Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | March 2025

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 11 MARCH 8APRIL 4, 2025

Houston's $70M plan to end street homelessness by 2026

INSIDE

As part of Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s new initiative to end street homelessness in Houston, members of the outreach team at the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County help survey unsheltered individuals and connect them to resources and housing.

JAMAAL ELLISCOMMUNITY IMPACT

See details on the four propositions that will be on the May ballot for West University Place residents Government 16

Check out a local list of where to send children and teens for summer camp this year Community 20

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Impacts

• Opened Feb. 3 • 2005 Southwest Freeway, Houston • www.nutritiondepot.us

W E S T H E I M E R R D .

9 Fred Astaire Dance Studio The studio’s Bellaire location will offer a variety of international dance classes such as the bachata, the foxtrot and the waltz, as well as the American ballroom dance. • Opened Feb. 8 • 5103 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 250, Bellaire • www.fredastaire.com/bellaire 10 GradCafé This center offers free services to help Harris County graduates navigate career and college opportunities. Services include help with college enrollment, financial aid and goal setting. • Opened Feb. 10 • 6500 Chimney Rock Road, Houston • www.gradcafe.org 11 Mango One of Europe’s leading fashion groups opened a new shop near the Galleria. The storefront sells men’s and women’s apparel, as well as accessories and footwear. • Opened Feb. 11 • 5085 Westheimer Road, Unit B3505, Houston • www.shop.mango.com 12 Rice Nexus This innovation hub utilizes industry connections and artificial intelligence to help Rice University students, faculty and alumni turn their research into startup businesses. • Opened Feb. 14 • 4201 Main St., Houston • https://innovation.rice.edu 13 Caribbean Jerk Palace This family-owned restaurant serves jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and rice and peas in Houston’s Third Ward. • Opened Feb. 15 14 Kemo Sabe This limited, high-end Western wear pop-up shop in Rice Village will be open until March 23 to coincide with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Items include cowboy hats and custom boots. • Opened Feb. 21 • 2414 University Blvd., Ste. 180, Houston • www.kemosabe.com • 3803 Emancipation Ave., Houston • www.caribbeanjerkpalacetx.com

R I C H M O N D A

West University Place

HERMANN PARK DR.

HERMANN PARK

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

Bellaire

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

BRAYS BAYOU

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

610

TANGLEY ST.

BEECHNUT ST.

MEYERLAND PLAZA

288 RICEBLVD.

Meyerland

TIMES BLVD.

AMHERST ST.

S. POST OAK RD.

BRAESWOOD BLVD.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

• 2457 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston • www.bcm.edu

Now open

1 Poparazzi’s Popcorn Described as a “boutique emporium,” the shop sells uniquely packed popcorn in a variety of flavors such as lemon pepper, cinnamon roll, BBQ and banana pudding. • Opened in October • 5802 Kirby Drive, Ste. A, Houston • www.poparazzispopcorn.com 2 Jason’s Deli The deli chain features specialty sandwiches, salads and other health-conscious fare. Gluten-sensitive and vegetarian menus are also available. • Opened in November • 4001 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. C., Houston • www.jasonsdeli.com 3 Sneaks Coffee + Lounge This hybrid, sneaker-themed coffee shop and speakeasy lounge in Midtown serves locally-roasted beans and fresh baked goods by day, and operates as an events venue and speakeasy by night. • Opened Dec. 21 4 Baylor Orthopedics and Sports Medicine The Upper Kirby clinic near the Texas Medical Center is now offering general orthopedics and sports medicine services to residents, including non-operative surgical care, rehabilitation and diagnosis. • Opened in January • 3030 Travis St., Houston • Instagram: @sneaks.htx

5 Lee’s The cocktail bar concept offers specialty drinks such as the Red Poppy, a Bolivian brandy with poppy seeds, almond flavor and lemon; as well as a small drink menu, light bites and wine options. • Opened Jan. 4 • 5117 Kelvin Drive, Houston • www.miltonandlees.com/lees 6 88 Dumpling The restaurant focuses on serving both Americanized and authentic Chinese dishes, including classic pork cabbage fried dumplings, chocolate soup dumplings, orange chicken and Thai basil beef. • Opened Jan. 18 • 8017 Main St., Ste. 250, Houston • www.88dumplinghouse.com 7 Bol This restaurant serves Indian cuisine and highlights a variety of grilled meats, vegetables and grains paired with housemade hummus, sauces and dressings. • Opened Jan. 30 • 3201 Louisiana St., Ste. 108, Houston • www.bolhouston.com 8 Nutrition Depot The vitamin and supplement store relocated from its previous occupancy in Rice Village to a new shopping center off of Southwest Freeway. The shop sells vitamins, pre-workout and wellness-related products.

