Katy North Edition | February 2024

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Katy North Edition VOLUME 12, ISSUE 6 FEB. 27MARCH 25, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

A proposed entertainment district lies between Katy’s Third Street and Hwy. 90 to the north and south, as well as Airline Drive and Katy Fort Bend Road to the west and east. City ocials are studying what it would take to turn the historic area into a mixed-use district.

KELLY SCHAFLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Katy considers new district around rice dryers

The Dryer developer Hadi “Andrew” Nurcahya said. “But to me, [preserving the dryers] just makes sense.” However, business owners from the area said they believe there’s steps the city can take to make the area attractive to new businesses as well as partner with existing businesses.

developed a future land use and character map, which noted an unrealized mixed-use entertain- ment area that could be created. Meanwhile, change in the area is already happen- ing, with a local staple having shuttered its doors in December and a developer soon opening the rst phase of The Dryer, a 3-acre revitalization project. “I’m not a sentimental person, to be honest,”

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

A study taking place this year aims to reimagine an industrial area surrounding Katy’s historic rice dryers into an entertainment district. The idea for the district emerged in the process of creating the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan, which was completed in March 2023. As part of the plan, planning rm Kendig Keast Collaborative

CONTINUED ON 19

Also in this issue

Impacts: ‘Dirty soda’ shop Swig opens in Fulshear area (Page 6)

Transportation: Katy Hockley Road to undergo upgrades (Page 11)

Election: Sample ballot of local races (Page 14)

History: Museum owner highlights Black Americans (Page 22)

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KATY NORTH EDITION

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Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

Amy Martinez General Manager amymartinez@ communityimpact.com

Ronald Winters Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Account Executive Tracy Drewa Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Art Production Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Correction: Volume 12, Issue 5, Page 20 The Desserts Guide had an incorrect address for Alchemy Bake Lab. The correct address is 6845 Peek Road, Ste. 230, Katy.

Kelly Schafler Senior Editor kschafler@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Publisher jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

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KATY NORTH EDITION

Impacts

GEORGE BUSH PARK 5 Dunkin’ The menu at Dunkin’ features various coffee beverages, doughnuts and breakfast items. The location also doubles as a Baskin-Robbins. • Opened Nov. 9 • 3831 W. Grand Parkway N., Katy • www.dunkindonuts.com 6 Lululemon This high-end, yoga-focused activewear retailer offers stylish athletic wear, loungewear, footwear includes bar fare, such as smash burgers, pizzas and a giant soft pretzel. • Opened Feb. 6 • 22756 Westheimer Parkway, Ste. 100, Katy • https://katy.voodoobrewery.com 4 Ms.Sol Piano Academy The piano tutoring academy offers activities for students to learn music theory and master the technique of playing piano. Instructors incorporate music pedagogy concepts to engage students. • Opened Dec. 2 • 2780 FM 1463, Ste. 200, Katy • www.mssolpianoacademy.com 7 Nando’s Peri-Peri This Afro-Portuguese chain restaurant is known for its flame-grilled chicken, spiced with the African Bird’s Eye Chili pepper also referred to as peri-peri. Its menu includes whole and half chicken served with fries, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches and wings. • Opened Feb. 5 • 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. F100, Katy • www.nandosperiperi.com 8 Baskin-Robbins The national ice cream and cake specialty shop boasts 42 ice cream flavors. The menu also includes a selection of beverages; decorative and customizable cakes and pies; and bakery items. and accessories. • Opened Jan. 25 • 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy • www.lululemon.com

SNAKE RIVER RD.

KATY MILLS CIR. KATY MILLS BLVD.

MORTON RANCH RD.

2855

KATY FORT BEND RD.

FRANZ RD.

KINGSLAND BLVD.

1ST ST.

CANE ISLAND PKWY.

1 15

K I N G S L A N

Katy

99 TOLL

BRITANNIA DR.

HIGHLAND KNOLLS DR.

DEMATEL CIR.

1463

2 6 7

S N E R

1463

CROSS CREEK BEND LN.

99 TOLL

F R Y R D .

359

1093

MAP NOT TO SCALE

FULSHEAR GASTON RD.

