Heights - River Oaks - Montrose Edition | April 2022

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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APRIL 230, 2022

ONLINE AT

HISD releases strategic plan

Centralization: Funding for some departments moved from campuses to central oce Houston ISD’s proposed ve-year strategic plan calls for changes to how the district operates. A NEW SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

IMPACTS

Compensation: $82.7 million to boost employee pay in 2022-23 school year

TODO LIST

Equity: Campus budgets frozen March 3 with decit projected

Memorial Heights road project begins LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2022 INSIDE INFORMATION TRANSPORTATION

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Details of a proposed ve-year strategic plan were released inMarch to kick o budget talks. (Shawn Arrajj/Community Impact Newspaper)

Houston ISD Superintendent Millard House II has big ambitions for the dis- trict’s future, but getting there, he said, is going to require tough decisions. The start of that process kicked o BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & SOFIA GONZALEZ

with the February release of House’s ve-year strategic plan for the dis- trict, and a few of those decisions were made more immediate at a budget workshop in early March. With a $69milliondecit looming for

the scal year ending in June, House announced a central oce hiring freeze eective immediately, a reduc- tion in central oce budgets and a campus-based spending freeze for the

CONTINUED ON 22

Houston real estate prices soar to historic levels

Breaking records

The median price of homes sold in the Greater Houston area has been on the rise. $328K

$300K $250K $200K $150K $100K $50K $0

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & GEORGE WIEBE

Single-family home prices across the U.S. have risen faster in the last two years than at any point in time since the coun- try began tracking home prices in 1963, according to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. That trend can also be seen in the Greater Houston area, where the median price of single-family homes sold has risen by more than 30% since the pandemic began in March 2020, CONTINUED ON 24

SOURCE: HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19 '20 '21 '22

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THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.

HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH

FROM JAY: Single-family home prices across the U.S. have risen at a record rate in the past two years, and in the Greater Houston area, we have seen a 30% jump since the beginning of the pandemic. Our front-page story this month takes a deep dive into these statistics as well as how the federal interest rate hikes expected this year will aect all aspects of the housing market and other purchasing decisions. Jay McMahon, GENERALMANAGER

Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

FROMSHAWN: Big changes are underway at Houston ISD as district ocials have released a new proposed ve-year strategic plan. In this issue, we present a high-level overview of what is being proposed as well as what can be expected in the coming months. Stay tuned to future coverage for the hyperlocal implications for schools in the area. Shawn Arrajj, SENIOR EDITOR

Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.

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MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Jay McMahon SENIOR EDITOR Shawn Arrajj CITY HALL REPORTER Soa Gonzalez SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Anya Gallant ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Dimitri Skoumpourdis METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kristina Shackelford MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Schaer ART PRODUCTIONMANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CORPORATE LEADERSHIP GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan SALES &MARKETING DIRECTOR Tess Coverman CONTACT US

BUSINESS &DINING Local business development news that aects you

TRANSPORTATION &DEVELOPMENT Regular updates on area projects to keep you in the know

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CORRECTION: Volume 3, Issue 12 A story on Page 10 stated Detering Street was converted to a northbound one-way road. Detering Street is a southbound one-way road.

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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2022

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened, are coming soon, relocating or expanding

290

W. 25TH ST.

20TH ST.