Coming soon

15 JD Sports The shop will sell sneakers, sportswear and accessories from top brands such as Nike, Jordan, Adidas and Vans for men, women and children. • Opening in June • 8144 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.jdsports.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

16 Glo30 The new skincare and facial spa will use an AI-powered skin analyzer to create customized treatments that take into account a customer’s environment and skin type. • Opening in spring

• Closed Dec. 15 • 8001 S. Main St., Houston • www.redribbonbakeshop.com

Now open

19 Joann Fabrics and Crafts After announcing Chapter 11 bankruptcy in mid- January, Joann Fabrics and Crafts will close more than half of its stores nationwide, including the Meyerland Plaza location in Houston. • Closing TBD • 290 Meyerland Plaza, Houston • www.joann.com 20 Carruth Natural Encounters The Carruth Natural Encounters exhibit at the Houston Zoo will close its doors this March due to aging infrastructure. The indoor exhibit housed jellyfish, naked mole rats, piranhas and monkeys, which will all be relocated to other areas of the zoo. • Closing March 23 • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.houstonzoo.org

• 2509 Amherst St., Houston • www.glo30.com/rice-village

In the news

17 Cava The Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant is anticipated to open a location on Bellaire Boulevard inside the Bellaire Triangle Building. According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, construction is expected to finish by December. • 5401 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.cava.com

21 Sweet Spot Cafe The new locally-owned sweets and coffee shop serves gelato, candy, coffee, waffles, crepes and pastries in one spot. Dairy-free and gluten-free options are available. • Opened Nov. 23 • 5263 Beechnut St., Houston • www.sweetspottx.com

Closings

18 Red Ribbon Bakeshop The Filipino bakery chain closed its last Houston location in December. The shop sold Filipino desserts such as cheesy ensaimada, halo-halo and empanadas.

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Transportation

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & KEVIN VU

Westridge, Braes Terrace project gets new timeline A $26.3 million, three-phase street improve- ment project in the Westridge and Braes Terrace neighborhoods received a new timeline in late January after the Houston Public Works project faced delays for more than a decade. The overview Kenya Williams, a member of Engage Houston, said the project is now expected to go out for another bid in March to find a contractor for the job. The revised timeline for the project is now: • Phase 1: Construction is slated to start this summer and finish in fall 2026. • Phase 2: Final design work is slated to be completed this fall with construction to begin in spring 2026. • Phase 3: Design work will begin summer 2026 and finish summer 2027 with construction to begin in spring 2028.

Brays Bayou to see 4.4 miles of new trails A slate of new projects along Brays Bayou officially broke ground on Jan. 28 that will enhance pedestrian mobility across the river for Meyerland residents. Project details The $6.6 million project is partially funded by Harris County Precinct 4 and the Houston Parks Board, according to a Jan. 27 news release. The project will create 4.4 miles of hike-and-bike trails and a new memorial plaza, as well as: • The installation of a 10-foot wide trail between Chimney Rock and Hillcroft • An ADA-accessible trail connection to the METRO bus stops on Mullins Drive • Seven new underpasses and lower shelf trails for safely crossing the Bayou

Sewer re-lining (phase 1)

Braes Terrace

Street improvement (phase 3) Street improvement (phase 2)

Westridge

610

SOURCE: HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

The project includes street repairs, enhancing storm sewer inlets, replacing all curbs, and installing new sidewalks, street lights and pavement from Loop 610 to South Braeswood Boulevard.

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A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT MARCH 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DETOURS: An El Paso Refuge CRITTER: American Bumblebee OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas

MADE IN TEXAS: A Leathermaking Legacy FEATURE PREVIEW: Where to Eat Now

Above: The Ysleta Mission, in El Paso.