2 Kilwins At the confectionery shop, customers can get sweets, such as fudge, chocolates, ice cream, kettle corn and caramel apples. • Opened in mid-December • 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy • www.kilwins.com 3 Voodoo Brewing Co. The brew pub has 20 rotating craft beers on tap, plus cocktails, wine, coffee and other beverages. Its menu

Fulshear

Now open

723

359 1 Snowcano This Vietnamese-style coffee and desserts shop features specialty items such as the caramel crispy milk coffee, rose tea paired with crystal boba, shaved ice, and banh mi sandwiches. • Opened Dec. 2 • 23015 Colonial Parkway, Ste. A109, Katy • 832-437-6259

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ASIA ARMOUR & KELLY SCHAFLER

• Opened Feb. 13 • 28830 FM 1093, Ste. 170, Fulshear • www.baskinrobbins.com

teas from a brew tap-style system. • Opening in early spring • 20995 Katy Freeway, Katy • www.dunkindonuts.com

Now open

9 The Dog Stop The Pennsylvania-based business offers boarding accommodations, day care, professional grooming and retail for pets. • Opened Jan. 22 • 23165 Morton Ranch Road, Katy • www.thedogstop.com 10 Nice Birdie At the locally-owned indoor golf venue and bar, patrons can pay by the hour to test their swing at six golfing simulators programmed with about 185 courses. Its menu features Korean dishes, and the venue also offers craft beer, wine, seltzers and nonalcoholic beverages. • Opened Jan. 29

14 Amazing Place The nonprofit’s second Katy campus will expand resources with education and support programs for families facing challenges of dementia. It also will offer family caregiver support classes and counseling.

• Opening in spring 2025 • 621 Dematel Circle, Katy • www.amazingplacehouston.org

15 Hong Kong Food Street This Cantonese restaurant formerly located in Bellaire plans to relocate to Katy after its unexpected closure in 2021. Owner Johnny Cheung has identified a place for the new restaurant in Katy Asian Town but is waiting to break ground to solidify an opening date. Hong Kong Food Street was known for its roasted meats, including duck and pork cracklings. • Opening TBD • 23015 Colonial Parkway, Ste. A101, Katy • www.facebook.com/hongkongfoodstreet 16 H-E-B at Katy Park The 117,000-square-foot store will offer produce, seafood, Sushiya items, its scratch bakery and other traditional offerings, according to an opening announcement on H-E-B’s website. Curbside pickup and delivery will also be available. • Opening Feb. 21 • 24924 Morton Ranch Road, Katy • www.heb.com

18 Swig The Utah-based beverage shop is known for its “dirty sodas,” a mixture of soda and cream, syrup or other flavoring. Its menu also includes energy drink infusions, flavored sparkling waters, hot chocolate and snacks, including cookies and pretzel bites. • Opened Feb. 2 • 26910 FM 1093, Richmond • www.swigdrinks.com

• 20820 Park Row Drive, Katy • www.nicebirdietexas.com

Coming soon

11 Monster Mini Golf This indoor glow-in-the-dark entertainment center features a mini golf course, an arcade and prize center, a bowling alley, laser tag, virtual reality and a restaurant. • Opening in early March

• 1705 N. Fry Road, Ste. 3, Katy • www.monsterminigolf.com

Closings

12 The Home Depot The home improvement company will offer various home renovation items, including power tools, paint, lawn care items, furniture, kitchenware and decor, according to the website. • Opening April 11 • 133 Cane Island Parkway, Katy • www.homedepot.com 13 Dunkin’ This Dunkin’ location will feature a coffee tap system, where Dunkin’ crew members can pull nitro-infused cold brew, regular cold brew, and other iced coffees and

19 MKT Distillery The distillery and outdoor taproom closed after it couldn’t recover from low sales during the hot summer months. Fans of MKT’s distilled spirits can still purchase bottles from liquor stores or from the Katy taproom for the short-term. Patrons can stay posted to the business’s Facebook page for its limited hours or reach out directly to buy bottles. • Closed Dec. 2 • 5373 First St., Katy • www.facebook.com/mktdistillery