W. 19TH ST.

W. 18TH ST.

T. C. JESTER BLVD.

Wild Concepts

W. 11TH ST.

COURTESY WILD CONCEPTS

prime steaks, such as a New York strip and a tomahawk, along with seafood and other Southern-inspired dishes and appetizers, according to a March 16 news release. Some menu items guests can choose from include charbroiled oysters; crispy Cajun calamari; sweet potato souf- e; blanco mac and cheese topped with lobster, crab or bacon; and warm lemon 10 Bluestone Lane was set to open March 31 as of press time at 115 W. 19th St., Houston. The Australian-inspired coee shop, cafe and lifestyle brand rst opened its doors in New York City. Menu items include smoothies; all-day break- fast options, such as avocado toast and burritos; lunch bowls and wraps; hot and cold coee; organic teas; juices; wine; beer; and cocktails. www.shop.bluestonelane.com COMING SOON pudding cake. 713-684-7129. www.instagram.com/rarehtx 11 New dance venue and nightclub Citizen is opening in mid- to late April at 5922 Washington Ave., Houston. Hospitality group Milkshake Concepts opened the rst location of the nightclub in Dallas in 2015. According to Milkshake Chief Marketing Ocer Meredith Vachon, the nightclub will be made to feel like home with wallpapers, chandeliers and a service-oriented feel. Citizen is heav- ily focused on bottle service but has house-branded Pedialyte—Citi Water and Citilyte—to keep guests hydrated. www.citizenhtx.com 12 Atmos CBD is coming to Montrose in late April at 1232 Westheimer Road, Houston. According to its website, the business is dedicated to providing prod- ucts at an aordable price point. Atmos CBD rst opened in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and now has eight in-person stores while also providing e-commerce options to customers, ocials said. The CBD products are sold in a variety of forms, such as oils, lotions, roll-ons and edibles. The store also oers CBD products for pets in the form of either dog treats or oil. 346-257-4441. www.atmoscbd.com 13 Mayweather Boxing is opening in April at 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 170, Houston, in the M-K-T development. The tness concept oers a combination of boxing, strength training and cardio through group classes. According to the company’s website, the training was de- veloped by boxer Floyd Mayweather. 281-901-1425. www.mayweather.t

WASHINGTON AVE.

WHITE OAK DR.

WHITE OAK PARK

MEMORIAL PARK

W A S

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

610

UPTOWN PARK BLVD.

WESTCREEK LN.

527

RICHMOND AVE.

288

NOWOPEN 1 Inspired by traditional Jewish delis Biderman’s Deli opened Feb. 7 in River Oaks at 2031 Westcreek Lane, Houston. Owner Zach Biderman said he was in- spired to open the restaurant after hear- ing stories from his Jewish grandparents, who survived the Holocaust, according to the company’s website. The menu includes Biderman favorites, such as the house reuben and Philly cheesesteak, as well as classic deli items, such as pastra- mi sandwiches and egg salad sandwiches. The eatery also has breakfast options, a children’s menu, vegetarian options, drinks, soups and salads. 713-492-0110. www.bidermansdeli.com 2 The Tall Texan II opened in early February at 4904 N. Main St., Houston, at the space where Alice’s Tall Texan once operated. According to the bar’s Facebook page, beers such as Lone Star and Shiner Bock are available on tap; a food truck is available for customers on a daily basis; and other liquors, beer and wine are available. The bar is pet friendly. 713-242-8113 3 EyeHub Optometry opened Feb. 14 at 2799 Katy Freeway, Ste. 240, Houston. EyeHub oers a variety of services, such as retinal imaging, dry eye treatment,

emergency exams, glasses and contact lens exams, and pediatric exams. 281-940-6600. www.eyehubhtx.com 4 Domain Heights , a new luxury apartment building, opened in February for residential move-ins at 401 W. 25th St., Houston. The two-building mid- rise oers 408 units, 406 of which are residential apartments and two of which are rentable guest suites, according to a fact sheet. The apartment complex oers an abundance of amenities, such as a golf simulator, a two-story athletic club, conference rooms, a dog wash station and private car garages available for rent. 713-493-6332. www.domainheights.com 5 New high-rise luxury apartment building The Westcott opened Feb. 18 at 929 Westcott St., Houston. With 11 oors and 315 units, residents have the option to choose from 31 dierent oor plans, and guest suites are available. According to the fact sheet, amenities include a me- dia lounge, an athletic club and wellness studio, swimming pools, private cabanas, complimentary bike rentals, private garages and a dog park. 713-929-9292. www.thewestcottmemorialpark.com 6 CBD bar and lounge Wild Concepts opened Feb. 21 at 2121 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston. The lounge oers a “bud bar,” a dispensary with nine dierent CBD strains.

Products include gummies, prerolls and Wild-branded tinctures. Wild Concepts also oers cocktails and coee, all with CBD-infused options, and pastries from the Heights-based bakery Koeteria. 346-571-0453. www.wildconcepts.com 7 Cava opened a Heights location Feb. 25 at 250 W. 20th St., Ste. 400, Houston. The Mediterranean eatery allows guests to make their own bowls, salads or wraps with a base, dips or spreads, a protein, toppings, and dress- ing. The restaurant also oers seasonal housemade drinks, fountain sodas and curated bottled beverages. 346-327-1527. www.cava.com 8 A speakeasy-style steakhouse con- cept debuted March 11 inside the new American restaurant Savoir, located at 1344 Yale St., Houston. Named Patton’s , the steakhouse comes from Savoir owner Brian Doke and oers prime cuts of meat and cocktails. The 1,500-square-foot din- ing area features chandeliers and leather banquets, and the venue accommodates 38 guests along with six bar seats. The eatery also hosts live jazz music events. 346-802-2842. www.savoirhouston.com 9 The latest dining concept by chef Don Bowie, Rare Restaurant and Lounge , opened March 17 at 4105 Washington Ave., Houston. The steakhouse serves

