimated to cost $4 million over the next 10 years, and the city will pay two-thirds of the cost, or $2.7 million, in fiscal year 2023-24. Houston First, the city’s marketing branch, will pay one-third and will cover any overruns in installation and maintenance for the

Harris County officials adopt $2.7B budget Harris County will be operating fiscal year 2023-24 on a $2.7 billion budget, a $500 million increase from last year’s budget, after commissioners unanimously approved the amount on Sept. 19. Digging deeper According to officials, the budget includes the most significant investment in public safety in the county’s history. • $119 million to law enforcement • $5 million to provide body-worn cameras to jail staff • $7.8 million in additional jail medical costs Other countywide funding includes $128 million for Harris County Flood Control District and $888 million for Harris Health.

Andrist will perform at the concert. • Oct. 12, 7-8 p.m. • Free • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 5500 Main St., Houston • www.mfah.org Silver Celebration The Houston Contemporary Dance Company kicks off its 2023-24 season with Silver Celebration. The show will feature a world premiere from Norbert De La Cruz as well as works by McKinley Willis, Yoshito Sakaraba and solo guest artist Sean Carmon. • Oct. 14, 7:30-9:30 p.m. • $25-$50 • Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St., Houston • www.houstoncontemporary.org

October

Zoo Boo 2023 Throughout October, guests visiting the Houston Zoo are encouraged to wear costumes as they enjoy fall festivities—such as animal-themed carved pumpkins, autumn-based photo ops, and a pumpkin lantern tunnel between the lions and tiger exhibits. • Daily through Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • From $24.70 • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.houstonzoo.org Hispanic Business Summit Local organizations will collaborate with the U.S. Small Business Administration for a morning of networking and a panel of lenders with tips on accessing business capital. This event will be held entirely in Spanish. • Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-noon • Free • The Ion, 4201 Main St., Houston • www.iondistrict.com Sight and Sound Concert The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra collaborates with Houston’s Museum of Fine Art for an evening of art and music. Violinist Eva Burmeister and Pianist Audrey

next decade. The installation will include new technology, Mayor Sylvester Turner said. The lights were originally installed and maintained by the Montrose Management District, which has

Bayou City Art Festival The annual festival returns to Sam Houston Park, giving attendees a chance to view and purchase original art in a large outdoor gallery, meet artists and enjoy live entertainment at two stages. The event will also feature a food truck park, beverage stations and a chef’s table, which will offer an arts and tasting experience with local chefs. • Oct. 14-15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • $20 ($75 for VIP) • 1000 Bagby St., Houston • www.bayoucityartfestival.com

been inactive. Quote of note

November

“I think we’re all familiar with the decorative lights across [I-69],” Turner said to the council members. “You talk about adding to the beautifi- cation of the city and that whole area. I know in just driving through, over the years, I’ve heard from so many people how attractive the city looked with those lights changing colors.”

Native Plant Propagation Instructor Nova Morales teaches attendees different methods of plant propagation in this hands-on class. • Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-noon • Starts at $45 • Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston • www.houstonarboretum.org

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Real estate

Number of homes sold

August 2022

August 2023

Residential market data

34 31

29 25

-8.8%

-13.8%

77006

77019

The total number of homes sold was lower in four of five local ZIP codes when comparing August 2023 to August 2022, with the only exception being the 77098 ZIP code for the second month in a row.

90 66

13 19

-26.7%

+46.2%

77007

77098

77006

610

108 86

-20.4%

77008

77007

77008

Median home sales price

77019

2022

2023

77098

77006

-18.5%

$490K

$601.5K

77007

-2.3%

$503K

$515K

288

77008

+13.4%

$570K

$502.8K

NEIGHBORHOOD DATA PROVIDED BY VICTORIA HAWES DEVENNEY JAMESTOWN ESTATE HOMES 832-296-1663 VICTORIA@JAMESTOWNESTATEHOMES.COM WWW.JAMESTOWNESTATEHOMES.COM

77019

+64.4%

$749K

$455.5K

77098

-2.3%

$650K

$665K

610 E 25TH STREET

In-house custom home design In-house interior design center Available homes in Oak Forest and the Heights