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

DETOURS

A Tribal Sanctuary On a Sacred Trail

Location: eleven miles southeast of downtown El Paso. BY JOSH ALVAREZ

CRITTER

American Bumblebee

The bumblebee does something most bees don't: buzz pollination, which involves gripping the plant with its legs and vibrating its whole body. If you eat blueberries, potatoes, or tomatoes— all of which rely on buzz pollination— you’ve got a bumblebee to thank. WHY IS IT SO BIG? The better to collect all that sweet pollen to feed its young. That fuzz is actually densely packed hairs, or setae, that trap pollen as the bumblebee floats from flower to flower. Its large body likely evolved to provide even more surface area.

DOES IT STING? Only if you mess with its nest.

HOW MANY SPECIES ARE THERE? Texas has between seven and eleven types. The most common is the American bumblebee, found statewide. North Texans might spot the brown-belted bumblebee, while those in the west are likely to see the Sonoran variant. The gentle giant is in trouble, though: Since 1974, popula- tions across North America have fallen by 46 percent. SCIENTISTS KEEP TABS, RIGHT? Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of several Texas orga- nizations partnering with Jacqueline Staab, the owner of Darwin’s Bee Dogs. Her German shorthaired pointers are trained to sniff out bumblebee nests for population surveys. “If we lose bees,” says Staab, “we lose Texas ecosystems.” —Rose Cahalan

INSIDE THE ADOBE walls of the Ysleta Mis- sion are clues to a deep history of acculturation that characterizes El Paso to this day. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe, more commonly known as the Tigua, established the mission in 1682, making it one of the oldest in Texas (much of the current structure was built in 1851). The Tigua arrivedherefromNewMexico,whichtheyfled after the Pueblo Indians there overthrew the

Spanish colonial system, in 1680, forcing Span- iards and Christianized Pueblos to seek safety elsewhere. The Tigua dedicated the mission to Anthony of Padua, patron saint of things that have been lost, whose figure stands atop the entrance; inside are blankets dyed in brilliant blues and reds and a statue of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Catholic Church’s first Native American saint. The structure, part of the El Paso Mission Trail, holds a mass every day. If you can, plan your visit for June 13, when the Tigua celebrate Saint Anthony with traditional dancing.

The church interior at the Ysleta Mission, in El Paso.

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

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MADE IN TEXAS

He Goes With the Grain Clint Wilkinson carries on his grandfather’s leatherworking legacy out of the same downtown Denton storefront. BY PAUL L. UNDERWOOD

OUT THERE

Meanwhile, In Texas

After the San Antonio Zoo announced the birth of Tupi, the first capybara born there since 2000, it had to clarify to X users that it was “not associated with or benefiting from” a crypto- currency named after the baby animal. The number one item on the TSA’s top ten list of the most unusual airport confiscations in 2024 was a gun tucked into the back of a baby stroller at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. The Texas State Aquarium, in Corpus Christi, released into the Gulf of Mex- ico some 270 green sea turtles it had rescued when they became hypother- mic during a recent cold snap. A Temple woman was sentenced to felony probation for theft after with- drawing money from a GoFundMe account created for her after she lied about a cancer diagnosis so that her friends “would like her more.” A Bexar County jail officer was arrest- ed and fired after allegedly giving an inmate food from Whataburger . After the Houston Police Department announced plans to clean up its prop- erty warehouse, authorities revealed that rats had possibly compromised ongoing cases by eating mushrooms and other drugs stored as evidence. A man stole a pickup truck and led police on a chase to the Midland airport, where he drove through the perimeter fence and onto the runways before abandoning the vehicle. —Meher Yeda

George W. Bush and Fort Worth soul star Leon Bridges, as well as Stetson and 7-Eleven. Wilkinson works out of the downtown cor- ner storefront once owned by his grandfather Weldon Burgoon, who opened Weldon’s Sad- dle Shop & Western Wear in 1957. Burgoon, who helped cover the cost of Clint’s birth, in 1982, by giving a saddle to the obstetrician, taught his grandson the craft. Wilkinson started an e-commerce site for the shop and, with his grandfather’s encour- agement, began branding his own handsewn leather goods with his name. In 2019, a year after Burgoon died, Wilkin- son reopened the shop, which he renamed Wilkinson’s Fine Goods. He’s known for his leather tote bags, belts, and wallets, and he sells wares from other brands, like Nocona- based Fenoglio Boot Company. He’s also de- veloping a line of leather-crafting supplies. The intention, he says, is to create “a way that I can still be in the leather community when I’m seventy-five years old and can’t make anything anymore.”