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & SOFIA GONZALEZ

Gabriela’s

Clark's Oyster Bar

COURTESY GABRIELA’S GROUP

SOFIA GONZALEZCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

14 Gabriela’s , a well-known Aus- tin-based eatery, is making its way to Midtown this spring at 1910 Bagby St., Houston. Patrons can expect a menu lled with the owners’ Michoacán family recipes. Some of these dishes include choriqueso, birria tacos and veggie enchiladas. Menu items also include bar favorites, such as the eatery’s famous Bad Bunny- and J Balvin-inspired margaritas. www.gabrielasgroup.com 15 Family-owned restaurant and bar Doña Leti’s will open at 7340 Washington Ave., Houston, in the summer. Accord- ing to an email from restaurant ocials to Community Impact Newspaper , the concept will oer new menu items while also keeping the same items from its rst location on South Post Oak Road, such as birria tacos, street tacos, pupusas and burritos. The new location will also oer dierent hours to better serve as a fun and comfortable hangout spot for customers, ocials said. 832-858-3917. www.frutasdonaleti.com 16 Austin-based eatery Clark’s Oyster Bar will be coming to the Montrose area in late 2022. Located at 3807 Montrose Blvd., Houston, the restaurant will be MML Hospitality’s rst Houston location, according to an Instagram post. The restaurant will serve favorites from its Austin location, such as caviar, shrimp cocktails, lobster rolls, cioppino, grilled Gulf sh, gruyere-topped burgers, shoe-

use development Lower Heights. The salon oers lofts for entrepreneurs in the beauty industry to rent out a space for their own businesses. Salon Lofts also oers tools such as industry education for business owners who rent a space. www.salonlofts.com ANNIVERSARIES 18 On April 22, Cafe Brasil will celebrate its 30th anniversary. The cafe opened its doors in 1992 at 2604 Dunlavy St., Hous- ton. Menu items from the cafe include a variety of classic and house specialty coee options, teas, cold drinks, cocktails, wine, cider and beer. The cafe also has food options, such as breakfast tacos, migas, French toast, atbreads, sandwich- es, burgers and desserts. 713-528-1993. www.brasilcafehouston.com 19 Ocials with Greentown Labs will celebrate the site’s one-year anniversary April 21 at 4200 San Jacinto St., Houston. The company was founded as a commu- nity for climate action and technology pioneers to collaborate with the goal of creating a more sustainable world. After one year, it is home to more than 50 startup members and 20 partners. A cel- ebration April 21 will include a network- ing reception, celebratory remarks and a startup showcase. 346-571-5627.

Native Coee owner Paiam Alavi said he, his mother and brother run the business, serving customers with locally sourced ingredients. FEATURED IMPACT NOWOPEN SHAWN ARRAJJCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

of local beer and wine options in the near future. After working for 12 years in the Austin area, Paiam Alavi said he hopes to use his new business to help bring the neighborhood coee shop vibe of Austin to the Houston area. 281-561-6068. www.instagram.com/ nativecoeehtx

The soft opening phase is underway for Native Coee at 1712 W. Dallas St., Houston, with plans for a grand opening still in the works. The business gets its name from its focus on using ingredients that are locally sourced, said Paiam Alavi, who runs Native Coee with his mother, May Alavi, and brother, Pouya Alavi. Coee drinks are made with coee from the Houston-based Cadenza Coee Co. The coee shop also oers pastries and a selection of other foods, including a chicken salad sandwich made using May Alavi’s recipe and noon panir, a Persian breakfast dish made in-house. Paiam Alavi said he hopes to add a deli counter as well as a rotating selection 427 W. 20th St., Houston. Renovations will include a new lobby, elevator cabs, restrooms and speculative suites. Exte- rior improvements will include widened sidewalks to better improve walkability. Construction is slated to begin in mid- 2022 and be completed by mid-2023. Transwestern Real Estate Services will provide leasing services for the property. 713-936-2130. www.wolf-cp.com

ALLEN PKWY.