In the news

17 Jurassic World: The Exhibition The new immersive dinosaur experience will come from Universal Pictures to Katy Mills on March 8. Inspired by the “Jurassic World” movie franchise, it will feature life-size animatronic dinosaurs, including the Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors and the Tyrannosaurus rex. • 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy • www.jurassicworldexhibition.com/houston

2422 Morning Park Dr. | Katy, Tx. 77494 | Cinco Ranch

Mary Kiesewetter REALTOR ® 713.725.0108 maryk@garygreene.com

Linda Leiby REALTOR ®

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KATY NORTH EDITION

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For 55+ active adults, life at Kissing Tree is smooth sailing. In addition to the beautiful homes, you’ll love the gorgeous 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service restaurant, a fitness center, the Biergarten, walking trails, and more. Not to mention poker tournaments, happy hours, great friends, and hundreds of clubs and events. Call 512-842-4902 or visit KissingTree.com to learn how you can save thousands on available homes that are ready for move in.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & AUBREY VOGEL

Harris County expands citizenship programs Harris County commissioners announced Jan. 23 the launch of a three-year, $5.8 million program that aims to assist the county’s legal permanent residents in becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. Funding was allocated with a $4 million grant from the nonprofit Houston Endowment and an additional $1.8 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. The details Under a coordinated effort overseen by the Harris County Community Services Department, a network of public partners and the Harris County Public Library, the organizations will provide assistance such as civic education classes, natural- ization interview preparation, legal services and funds to cover application fees. HCPL will supplement its volunteer tutor team with 10 full-time instructors, library officials said.

Art projects coming to high-crime areas Officials with Harris County’s crime pre- vention and neighborhood safety program are launching a $3 million public art-based initiative in 11 communities that aims to shape the physical space, spur economic development and promote social change. Explained The 11 neighborhoods include Alief, Bar- rett, Cloverleaf, Cypress Station, East Aldine, Gulfton, Highlands, Northshore, Sharpstown, South Houston and Sunnyside. They were prioritized based on violent crime rates and lack of infrastructure, according to county administration officials. Precinct officials can request proposals for projects such as murals, sculptures, artistic crosswalks and park installations through the third quarter of 2024.

In the Gulf Coast region, 94.9% of the population that hold lawful permanent residency and are eligible to become U.S. citizens reside in three counties. The path to citizenship

Harris County 195,530 Fort Bend County 33,400 Montgomery County 10,580 Brazoria County 7,500 Galveston County 5,500

U.S. citizenship eligibility by county*

*DOES NOT INCLUDE PEOPLE BORN IN THE U.S.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in the region:

More than 123,600 of those eligible for citizenship came from a pool of people who were immediate relatives of U.S. citizens More than 29,800 lawful permanent residents spend at least 10 years until they meet the requirements for citizenship eligibility

SOURCE: 2022 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY DATA FROM HARRIS, FORT BEND, MONTGOMERY, GALVESTON AND BRAZORIA COUNTIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

City buys more cameras to monitor traffic patterns

New traffic cameras

The additional five cameras will be placed at varying roads throughout the city of Katy, including:

Katy Police Chief J. Noe Diaz said. Quote of note

Residents of Katy can expect to see additional traffic cameras after City Council voted to increase the number of units at a Feb. 12 meeting. After approving the leasing of 35 cameras at a cost of $74,550 during the Jan. 22 meeting, the council has revised the contract with Flock Group Inc. to now include 40 total cameras throughout the city. The cameras aim to monitor traffic patterns and for other police investigations as needed,

• Woods Lane • Pitts Road • Katy Hockley Cutoff Road

“It truly is a success story for us; we were one of the first ones in the Greater Houston area [to imple- ment the traffic cameras], and now it has spread like wildfire,” Diaz said. “It is changing the way we approach what we do as a police department to keep the community safe.”