LAST SUMMER, WILKINSON’S FineGoods, in Denton, received its biggest online order to date. Owner Clint Wilkinson was intrigued by his new client, who purchased a massive array of custom desk mats, bootjacks, and cherrywood boxes with hand-tooled leather accents. “I was just like, ‘Holy crap,’�” Wilkin- son recalls. “He must be a politician or lawyer or something.” Not quite. Wilkinson looked up the buyer, a Utah resident named Austin Post, and re- alized that he was doing business with Post Malone, the rapper who was raised in nearby Grapevine. Wilkinson emailed him to explain that fulfillment would take some time be- cause every item would be handmade. The two now exchange texts about everything from the order’s progress to the woes of their be- loved Dallas Cowboys. Eventually Wilkinson’s client list would include former President

Clint Wilkinson and Charlie Talkington in the Wilkinson’s Fine Goods workshop, in Denton.

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

2025

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Japanese hand rolls, sashimi, and sushi and en- joy the restaurant’s excellent vinyl collection. What does all this say about dining in Texas as weapproachtheendofthefirstquarterofthe twenty-firstcentury?Maybejustthis:Weneed to make room for more fun. The hospitality industry knows hard times all too well, with the ever-rising costs of raw ingredients and labor and the hollowing out of once vibrant restaurant-centric neighborhoods. Given all that, who wouldn’t opt for a break from the real world? It was in the same spirit that we selected the ten best new restaurants in Texas, along with a handful of honorable mentions. So get out there. Ask some friends to dinner; try some wild and crazy dishes; visit a place not on your radar. Life is serious enough—live a little. And eat a lot. To read the list of the best new restaurants in Texas, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

IS IT OUR imagination, or are Texas restau- rants more, well, imaginative than ever? On our visit to an idiosyncratic spot in the Gulf Coast town of Kemah, we were treated to bil- lowing dry ice, a blowtorch, and a pasta cre- ation that was a dead ringer for a coral snake. In Dallas, we settled into a long, narrow dining room that looked as if it had been uncoupled from the Orient Express. In Fort Worth, we were sure that characters in The Crown would have felt right at home in a convincing replica of a posh London townhouse. Of course, not everything we loved this past year was stagy. One of our favorite venues was a comfy lit- tle place in Houston where guests can order

FEATURE PREVIEW

Where to Eat Now Dining in Texas has been one big experiment this year. Dry ice. Pasta snakes. Whey foam. Corn bubbles. (That’s right: corn bubbles.) Our best new restaurants want you to have a meal you’ll never forget.

BY COURTNEY BOND AND PATRICIA SHARPE

A scallop dish from Ishtia, in Kemah; smoked king salmon crudo at the Chumley House, in Fort Worth; sabering a bottle of wine at Isidore, in San Antonio.

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Government

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS, EMILY LINCKE & KEVIN VU

West University officials call $15M bond election

Drainage projects in Bellaire hit milestone Bellaire officials approved a $3 million work order Feb. 17 during a City Council meeting that will bring multiple drainage projects to the final design phase. The overview Adam Eaton, a senior project manager with Ardurra, the engineering consultant company currently managing the city’s drainage improvement program, said the final design for both the regional detention south and north ponds will further optimize the potential volume that’s available. The final design phase for the Cypress Ditch improvement project will improve the ditch’s channel conveyance and create improvements to adjacent storm sewer systems, he said.

Harris County early childhood education program facing closure A pilot program offering free early childhood edu- cation for children ages 4 and younger across Harris County could be ending soon once federal funding runs out, county commissioners said Feb. 6. The overview Officials launched Harris County’s Early Reach Education Access for Children pilot program in June 2023 to provide free, high-quality child care for fam- ilies in high-need areas, addressing the challenges faced by both children and child care providers in the county, Community Impact previously reported. It was launched using funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, which were temporary, meaning additional funding would eventually be needed, officials said. ARPA funds must be spent by the end of 2026.