IN THE NEWS 21 Local artist April Murphy joined the Midtown Management District on March 29 to transform the Midtown letters at Bagby Park, 415 Gray St., Houston, into a “whimsical design.” The event was held to commemorate and honor the 10-year anniversary of Midtown Houston receiv- ing its designation as a Texas Cultural Arts District. www.midtownhouston.com

www.greentownlabs.com RENOVATIONS

string fries and martinis. www.mmlhospitality.com

20 Wolf Capital Partners announced it had acquired the Heights Medical Tower on March 3 with plans to make a slew of renovations. The 120,000-square- foot medical oce building is located at

17 Salon Lofts is anticipating an early 2023 opening at Studemont Street and I-10 as a tenant for the second phase of Gulf Coast Commercial Group’s mixed-

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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2022

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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 extensive services including diagnostics and labs. There’s even an on-site pharmacy at the Greater Heights location. Same-day or next-day primary care appointments are available now.

Schedule your appointment 24/7 at 713-442-0000.

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

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

April events

COMPILED BY CYNTHIA ZELAYA

APRIL 03 BIKE THROUGH THE CITY The annual Tour de Houston will take place the rst week of April. The bike route will pass by historic Houston sites, and proceeds will go to help the city’s reforestation eorts. There will be food and music after the event. 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $40-$50. Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston. 832-393-0868. www.houstontx.gov/tourdehouston 06 DANCE AND DRINK THE NIGHT AWAY TO BRASSMUSIC The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra Brass Quintet will perform its annual concert at Saint Arnold Brewery, sponsored by the W.T. and Louis J. Morgan Foundation. Food, drinks and souvenir glasses will be available. 6 p.m. $15-$75. Saint Arnold Brewery, 2000 Lyons Ave., Houston.

APRIL 09

ENJOY ART CARS DOWNTOWN HOUSTON

APRIL 23

WALK FOR A CAUSE HOUSTON ZOO

Team Gillman will present the 35th annual Art Car Parade featuring more than 250 cars. The main event will be surrounded by multiple smaller events on dierent days, including an award show, pre-parties and children’s workshops. 2-4 p.m. Free. Downtown Houston, Bagby Street at Dallas Street. 713-926-6368. www.thehoustonartcarparade.com (Courtesy Morris Malako)

Prosperity Bank presents Walk With Me, a noncompetitive 5K run taking place at the Houston Zoo. Proceeds from the event benet Easter Seals Greater Houston, a charity that serves the disabled by providing therapy, education and training. 8 a.m. $50. Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-838-9050. www.eastersealshouston.org (Courtesy Easter Seals Greater Houston)

713-665-2700. www.roco.org 09 TAKE PART INA PUP PROMENADE The Houston Heights Association

22 LAUGHALONG AT A COMEDY PERFORMANCE Tig Notaro will bring her standup show “Hello, Again” to Cullen Theater. The Grammy-nominated comedian is known for her appearances on “The Late Show,” “The Ellen Show” and her podcast “Don’t Ask Tig.” 7 p.m. $45-$55. Cullen Theater, 559-575 Prairie St., Houston. 713-227-4772. www.spahouston.org

also celebrates the 57th anniversary of the Astrodome while raising funds for its preservation and development. Participants receive a T-shirt, race bib and limited edition keepsake nisher medal. 7:30 a.m. $20-$35. Houston Astrodome, 3 NRG Parkway, Houston. www.astrodomeconservancy.org

Brewery. 8 a.m.-noon. $35+. Marmion Park, 1800 Heights Blvd., Houston. 713-861-4002. www.houstonheights.org 09 RUN FOR THE ASTRODOME The Astrodome Conservancy will host the second annual Race for the Dome event, which includes a 5K competitive run and a 1K leisure run around the Astrodome. The event

invites the public to the inaugural Pup Promenade. Participants walk their dogs down Heights Boulevard to Marmion Park while completing challenges. A party at the park will feature dog-friendly community members, including Yale Street Dog House and New Magnolia

Find more or submit Heights-River Oaks-Montrose events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2022

TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES Memorial Heights road project begins inMarch

UPCOMING PROJECTS

Phase breakdown

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5 Phase 6

HEMPSTEAD RD.

A Memorial Heights paving and drainage project will be separated into six phases that will run through fall 2023.

A B

KATY RD.

STUDEMONT ST.