• Katy Hockley Road • Katy Flewellen Road

SOURCE: CITY OF KATY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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KATY NORTH EDITION

Education

BY DAVE MANNING & LIZZY SPANGLER

At the Jan. 22 meeting, Katy ISD board of trustees approved the instructional calendar for the 2025-26 school year. In a nutshell The 2025-26 school year will begin on Aug. 13, 2025, and end May 15, 2026, for seniors and May 21, 2026, for the remainder of the student population, according to the approved calendar. Chief Communications Ocer Andrea Grooms said the survey on the two 2025-26 calendar options took place Dec. 8-Jan. 8. “Participants overwhelmingly voted for Option A,” she said. “We had about 11,500 participants; Katy ISD trustees approve 202526 calendar

2025-26 school year holidays Sept. 1: Labor Day Oct. 13: Columbus Day Nov. 24-28: Thanksgiving break Dec. 22, 2025-Jan. 2, 2026: Winter break March 9-13: Spring break April 3: Good Friday

Bold Move When you go with Brookfield Residential, you can expect to be wowed with two- story great rooms, open living areas, and thoughtful details designed for the way you live. Not to mention a friendly team that supports you throughout the entire experience. Your dream home could be next! Homes starting from the high $300s: • 14 unique floor plans • 1- and 2-story options • 1,779 – 2,955 square feet • 3 – 4 bedrooms & 2 – 3.5 bathrooms • Located in Katy ISD Come see our beautiful model homes in Elyson’s new Model Home Village, now open daily.

SOURCE: KATY ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

80% of them voted for that calen- dar option.” Grooms said survey participants cited the earlier start date and the earlier end date as why they voted for Option A. What else? The KISD board approved the 2024-25 instructional calendar last January. The 2024-25 school year will start Aug. 14 and end May 16, 2025, for seniors and May 22, 2025, for the rest of the student population.

HCC board approves new chancellor

The Houston Community College board of trustees voted to name Margaret Ford Fisher the institution’s new chancellor, per a news release Jan. 24. Ford Fisher had served as HCC’s interim chancellor since Sept. 1. Under Ford Fisher’s leadership, the HCC Online College launched more than 60 fully online degree programs and 70 hybrid courses, enhancing educational acces- sibility and helping the system reach an enrollment of over 62,000 students. As part of that development in new degrees and courses, programs were added that included science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM; energy; biotechnology; robotics; and articial intelligence, as previously reported.

Margaret Ford Fisher has worked at HCC for decades.

COURTESY HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SEE THE FLOOR PLANS

In their own words “We enjoy a wonderful faculty and committed sta who deeply care about each student they encounter. Together, we are providing real-world education to allow students to succeed in life, their work and in their communi- ties,” Ford Fisher said.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY RACHEL LELAND, EMILY LINCKE & KELLY SCHAFLER

Katy Hockley Road to undergo improvements On Dec. 11, Katy City Council voted unanimously to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Katy Development Authority to make improvements to Katy Hockley Road and purchase right of way for the construction. In a nutshell The roughly $7 million project will widen the roadway from two lanes to four lanes between Morton and Clay roads, and involve drainage improvements. Mayor William “Dusty” Thiele said in an emailed statement construction is set to begin in November or December and take roughly a year to complete. He said the project also includes a concrete sidewalk along the west side of the road and a new traffic signal at the intersection of Katy Hockley Road and Morton Road.

Construction begins on park and ride Fort Bend Transit, the county’s public transportation department, broke ground on the Westpark Park and Ride facility Jan. 29. Upon completion, the facility will support a future commuter service to the Energy Corridor, according to a news release. The details Construction on the facility, which is located at 19820 FM 1093, Richmond, is set to wrap up in November, per the release.

CLAY RD.

MORTON RD.

Quote of note “A lot of residents in that area just talk about the traffic,” City Council member Gina Hicks said at the Dec. 11 meeting. “It’s building as we’re growing up north, so we appreciate you seeing us.” One more thing At the following Jan. 22 meeting, City Council also approved the city purchasing more right of way for construction.