County to look at $130M shortfall

Early reach centers

Precinct 1 Precinct 3

Precinct 2 Precinct 4

At the polls West University Place residents will be able to vote on four propositions on the May ballot.

West University council members voted 3-0 on Feb. 10 to call a May bond election. What’s on the ballot? The bond will include only one proposition worth approximately $15 million. The proposition includes the construction of a new community building, senior center and library. Street and sidewalk improvements were origi- nally presented by the finance department to be included in the bond, but was cut after council discussion, as well as $1.2 million for the escalation cost, leaving $12 million for construction and $3 million for community open space improvements. Mayor Susan Sample and council members Clay Brett and Matt Hart voted in favor of the bond. Council member John Montgomery abstained and Shannon Carroll was absent. One more thing West-U will also have three additional proposi- tions on the ballot that relate to the city’s charter.

Harris County officials said at a Feb. 6 meeting they are anticipating a $130 million gap in funding of drainage projects due to inflated costs of construction materials. The full story Harris County’s subdivision drainage program was designed to reduce the risk of flooding for 45,000 homes countywide upon completion, as previously reported by Community Impact . The funding shortage follows a number of challenges for the program, including a $277 million funding shortfall announced in 2023, prompting the county to pause 33 projects under the program. Most of the $130 million gap could impact projects in Precinct 1, which makes up much of central Harris County, officials said.

Propositions A

290

99 TOLL

The reduction of required meetings of the City Council to one regular meeting each month

The removal of the requirement for an official newspaper, instead, providing for the use of a newspaper in general circulation within the city

99 TOLL

610

149

GALVESTON BAY

Providing for City Council to directly appoint and manage the city secretary

Construction of a new community building, senior center and library ($15 million)

1,300 children across the county participated in the program

$15 guaranteed minimum wage for child care providers

SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

All four council positions and the mayor’s seat are up for election as well with nine candidates vying for the four council seats, including incumbents Matt Hart and Clay Brett.

4 and younger are ages of eligible children

$29 million in ARPA funding spent on the program

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486

HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722

WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144

Houston's $70M plan to end street homelessness by 2026 From the cover

The annual cost Whitmire’s $70 million pilot program to end street homelessness in Houston by 2026 will require funding from multiple sources across the city and county for the first two years.

Funding the project

Mayor John Whitmire said he wants Houston to be the first major city in the United States to end street homelessness by moving all individuals who live outdoors into stable housing. He announced plans in late November that included a $70 million one- to two-year pilot program to start the process he hopes will be completed by the end of 2026. Michael Nichols, director of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department, announced in February that the first $21.8 million was secured for the program, including: • $17.5 million through a combination of general city and federal funds • $700,000 from the state’s Homeless Housing and Services Program • $1 million from the Downtown Management District • $2.6 million from the Houston First Corporation Nichols said the remaining $48.2 million is in discussion with different Houston and Harris County entities. The $70 million does not include funding for mental health, housing vouchers, disaster relief, or support for the city and county’s law enforcement.

Total goal $70M+

Homeless Housing and Services Program

Obligated Funds are already committed and in use

$700K

$3.5M

City of Houston

$2.6M

Federal funds

Identified Funds are not approved, but verbally committed

$10M

METRO

Houston First Corporation

$14M

In discussion Funds have not gone to a vote, but are in discussion

$5M-8M

Harris County

TIRZs & management districts

$8M-16M

Needed Funds are not established

Philanthropy & corporations

$20M

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Offering input

The plan

Nichols said one of the main goals of the new initiative is to help all homeless people in Houston find housing within 30 days of identification. Catherine Villarreal, vice president of public affairs for the Coalition for the Homeless of Hous- ton/Harris County, said she believes Houston has always focused on permanent housing, but this plan aims toward increasing rapid rehousing. Rapid rehousing, according to the National Alli- ance to End Homelessness, is the process of finding short-term rental assistance and services to help people obtain housing quickly. More than half of the $70 million funding will go toward rapid rehousing. “We are seeking to expand on what the Homeless Response System in Houston does beyond that laser-focus on permanent housing,” Villarreal said. “How do we create more of a waiting room for folks so that they don’t have to sleep on the streets?” Nichols said one way to help address that issue is through creating a low-barrier shelter—a space where people can bring pets and partners and don’t need to be sober to enter—as well as expanding the number of available beds and affordable housing.