610

EAST ST.

BY GEORGE WIEBE

and Hicks streets as well as the entirety of High Street. Phase 3 will begin in the fall; Phase 4 will begin in early 2023; Phase 5 will start in spring 2023; and Phase 6 will start in summer 2023. “During construction there will be inconve- niences, ... but we have a rock-solid team,” Assistant Director of Capital Projects Juan Chavira said at the March 3 meeting. Public works ocials said the goal for the project is to improve trac circulation and water drainage. Road repaving work includes 6-foot-wide sidewalks on either side of the proposed 24-foot-wide

MEMORIAL DR.

HIGH ST.

Phase 1 of a paving and drainage project in the Memorial Heights area began in March. During a virtual public engagement meeting March 3, ocials with the Houston Public Works Department went over plans for the 20-month, six-phase project. The rst phase of work will take place on Second Street between Heights Boulevard and Harvard Street as well as Honsinger Street, most of Wagner Street and East Street north of Honsinger. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in the summer and will cover sections of East, Harvard

SHEPHERD DR.

SUMMER ST.

Inner Katy bus rapid transit The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County approved a preferred route March 24 for a dedicated bus rapid transit line along I-10 from the Northwest Transit Center to down- town Houston. Stations will be at A Memorial Park, B Shepherd Drive and C Studemont Street. Timeline: late 2023-27 Cost: $450 million Funding sources: Houston-Galveston Area Council, METRO

HONSINGER ST.

HICKS ST.

HOME ST.

WICHMAN ST.

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

ONGOING PROJECTS

Timeline: March 2022- fall 2023 Cost: $14.5 million Funding source: city of Houston

streets that will feature two lanes. Residents are encouraged to remove items in the right of way before construction crews begin work.

WHITE OAK DR.

STUDEWOOD ST.

WHITE OAK BAYOU GREENWAY TRAIL

BAYOU GREENWAYS PARK

Mayor Sylvester Turner nominates newMETROboard chair After almost seven years of service as a Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County board member, BY SIERRA ROZEN after serving as a board member from 2010-13 and was the rst woman to be selected for the position. Patman stepped down after being

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 30. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT HRMNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Greenway Trail. Dubbed the MKT Spur Connector, the project entails the cre- ation of a 10-foot-wide concrete path. Timeline: November-spring 2022 Cost: $1.1 million Funding source: city of Houston MKT Spur Connector Work is expected to wrap up this spring on a project connecting the MKT Trail to the White Oak Bayou

Ramabhadran will be the rst Indo American to serve as the board chair for METRO, accord- ing to a Feb. 24 news release. “It is an honor of a lifetime to serve the city of

Sanjay Ramabhadran was appointed as the new board chair for the public transportation agency Feb. 24. Previous board Chair Carrin Patman had her ocial last day Feb. 24 during the monthly board meet- ing. Patman was appointed in 2016 by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

nominated to serve as an ambassador to Iceland by President Joe Biden’s administration. “It’s been the profoundest of honors to have this role and to lead an agency with such qualied and dedicated people,” Patman said at the board meeting.

Sanjay Ramabhadran

Houston and the entire region,” Ram- abhadran said in the news release.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TECHNOLOGY

SCENIC VERSUS SMART

Proposed IKE kiosks spark safety, image concerns in theHeights

The three proposed locations being studied for IKE kiosks along Heights Boulevard are concerning to some residents who feel bike and pedestrian safety could be jeopardized.

BY SOFIA GONZALEZ

to do in this city,” Strickland said. “When I saw what the city was doing with the placement of the kiosk, to me, it was another example of where the city is not prioritizing people. It’s focused on cars and advertising.” Central to Strickland’s concerns are three potential locations being stud- ied in the Heights: West 7th Street and Heights Boulevard, West 11th Street and Heights Boulevard, and West 7th Street and Yale Street. The three locations—part of a preliminary determination of where the kiosks could go—are unocial, and IKE Smart City emphasized it is working with council members, neighborhood groups and property owners as they move forward. Cooke Kelsey is the chair of Scenic Houston’s advocacy committee, a visual environmental preservation group. In a phone interview, he said he thinks it is hypocritical of the city to implement the kiosks while also pushing for better bike lanes and pedestrian amenities. “It really is dumbfounding that while the city is trying to develop multimodal safe roadways, it would intervene with a city-operated capsu- lar or digital kiosk program,” Kelsey said. “It’s a recipe for disaster.” However, the kiosks are specically placed in areas with reduced speeds and near trac lights to ensure safety, IKE Development Director Anna Baerman said. In an email, Baerman said the IKE— which stands for “interactive kiosk experience”—team works closely