1093

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KATY NORTH EDITION

Development

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Infrastructure work to wrap up at Katy Boardwalk District

More movement will soon happen at the mixed- use Katy Boardwalk District development, with Katy city ocials expecting to announce the long- awaited hotel and conference center this spring. The details The city of Katy broke ground on the Katy Board- walk District in 2017 on 169 acres south and east of Katy Mills, Community Impact previously reported. Two projects will be complete this spring: • The roughly 2.5-mile trail system winding through the nature preserve • The extension of Katy Fort Bend Road from Kingsland Boulevard to Boardwalk Drive The update As these district elements wrap up, two others are taking o, city ocials said. A groundbreaking will take place in April for the 353-unit Boardwalk Square apartments—a second

phase to the existing Boardwalk Lofts, Mayor William “Dusty” Thiele said. Finally, ocials with KBH Venture LLC—a joint venture of several local developers including Sueba USA—are working to secure nancing for the long-awaited hotel and conference center, developers said in an email. City ocials hope to announce the hotel this spring, City Administrator Byron Hebert said. The Katy Development Authority, a tax increment reinvestment zone in the city, will pay about $24 million to fund the conference center, and the adjacent hotel will be paid by developers, Hebert said. The big picture The hotel and conference center will help attract tourism in the city of Katy, Hebert said. This will couple with nearby attractions, such as Katy Mills, Typhoon Texas, Dig World and Slick City Action Park.

The extension of Katy Fort Bend Road will open for trac this spring.

COURTESY CITY OF KATY

KATY FORT BEND DR.

Katy Boardwalk District

1 Boardwalk Square apartments 2 Future hotel & conference center 3 Katy Boardwalk trails

SOURCE: CITY OF KATYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

The number of homes sold in Katy- and Fulshear-area ZIP codes stayed consistent, with 479 homes sold in January versus 478 in January 2023. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

January 2023

January 2024

+100%

+14.29%

-22.62%

-20%

-8.7%

+6.41%

77094

77441

77449

77450

77493

77494

99 TOLL

77493

529

77449

Median home sales price

77094

77494

January

2023

2024

77450

$855,000 $474,000 $287,500 $350,000 $345,000 $455,515

$520,000 $473,343 $270,000 $387,500 $349,995 $474,990

77094

1093

77441

77449

Homes sold by price point

77450

77493

January 2024

77494

$850,000+

$650,000-$849,999

Average days on market

$450,000-$649,999

-11.9%

+23.94%

-7.27%

+33.33%

-4.94%

-13.33%

306

$250,000-$449,999

<$249,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CHARLIE RUSSO RE/MAX SIGNATURE 713-851-4871 WWW.CHARLIERUSSOREALTY.COM

77094

77441

77449

77450

77493

77494

KATY NORTH EDITION

Election

Voter Guide

2024

To view the full list of all contested state and national candidates, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Only candidates in contested elections are included. Visit county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY

R Republican

D Democrat

*Incumbent

D Gabriel A. Cornejo D Star Locke D Frankie Lozada D Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato

Dates to know

Sample ballot

Feb. 5: Last day to register to vote Feb. 20: First day of early voting March 1: Last day of early voting March 5: Election day

Federal election U.S. President R Ryan L. Binkley R Chris Christie R Ron DeSantis R Nikki Haley R Asa Hutchinson

D Dean Phillips D Cenk Uygur D Marianne Williamson U.S. senator R Ted Cruz* R Holland “Redd” Gibson R R.E. “Rufus” Lopez D A. “Robert” Hassan D Carl Oscar Sherman

Where to vote

Any voter can cast a ballot in the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Harris County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Waller County voters can vote at any polling location during early voting but election day locations are by precinct. Visit www.harrisvotes.com or www.co.waller.tx.us for polling locations.

R Vivek Ramaswamy R David Stuckenberg R Donald J. Trump D Joseph R. Biden, Jr.*

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Local elections Harris County sheriff R Glenn Cowan R Joe Danna R Paul Day R Mike Knox

D Colin Allred D Heli Rodriguez Prilliman D Mark Gonzalez D Meri Gomez D Roland Gutierrez D Steven J. Keough D Thierry Tchenko U.S. House, District 10 R Jared B. Lovelace R Michael T. McCaul* D Theresa Boisseau D Keith McPhail U.S. House, District 22 D Marquette Greene-Scott D Wayne Raasch