Edward Pollard, Houston City Council District J member, said he has recently seen an uptick in unhoused individuals around Hwy. 59 and Loop 610 near Gulfton and Sharpstown. “With District J, we’re the most densely populated area of Houston, ... and we have a very diverse community,” he said. “You have a lot of undocumented people, refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants and first gener- ation that just don’t have the same resources that others may have in the city.” Pollard said his office has decommis- sioned encampments in Gulfton and near Chimney Rock Road. He said the biggest roadblock in helping those individuals is housing options. “If you don’t have a place for [individuals] to go, then you’re just displacing them to another area,” he said. “So the biggest thing is having available space, and that is some- thing that has to be at the top of the priority list for any homeless initiative.”

Where the funds will be allocated

Rapid rehousing $45M Permanent supportive housing $11M Mental health hub & shelter $3.8M Navigation center $3.6M Outreach $3.3M Diversion $2.6M Total $69.3M NOTE: THESE NUMBERS ARE AN EARLY FORECAST AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON FUNDING SOURCE AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS. SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT Affordable housing, according to the U.S. Depart- ment of Housing and Urban Development, is a form of housing where an occupant is paying no more than 30% of their gross income for housing costs. According to the annual Housing Inventory Count conducted by the Coalition for the Homeless, there are approximately 7,800 affordable housing units across Harris County and about 10,400 beds.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & KEVIN VU

Assessing the need

Looking ahead

Coalition volunteers conducted the 2025 count in January, and although the results won’t be released until spring, Villarreal said she believes the results may show an incline in the homeless population. She said the increase could be due to the loss of federal COVID-19 funds, which have been sustain- ing homelessness programs since 2021.

According to the 2024 Point-in-Time Count and Survey conducted by the Coalition for the Homeless, an annual event where volunteers count sheltered and unsheltered individuals on a single night, approximately 2,939 people experi- ence homelessness in Harris County with 32% of individuals unsheltered.

Nichols said the city will begin to distribute the $70 million as funds become available, however the initial plan only covers the next one to two years. He said the administration will begin to look for long-term sustainable sources in the meantime from entities such as: • The Texas Legislature • The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development • Houston’s tax increment reinvestment zones • Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County As a last resort, Nichols said the administration could also seek to ask Houston residents to increase the city’s revenue cap to fund the plan, which has been intact since 2004.

Unsheltered: Individuals who are living outdoors in places not intended for human habitation

Sheltered: Individuals experiencing homelessness who are staying in a temporary housing facility

4,000

31% decrease over the last six years

3,000

2,000

7.7% decrease over the last six years

1,000

SOURCE: COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS OF HOUSTON/HARRIS COUNTY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

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2024

BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN MAR 29-30 2 0 2 5 FEATURED ARTIST GWENDOLYN REDFERN n 250 National & International Artists n 19 Disciplines of Art n Live Music & Entertainment n Active Imagination Zone n VIP Hospitality Lounge n Art Installations & Exhibits TICKETS ON SALE NOW bayoucityartfestival.com

Saturday, March 29 12 - 3 p.m. Colonial Park West End Decks 4130 Byron St. A vibrant event in West University Place to display, purchase, sell, and exchange a variety of crafts!