Plans to install 75 interactive, 8-foot-tall kiosks around Houston will help improve the city’s reputa- tion as a technology hub, city ocials said. However, the new innovation has some residents and organizations concerned about safety and main- taining scenic corridors. Created by a company called IKE Smart City, the kiosks can be used to help residents and tourists search for cultural institutions, local busi- nesses, homeless shelters, addiction recovery programs and food support. They also oer Wi-Fi, public transit data and games. When not in use, the kiosks will display art, community and commercial content. The rst of the kiosks was unveiled Feb. 7 on Avenida de las Americas in downtown Houston. The rest will be placed all over the city in three phases of 25 kiosks each, 10% of which will be located in underserved communities, city ocials said. All 75 kiosks should be installed by 2023. In a 12-year contract with IKE, the city of Houston is expected to receive between $11 million and $50 million in advertising revenue from the kiosks. Community activist and Heights resident Kevin Strickland told Community Impact Newspaper he is worried about safety, especially for bicyclists and as a potential distrac- tion to drivers. “I’m a big promoter of biking safety, ... sidewalks and walkability, which is an extremely dicult thing

Proposed kiosk location

11TH ST.

10TH ST.

Some Heights residents are concerned IKE kiosks, the rst of which is in downtown Houston, will cause safety issues at several potential locations. (Soa Gonzalez/Community Impact Newspaper)

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

with the city to ensure resolutions for property owners who voiced concerns. She said the locations have not yet been conrmed because the company is still going through technical due diligence. Along with safety concerns, Kelsey said he is worried about scenic corridors and parks in Houston. Heights Boulevard is a scenic cor- ridor, meaning it is one of 19 areas in Houston that is protected from exten- sive signage under the city’s building code. Within the code, spectacular signs—a sign with ashing, rotating lights or a sign that changes messages automatically more often than once

in ve minutes—are prohibited in scenic corridors. Baerman said the kiosks will not have ashing lights. However, she said they will have rotating panels at 10-second intervals when not in use. Still, Kelsey said he thinks the city would be bending its own rules if it allows the signs to go up in the Heights. “The Heights is one of the very few in tact historic 19th century neigh- borhoods,” Kelsey said. “So there’s a scenic character that everyone in Houston appreciates that has been preserved. It’s a huge amenity for everyone.”

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2022

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

CITY& COUNTY

News from Houston & Harris County

QUOTEOFNOTE “AT SOME POINT, WE HAVE TO CHANGE HOWWE DOBUSINESS. I BELIEVEWE SHOULD INCLUDE THE COMMUNITY MOVING FORWARD.” TARSHA JACKSON, HOUSTON OTHERHIGHLIGHTS HARRIS COUNTY Following several issues in the March 1 primary elections, Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria announced her resignation, effective July 1, at the March 8 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting. The resignation came after the county was not be able to count and report votes by the statutory deadline of 7 p.m. March 2 and about 10,000 ballots were discovered after the final count. The county administrator and attorney’s offices said they will CITY COUNCIL MEMBER, SPEAKING ON THE CITY’S PROCESS OF NEGOTIATING POLICE UNION CONTRACTS engage a third-party consultant to review elections operations. HARRIS COUNTY The Harris County Justice Administration Department reported March 16 recent bail reforms for those who have committed misdemeanors have saved taxpayers more than $6 million per year. In a presentation to the Harris County Commissioners Court, officials also said the reforms resulted in a decline in recidivism numbers and eliminated disparities among those who are unable to pay the cash bond for pretrial release. HOUSTON In a 12-4 vote, the Houston City Council voted March 9 to increase the maximum contract amount between the city and Norton Rose Fulbright, the law firm representing the city in a legal battle related to an ongoing firefighter pay parity dispute. Council Members Michael Kubosh, Letitia Plummer, Amy Peck and Edward Pollard voted against the item. As of press time March 30, the Texas Supreme Court had not yet decided whether it will take the case. Houston City Council will meet at 9 a.m. April 6 at 901 Bagby St., Houston. Meetings are streamed at www.houstontx.gov/htv. Harris County Commissioners Court will meet at 10 a.m. April 5 at 1001 Preston St., Ste. 934, Houston. MEETINGSWE COVER

Houston City Council approves newcontract with police union

BY SOFIA GONZALEZ

the public opportunity to provide feedback. Council Member Letitia Plummer joined Jackson, adding she wanted the city to consider addi- tional adjustments to increase police accountability. Police reform advocates have criticized the agreement as well, including the “48-hour rule,” which allows police officers accused of mis- conduct 48 hours to review evidence before providing a statement. Mayor Sylvester Turner said if the council wants to change the way Houston negotiates, members need to go through the Texas Legislature.