R Corey Howell R James “Jim” Matlock R Petra Reyes D Bill Burch D Katherine Culbert Texas House, District 26 R Jessica Huang R Jacey Jetton* R Matthew Morgan Texas House, District 28 R Gary Gates* R Daniel Mathews D Nelvin J. Adriatico D Marty Rocha Texas House, District 85 R Tim Greeson R Stan Kitzman*

D Ed Gonzalez* D Joe Inocencio D Vergil Ratliff D Dana M. Wolfe Harris County district attorney D Kim Ogg* D Sean Teare Harris County constable, Precinct 5 D Don Quang Dinh D William Gorman D Jerome Moore D Gerardo “Jerry” Rodriguez

State elections Railroad commissioner R Christie Clark R Christi Craddick*

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

FRY ROAD NORTH 3811 N Fry Rd (281) 578-0916 MASON ROAD 1640 S Mason Rd (281) 395-6262

FRY ROAD 1743 Fry Rd (281) 579-7004 KATY MILLS 24417 Katy Fwy (281) 394-5780

THE SUN IS SETTING

in CROSS CREEK RANCH

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MORTON RANCH 23027 Morton Ranch Rd. Suite Z Katy, TX 77449 832-810-9017

ALIANA 10321 W. Grand Pkwy S. Suite 130 Richmond, TX 77407 832-810-9025

ROYAL OAK 11803 Westheimer Rd. Suite 720 Houston, TX 77077 832-810-9012

CYPRESS 17817 FM 529 Suite 109 Houston, TX 77095 832-810-9021

KINGSLAND 23441 Kingsland Blvd. Suite 100 Katy, TX 77494 832-810-9014

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & JESSICA SHORTEN

Texas House District 26, Republican Primary

*INCUMBENT

Jacey Jetton* Occupation: business owner and Texas Army National Guard soldier Experience: two terms as state representative; 15 years partnering with churches, nonprofits www.jaceyjetton.com

Jessica Huang Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Matthew Morgan Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

What priorities do you have over the course of your term if elected?

I will continue to fight to secure our border and reduce property taxes. Last year, I authored and supported legislation to provide $6.64 billion in border wall construction and border security. Texas also passed a historic $18.1 billion in property tax relief, but there is more to do.

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Texas House District 28, Republican Primary

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50

Gary Gates* Occupation: entrepreneur, businessman Experience: entrepreneur businessman for 40-plus years employing over 450 employees www.gatesfortexas.com

Dan Mathews Occupation: engineer and real estate broker Experience: conservative Republican, engineer, real estate broker, minister, community leader www.texansfordan.com

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.

What is your top priority if elected?

Border security is an ongoing issue for this state and nation, and with Washington’s failure to act, we must do all we can to ensure our borders are secure and Texans are safe. It has been and will remain a top priority.

My top priority is to secure the border. There is a crisis at the southern border. I will fight to increase funding for border security to keep our communities safe. Another priority is to protect our elections so that the voices of Texans are accurately reflected in elections.

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From the cover

Katy considers new district around rice dryers

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Two-minute impact

Entertainment district study area American Rice Grower Silos Katy Rice Dryer

Katy Beer Garden

At the Jan. 8 meeting, Katy City Council approved authorizing Mayor William “Dusty” Thiele to sign an $85,000 agreement with planning rm KKC to prepare a plan for a proposed entertainment district surrounding Katy’s historic rice dryers. “What we’re trying to do is see if the study comes back and tells us how to work and really get a nice entertainment venue that would attract people,” City Administrator Byron Hebert said. The proposed district lies between Third Street and Hwy. 90 to the north and south, as well as Airline Drive and Katy Fort Bend Road to the west and east, respectively, per city documents. It’s blocks away from Katy’s historic downtown. However, the city doesn’t own land within the proposed district’s boundary; so while ocials can make the district accessible, landowners must also determine next steps once the study is released this fall, city ocials said. The city’s Geographic Information System shows the roughly 74 acres is zoned for industrial development, but among the industrial businesses are some outliers, which include No Label Brewing Co. and The Dryers development. A staple in the area, MKT Distillery, closed in December after ve years adjacent to No Label.