Soaps

Jewelry

Live Music

For more information, visit www.westutx.gov/events

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Community

Camp Guide

2025

3407 Bissonnet St., Houston • www.elitesummercamps.com

Bellaire

Houston

Camp Paseo Camp Paseo is a day camp tailored to children ages 5-12 that provides a safe, fun and structured program. Type: day Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 27-Aug. 1 Cost: $98-$275 per week • Bellaire Recreation Center, 7008 Fifth St., Bellaire • www.bellairetx.gov/701/Camps IDEA Lab Kids A STEAM-powered camp with activities that range from cooking school and robotics to art and engineering. Type: academic / day Ages: 4-12 Dates: June 9-Aug. 15 Cost: $385-$430 per week • 5410 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. A, Bellaire • www.idealabkids.com

Crossing Borders A language learning summer camp designed to help children of all ages develop their language skills. Type: academic / day Ages: 3-9 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 (no camp July 4) Cost: Spanish/English: $395 per week; Mandarin/French: $444 per week • 2353 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.crossingborderspreschool.com/programs/camps Elite University Elite University Summer Camps specialize in providing nature, sports, culinary and STEM activities for children. Type: academic / art / day / sports Ages: 5-11 Dates: June 9-Aug. 8 Cost: $300-$450 per week • West University Church of Christ,

Houston Museum of Natural Science Hands-on learning for a wide range of topics such as physics, coding, paleontology and forensic science. Type: academic / day Ages: 4-12 Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $90-$295 per week (members), $105-$355 per week (nonmembers); Ages 4-5 Early Childhood Classes $25 per class (members), $35 per class (nonmembers) • 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.hmns.org/summercamp J Camp J Camp is a day camp through a Jewish lens with options for art, culinary, dance, gymnastics and sports. Type: art / day / sports Grades: Pre-school-ninth grade Dates: June 4-Aug. 8 Cost: $1,185-$1,659 (Kindergarten member/

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From day camps to overnight camp at YMCA Camp Cullen, kids will nd adventure and fun this summer in a variety of activities that build friendships and create lasting memories. YMCA Camp Cullen, kids will

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Ages: 6-14 Dates: July 7-Aug. 1 (Bellaire camps); June 9-Aug. 8 (Rice Village camps) Cost: $350 per week (Bellaire camps); $350 per week or $550 per two weeks (Rice Village camps) • Bellaire Parks & Recreation Center, 7008 Fifth St., Bellaire; MST Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston • www.mainstreettheater.com/summer-camps Building Brains Building Brains uses LEGO and K’NEX educational kits to build math and science skills. Type: academic / day Ages: 3-12 Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $280-$380 per week • Scout House, 6108 Edloe St., Houston • www.westutx.gov/1350/Parks-Recreation University of Houston-Downtown Students can participate in activities related to robotics, science, writing, art and medical services.

nonmember); $249-$550 per week (members), $362- $770 per week (nonmembers). • Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston • www.erjcchouston.org Kidventure: Camp West U This camp is designed to help children grow more

Bellaire

independent and foster social skills. Type: academic / art / day / sports Ages: entering grades first-fifth Dates: June 9-Aug. 8 Cost: $340-$370 per week • 4210 Bellaire Blvd., Houston • www.kidventure.com

Zoofari An immersive camp at the Houston Zoo that provides campers a chance to connect with the animals. Type: academic / day Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 2-Aug. 11 Cost: Starts at $390 per week • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.houstonzoo.org/camp Main Street Theater A camp that offers a collaborative theater experience. Type: art / day

Language World Kids The immersion camp helps children learn international languages such as Spanish, French and ASL. Type: academic / day Ages: 3-11 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 (Bellaire camp) June 9-Aug. 8 (Museum District camp) Cost: $295-$350 per week • 4949 Caroline St., Houston (Museum District camp) • www.languagekids.com/camps

Type: academic / day Ages: grades first-12th Dates: June 2-July 11 Cost: $279-$525 per session • 1 Main St., Houston • www.compucampuhd.com This list is not comprehensive.

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

of the Sixties,” to the U.S. for the first time—as well as an opportunity to meet the artist. The collection will be on display between March 25-April 12. • March 28-29, 5-7 p.m. • Free with RSVP • 5015 Westheimer Road, Ste. 2208, Houston • www.offthewallgallery.com