HOUSTON At a March 23 meeting, Houston City Council approved an agreement between the city and Houston Police Officers’ Union. The contract provides raises for officers while revising the “180-day rule,” which deals with officer discipline after misconduct occurs. All council members voted in favor of the agreement with Council Member Mary Nan Huffman abstain- ing. Council Member Tarsha Jackson motioned to delay the vote for two weeks, but the motion failed. Jackson said she wanted to give

What’s in the deal?

180-day rule

48-hour rule

10.5% pay raises for officers during three-year period Raises

Officers cannot be disciplined for

Officers accused of misconduct have 48 hours to review evidence before providing a statement, consistent with the previous contract.

misconduct 180 days after it is discovered, changing a rule that previously prohibited discipline 180 days after misconduct occurs.

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Harris County lowers COVID-19 threat level

Houston hires law firmfor redistricting

BY SOFIA GONZALEZ

BY SIERRA ROZEN

HARRIS COUNTY The county lowered the COVID-19 threat level March 10 from Level 2, “signifi- cant,” to Level 3, or “moderate.” The level was lowered due to the declining numbers of cases and hospitalizations, officials said. Unvaccinated individuals are still encouraged to mask and physically distance themselves. HARRIS COUNTYCOVID-19LEVEL Current level

HOUSTON The Houston City Council approved a legal service agreement March 2 with law firm Thompson and Horton LLP for redistricting services. Council Members Mike Knox, Michael Kubosh, Mary Nan Huffman and Amy Peck voted against the ordinance. Knox said his main issue was with Thompson and Horton’s plans to subcontract a portion of the work to West and Associates LLP, which he said could be construed as politicizing the process by using a firm of which Democratic state Sen. Royce West is a founding partner. The council is expected to vote on multiple items in the future regarding redistricting criteria before any plan is adopted. New maps need to be in place before the city’s next general election, which will take place in November 2023.

SEVERE Stay home stay safe SIGNIFICANT Minimize all contacts MODERATE Stay vigilant MINIMAL Resume normal contacts

1 2 3

Meetings are streamed at www.harriscountytx.gov.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2022

INSIDE INFORMATION

BY WESLEY GARDNER

BRINGING IN BLOOD

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, an area nonprofit that provides blood to Houston and its surrounding communities, is nearing a shortage of blood supplies for the roughly 170 hospitals it serves across 26 Texas counties. Here is a look at how blood donations are used and how residents can help.

DONOR DILEMMA

BLOOD TYPE BREAKDOWN

TRACKING TRANSFUSIONS

According to the GCRBC, the percentage of Americans who will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives greatly outweighs the percentage of Americans who donate blood.

There are four major blood groups determined by the presence or absence of two antigens, A and B, on the surface of red blood cells. Additionally, the presence or absence of a protein called the Rh factor determines whether the blood type is positive or negative.

Rh-negative blood can only be given to Rh-negative patients, while Rh-positive or Rh-negative blood types can be given to Rh-positive patients, meaning O- blood types can be given to all four blood groups, and patients with an AB- blood type can receive blood from all four groups.

1 in 20 people will donate blood at some point in their life. 1 in 7 people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their life.

BLOOD TYPES by percent of U.S. population

Donor

37.4% 6.6%

44%

Recipient

35.7% 6.3%

The GCRBC has 17 permanent donor centers across Southeast Texas in addition to mobile blood drives hosted across the area on a daily basis. Bill T. Teague Donor Center 1400 La Concha Lane, Houston 713-791-6620 WHERE TO DONATE?