J.V. Cardi & Sons Rice Dryer B. Ray Woods Rice Dryer Cardi Rice Dryer Study features • Project recommendations, such as adding roads, parking, sidewalks and utilities • Zoning suggestions

MKT Distillery

No Label Brewing Co.

E. 3RDST.

Proposed district area

1STST.

HWY.BLVD.

KATY VILLAGE PKWY.

5 T H ST .

DEXTER DR.

E.4THST.

3RDST.

E . 3 R D S T .

Downtown Katy

THOMAS PARK

Proposed district area

2NDST.

1STST.

ROBERTS RD.

SOURCES: CITY OF KATY, JOHNNY NELSON KATY HERITAGE MUSEUMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Digging deeper

What else?

What’s next

MKT Distillery owners Nick and Nici Jessett said they lease their 1-acre lot at 5372 First St. from Garver Real Estate, a Houston-based industrial real estate company. When their distillery and outdoor taproom couldn’t recover from low sales during the hot summer months, the couple said they decided to close it. Despite the closure, the Jessetts said celebrat- ing the history of the dryers remains important to them, and Nici Jessett said they’re open for someone else to take over MKT. From the study, the Jessetts said the city could streamline the permitting process and consider incentives to encourage development in the area. “Let’s come up with a solution that benets everybody so that we can all move forward, because … I think [Katy] can be a great place, but you don’t see any businesses opening quickly there.” NICI JESSETT, COOWNER OF MKT DISTILLERY

Nearby, Nurcahya began work in 2021 on The Dryer, which upon completion will include the upcoming Katy Beer Garden, a food hall, oce space, a museum through the Katy Heritage Society and a gift shop. The beer garden is set to open this spring, according to the business’ Instagram bio. Nurcahya also said he hopes to build a park- ing garage on adjacent land to allow patrons to access other existing and future businesses.

Katy City Planner Rachel Lazo said any recommendations from the study would need to be budgeted and approved by City Council. “Our primary goal is to obtain educated feedback on specic types of uses that would be feasible in an area of town that’s already experiencing early phases of redevelopment and what potential role the city could play in supporting the growth,” she said in an email. Nurcahya said he believes KKC should get feedback from businesses and property owners for the study. Meanwhile, No Label Brewing co-owner Tom Paynter said he would like it if the craft brewery could have retail and restaurant neighbors. “It’s been pretty lonely out here because it’s just the ghost of the silos and then ourselves,” he said. “It’ll be nice to have dierent people coming out here who may have not normally.”

Beer garden breakdown The Dryer’s rst attraction, the Katy Beer Garden, will feature:

100 beers on tap

100 bottled wine varieties

SOURCE: STEVEN SALAZARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

KATY NORTH EDITION

Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Katy Area Golf Tournament This inaugural tournament aims to bring the business community together for a day of golf and networking at The Club at Falcon Point. • March 18, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. • $200 (individual player), $800 (four-person team) • 24503 Falcon Point Drive, Katy • www.katychamber.com Wild West Brewfest This volunteer-created and volunteer-led beer festival returns for its 12th year at Typhoon Texas Waterpark. This year, the event is three days long and characterized by a free party with $5 beers on Thursday, a launch party on Friday night, and a full day of brews and food vendors on Saturday. • March 21-23 (times vary by date) • $25-$300

March

Katy Taste Fest It includes samples from over 30 Katy eateries, cooking demos, an auction, a kids zone and live music. • March 2, noon-3 p.m. • $35-$90 • 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy • www.katytastefest.com Texas Heritage Festival The event has line and square dancing, horseshoe tossing, a lasso competition, a mechanical bull, a petting zoo and bounce houses. • March 2, noon-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 6350 GM Library Road, Fulshear • www.fulshearkaty.com Turkish Festival Nonprofit dance ensemble Gazelle Turkish Folk Dance Group will teach dance at Central Green Park.