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Neda Mehmandoost, DPM, AACFAS earned her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She completed her surgical residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery with added certification in reconstructive rear foot/ankle surgery at West Houston Medical Center where she excelled in the advanced techniques of foot and ankle reconstruction, podiatric surgery, sports medicine, as well as treatment of the diabetic foot. She provides surgical and non surgical services for the following conditions:

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Houston, TX 77027 Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm

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Transportation

COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & LEAH FOREMAN

Upcoming projects

W. 25TH ST.

1 West Gray Street safety improvemen ts Project: The project involves adding bike lanes and making trac safety improvements. Update: Construction is expected to begin May 2025. • Timeline: May 2025-TBD • Cost: TBD • Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation 2 North Main Street safety project Project: The project involves reducing vehicles lanes from four lanes to two lanes and adding 6-foot-wide bike lanes on each side of the road. Update: The project has been extended to include a second phase that covers North Main from Cottage Street to Airline Drive. Design work on the phase from Boundary Street to Cottage is completed, while design work from Cottage to Airline is 60% completed. • Timeline: late 2023/early 2024-TBD • Cost: TBD • Funding source: city of Houston

290

610

20TH ST.

W. 18TH ST.

15TH ST.

T. C. JESTER BLVD.

COTTAGE ST.

W. 11TH ST.

BOUNDARY ST.

WASHINTON AVE.

WHITE OAK DR.

W. 6TH ST.

WHITE OAK PARK

TAYLOR ST.

SAWYER ST.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

MEMORIAL PARK

P K

Ongoing projects

BUFFALO BAYOU

610

W. GRAY ST.

3 Shepherd and Durham drives reconstruc- tion, Phase 1 Project: The project seeks to reduce the number of trac lanes on each road from four to three while adding protected bike lanes and installing sidewalks. Update: Bike lane and sidewalk installation is underway between 15th Street and 20th Street on both roads. Pedestrian light installation has also started. • Timeline: December 2022-2025 • Cost: $50 million • Funding source: Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority 4 Shepherd and Durha m drives pavin g Project: Work includes adding concrete paving with storm drainage infrastructure, bike lanes, curbs, sidewalks, driveways, street lighting and necessary underground utilities. Update: As of Sept. 18, city of Houston ocials said the project was “nearly complete” but declined to give

527

W. ALABAMA ST.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

RICHMOND AVE.

288 MAP NOT TO SCALE N

drainage infrastructure, bike lanes, curbs, sidewalks, driveways and street lighting. Update: An 8-foot-wide shared use paths was incorporated into the design. Construction is ongoing. • Timeline: winter 2022-fall 2023 • Cost: $14.6 million • Funding source : city of Houston

a timeline. • Timeline: summer 2021-fall 2023 • Cost : $12 million • Funding source: city of Houston 5 West Alabama Str eet paving Project: Work includes concrete paving with storm

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Business

BY ASIA ARMOUR

DUO oers Pilates classes for all skill levels.

An employee works behind the coee bar at DUO Houston, where options include drip coee, espressos and cafe au lait.

PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

DUO Houston emphasizes inclusivity, perseverance Husband-and-wife team Marcus and Karman Lovely own DUO Houston—a half Pilates studio, half coee shop located in River Oaks. The couple said their business surviving the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, with plans to open a new, larger space at luxury high rise community Hanover Autry Park by early 2024, is a testament to their perseverance. belonging. His and Karman’s goal was to build something that brought people together and to make Pilates less intimidating, he said.

Karman and Marcus Lovely opened DUO in 2021.

The owners name their price points and the diversity of their sta—who are instructors and baristas of varying ages, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds—as evidence of this commitment to inclusion. What’s in a name The concept for DUO Houston was created during Karman’s battle with breast cancer. Though the name’s origin can be traced to the business doubling as a tness studio and coee shop, for Karman it means so much more. “It means we’re better together,” she said.

WESTHEIMER RD.

DO IT ANYWHERE ANY T I ME “We signed our lease here on Feb. 1, 2020—right before COVID hit,” Marcus said. “A lot of people asked if we wanted to pause, but we kept pushing through it.” In their own words Marcus said he believes much of their suc- cess has also come from cultivating a sense of

W. ALABAMA ST.

2147 Westheimer Road, Houston www.duohouston.com

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

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