March

Origami at Evelyn’s Park The Japan-America Society will host this monthly event at Evelyn’s Park to teach participants, ranging from beginner to advanced, the art of origami. Each session has a theme to highlight a specific Japanese holiday or celebration. • March 15, 11 a.m.-noon • Free Magic in the Park Gala Patrons for Bellaire Parks will host their 15th annual wine and tapas gala at the Bellaire Civic Center with live music, a silent auction, wine pull, a liquor toss game and a magic show. Proceeds will go towards the renewal of Evergreen Park in Bellaire. • March 22, 7-11 p.m. • $175 per person • 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire • www.bellaireparks.org • 4400 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.bellaireconnect.com Meet artist Bernie Taupin Off The Wall Gallery near Post Oak Boulevard is bringing visual artist Bernie Taupin’s new series, titled “Two Sides

April

H-Town Blues Festival The 17th Annual Blues is Alright Tour returns to NRG Arena this spring, bringing soulful artists such as Tucka, Pokey Bear, T.K. Soul and King George. • April 18, 8 p.m. • $59-$250 • NRG Arena, 1 NRG Parkway, Houston • www.nrgpark.com Bellaire Arts & Crafts Festival This festival at Paseo Park will have over 75 local vendors selling artwork and features food, kids activities and live music. Beer and wine will be available at the event and dogs on leashes are allowed. • April 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Paseo Park, 5000 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.bellairetx.gov

Walk for the Wild 5K Walk the path through the Houston Zoo to raise money for its wildlife-saving efforts. The 5K will also feature an after party, which includes a light breakfast, refreshments and family-friendly activities such as a DJ and face painting. • April 6, 7-10 a.m. • $60 (adults), $40 (kids under 10 years old) • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.houstonzoo.org

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Business

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Hair tinsels are temporary, shimmering strands of thread that can be applied to hair by braiding or weaving.

Dylan Rovelli started a mobile hair service in summer 2024 to make her own money and gain independence, she said.

PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Teenager starts Kinda A Big Dyl hair tinsel service Thirteen-year-old Dylan Rovelli started her own mobile business in June 2024, called Kinda A Big Dyl Hair Tinsel. of thread that can be applied to hair using a braid- ing or weaving method. It can often last for several months, Rovelli said.

Most of Dylan Rovelli’s clients are between ages 512 years old.

The thin, shimmering strands can be temporar- ily applied to hair to add sparkle and dimension. Kinda A Big Dyl oers essentially every color of

Based in West University, Dylan Rovelli contin- ues to grow the hair service through support from her neighbors and friends at school, posts on Ins- tagram and Facebook, and encouragement from her mom, Meghan Rovelli, to gain independence. How it happened Dylan Rovelli said she got the idea after getting hair tinsels at a salon. She said she knew she could learn how to apply the shimmering hair extensions herself and charge a much lower price than the salon. Hair tinsels are temporary, shimmering strands

Instagram: @hair_tinsel_by_kindaabigdyl

the rainbow. How it works

individual appointments and events, she said. She travels around West U and the furthest she’s gone was out in the Memorial City area. Who it’s for Meghan Rovelli said Dylan Rovelli inspires her younger brother, who said he wants to start his own business one day.

Dylan Rovelli taught herself how to apply the tinsels by watching TikTok and YouTube videos, she said. She and her friends also practice on each other and share new techniques. Most of her clients are between ages 5-12 years old, and she enjoys doing birthday parties the most, Dylan Rovelli said. Dylan Rovelli does both

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Real estate

Median home sales prices declined in three of five local ZIP codes. Prices in the 77030 neighborhood fell below $1 million and home prices in 77025 were cut almost in half. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

January 2024

January 2025

+62.5%

+27.27%

+150%

+10.53%

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

77005

77401

77030

Median home sales price

77025

January

2024

2025

610

$1,637,500 $885,000 $1,452,000 $390,000 $700,000

$1,510,500 $489,750 $912,500 $411,000 $975,000

77005

77096

77025

288

77030

77096

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 WWW.SPARROW-REALTY.COM

77401

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Spring is in full bloom at Rice Village!

As the season blooms, let Rice Village be your go-to destination for all things fresh, vibrant, and inspiring. Refresh your wardrobe with breezy styles, discover nourishing bites from our local eateries, and indulge in a little self-care—whether it’s a revitalizing facial, a fresh haircut, or a new fitness routine. Stroll through inviting spaces, shop for essentials that support your well-being, and soak in the energy of spring. However you embrace the season, Rice Village has everything you need to feel renewed. Here’s to a bright and beautiful spring!

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