TaD’s All You Can Eat Crawfish Boil The Louisiana-based eatery hosts the annual event just in time for crawfish season. The Katy location of the restaurant will host the all-you-can-eat crawfish boil in the third weekend of March this year, and guests can expect live music, cold beer, handcrafted cocktails and endless crawfish. • March 16-17, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. • Market prices • 1425 FM 1463, Katy • www.tadsrestaurants.com

• 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy • www.wildwestbrewfest.com

Katy Home and Garden Show The show is for residents interested in the latest trends in home design or looking to renovate their home. • March 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; March 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• March 2, 2-4 p.m. • Free (admission)

• $9 (adults), free (age 12 and under) • 5801 Katy Hockley Cut Off Road, Katy • www.katyhomeandgardenshow.com

• 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy • www.centralgreenpark.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

across the Houston metro, as recently reported by Community Impact . CI Foodie

Looking to get out of your neighborhood to try a new dining experience? Check out the following restaurant news from

Spring

New Caney

Montgomery

Pokemoto Franchisee Matt Judice recently opened a new 1,500-square-foot location of this eatery in Spring. Pokemoto offers a menu of poke bowls, burritos and salads with both signature and build-your-own options. A variety of milk and fruit boba teas are also available. • Opened Dec. 6 • 2174 Spring Stuebner Road, Ste. 320, Spring • www.pokemoto.com

Choripán Owner and chef Alexis Castillo said this new food truck offers a variety of Argentinian-inspired dishes. Castillo said several of the items are sourced locally, including fresh French rolls from La Panza Feliz Bakery in Porter and Japanese cotton cheesecake made with help from Lee Kitchen Conroe. • Opened Nov. 30 • 23199 FM 1485, New Caney • www.choripantx.com

Spuds Potato Bar This eatery offers guests the opportunity to create their own loaded potatoes, starting with a base of a baked potato, baked sweet potato, fries, sweet potato fries or tater tots. More than 40 toppings can be added. • Opened Nov. 24 • 15260 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 136, Montgomery • www.spudspotatobar.com

Katy

Houston

Sugar Land

Honey Pig This Maryland-based Korean barbecue chain is located in Katy Asian Town. The restaurant specializes in popular Korean dishes, such as bibimbap, kimchi pancakes, bulgogi and a range of meats for barbecue. • Opened Nov. 22 • 23119 Colonial Parkway, Ste. A-16, Katy • www.honeypigbbq.com

1891 American Eatery & Bar American classics meet modern takes on bar snacks at this eatery. Options include crab fritters, Korean fried cauliflower and an array of smash burgers. Confit duck legs, pastrami-braised short ribs and seared scallops are a few featured entrees. • Opened Nov. 27

Crazy Pita This Mediterranean fast-casual eatery is the first Texas restaurant for the brand, which originated in Las Vegas. The Morroccan menu includes a selection of pita sandwiches, skewer plates, rice bowls, salads and rotisserie chicken dinner meals. • Opened Nov. 7 • 2587 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land • www.crazypita.com

• 702 E. 11th St., Houston • www.1891heights.com

KATY NORTH EDITION

History

BY ASIA ARMOUR

The museum has photos, posters and other history of Black Cowboys.

Owner Larry Callies opened the Black Cowboy Museum in July 2017 in Rosenberg.

PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Nonprot shares history at Black Cowboy Museum Even without his voice, which he said he once used to serenade former President George H. Bush, Larry Callies loves to lead tours at the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg. The nonprot, which he established in one door, he’ll open a better one. He opened up this museum.”

Callies said many in his lineage were Black cowboys.

Callies said he takes great pride in his heritage as a cowboy, having grown up riding horseback and roping cattle with his family in El Campo. The inspiration In an interview for a 2021 episode of Netix series, “High on the Hog,” Callies spoke to what he called the deliberate erasure of the Black cowboy. “I didn’t want the Black cowboys to go in vain,” he said in the episode. To Callies, being a cowboy is more than a Hollywood lm or a costume. It’s his father and his grandfather, he said. It’s where he comes from and who he is.

July 2017, may be small in size—but the memorabilia chronicles centuries of African American inuence on American and cowboy culture, Callies said. About the owner Callies began to lose his voice in the 1990s due to muscle tension dysphonia, ending his career as a country singer. Years later, he would open the museum at what he said was God’s prompting. “I’m a Christian rst, and a cowboy immediately after,” Callies said. “And I know when God closes

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