Anyone who is age 17 or older may be eligible to donate blood. Individuals who are 16 years old may be eligible to donate with parental consent. WHO CAN DONATE? Donors who are age 19 and older must weigh at least 110 pounds. Whole-blood donors who are age 16 must weigh at least 120 pounds. Whole-blood and automated donors who are ages 17-18 and male must weigh at least 115 pounds; female donors must weigh at least 120 pounds. Donors must be in general good health without any cold or flu symptoms. Donors who have COVID-19 or a positive test for COVID-19 must wait 10 days and be

42%

8.5% 1.5%

Pearland Neighborhood Donor Center 9223 W. Broadway St. Ste. 119, Pearland 713-436-7722 Sugar Land Neighborhood Donor Center 4949 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 281-313-1122 Westchase Neighborhood Donor Center 10001 Westheimer Road, Ste. 2117, Houston 832-242-7600

10%

3.4% 0.6%

Champions Donor Center 6935 FM 1960 W., Ste. A, Houston 281-440-5900 Cy-Fair Donor Center 11811 FM 1960 W., Ste. 120, Houston 281-469-1964 For a complete list of donation sites, visit www.commitforlife.org .

RH+ 85%

RH- 15%

asymptomatic prior to donating. Donors must bring a valid photo ID.

SOURCES: AMERICAN RED CROSS, GULF COAST REGIONAL BLOOD CENTER, STANFORD MEDICINE BLOOD CENTER/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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INSIDE INFORMATION

2 0 2 2 L O C A L V O T E R G U I D E

PROPERTY TAX PROPOSITIONS

COMPILED BY MATT STEPHENS

Texas voters will decide local elections in numerous communities across the state May 7, but they will also vote on two propositions that will have implications on property taxes statewide. Community Impact Newspaper spoke with Joshua Blank, research director of the Texas Politics Project for The University of Texas; Dale Craymer, president of the Texas

Taxpayers and Research Association; and Dick Lavine, senior scal analyst for Every Texan, to break down the two propositions before voters head to the polls. Blank said both constitutional amendments received bipartisan support from legislators in 2021, and he believes they are likely to pass to provide homeowners property tax relief, but they would place more of the

public education funding burden on the state. “Ultimately what you’re doing is you are shifting the burden from … the homeowner automatically handing over some of our property tax into the public education system and switching that to rely on the Legislature to continue to fund public education at equal or higher levels than they have in the past,” he said.

P R O P O S I T I O N 1

P R O P O S I T I O N 2

WHY VOTE YES ?

Therewas no opposition to either of the proposals at the Legislature. So I think they’re fairly noncontroversial, and homeowners who vote for themwill receive property tax relief. It may not be substantial enough relief to cut anyone’s tax bill, but I think it’s certainly going to take a big chunk out of a potential increase. DALE CRAYMER, PRESIDENT, TEXAS TAXPAYERS AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATION

S EN AT E J O I N T R E S O LU T I O N 2 Second special session of 87th Texas Legislature

S EN AT E J O I N T R E S O LU T I O N 2 Third special session of 87th Texas Legislature

House vote:

Senate vote:

Sent to secretary of state’s oce Aug. 30

House vote:

Senate vote:

Sent to secretary of state’s oce Oct. 19

1160 290

1470 310

B A L L O T T E X T

“The constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to provide for the reduction of the amount of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for general elementary and secondary public school purposes on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled to reect any statutory reduction from the preceding tax year in the maximum compressed rate of the maintenance and operations taxes imposed for those purposes on the homestead.”

“The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $25,000 to $40,000.”

W H A T D O E S I T M E A N ?

Blank said homeowners in Texas are already oered a $25,000 homestead exemption on property taxes from public school districts— meaning the rst $25,000 of a home’s appraised property value does not count against a homeowner’s annual property taxes. If approved, that exemption for homeowners would be raised to $40,000.

WHY VOTE NO ?

We are reducing our income from the property tax, which is relatively

W H A T D O E S I T M E A N ?

less regressive thanmost of the other sources of state general revenue. So it is a small shift, but a shift in the wrong direction. ... What we really need to do is work on something to get those appraisalsmore correct. DICK LAVINE, SENIOR FISCAL ANALYST, EVERY TEXAN

Although property taxes are frozen for the disabled and those over the age of 65, this would allow the Legislature to provide additional property tax relief from school districts for even those elderly and disabled homeowners with frozen taxes, Blank and Craymer said.

$600M Estimated annual cost to the state

Estimated cost to the state through 2026

Annual savings for the average homeowner

$744M

$167

SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE WEBSITE, JOSHUA BLANK, DALE CRAYMER, DICK LAVINECOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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