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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2 JUNE 6 JULY 10, 2023
HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023
HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • Belmont Village Senior Living • HCA Houston Healthcare
Houston seeks federal research hub as Helix Park advances
Museum of Illusions coming to Galleria area
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West U to study Weslayan Street
Transportation updates
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Construction continues on the TMC Helix Park campus in the Texas Medical Center, including work on ve parks in the form of a DNA strand slated to open in the fall. (Courtesy Texas Medical Center)
Decision expected soon on which US cities remain in competition for site
BY MELISSA ENAJE
come here each day with the latest entrepreneurs from the institutions.” Amid facility expansions and growth, TMC leadership and o cials within various medical institutions also have thrown their hat in the ring as one of the sites for a new federal research hub. The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, or ARPA H, would focus on driving innovative research in an e ort to transform the treatment, prevention and early detection of cancer and other diseases, according to White House information. The hope, o cials said, is to speed up the process by which new medical break- throughs can be implemented at the patient level. President Joe Biden presented the details of ARPA H in March 2022 as part of Biden’s Cancer Moonshot
This fall, in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, o - cials are preparing to open Phase 1 of TMC Helix Park, a 37-acre collaborative research center that will boast large-scale commercial developments and an economic impact o cials project to be around $5.4 billion. Backed by $1.8 billion in investments for the rst phase, the park aims to bring together professionals in medicine, science and academia focused on making new medical research breakthroughs. The life science campus will also o er more than 6 million square feet of research labs, retail and hotel facilities. “It’s a place open to the community, a place for the community to come and learn about things happening in the medical center,” said Ashley McPhail, TMC chief external a airs and administration o cer. “[You can]
Small business owners connect at shared space
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JUNE 2023
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THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Jay McMahon SENIOR EDITOR Shawn Arrajj REPORTER Melissa Enaje GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jatziri Garcia ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Holly Nunez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Schafler COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281-469-6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES bmwnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING bmwads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM JAY: This month, we again bring our readers our Health Care Edition, and our front-page story takes aim at the heart of the Texas Medical Center and Phase 1 of TMC Helix Park. The development looks to bring together professionals in medicine, science and academia with a concentration on breakthroughs in the field of medicine and an economic impact officials project to be around $5 billion. Jay McMahon, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM SHAWN: There is no shortage of health care news in our area. In addition to our front-page story, we also take a look at a new Houston Methodist office building being pitched in Bellaire and a potential bond referendum for Harris Health that voters could get a chance to weigh in on this November. Look out for more information on the latter story in future editions. Inside, we also take a look at the latest homeless count data in Harris County and the work officials are taking on to keep up the momentum. Shawn Arrajj, SENIOR EDITOR
Meet Jason Culpepper
Houston Metro Publisher
What’s your typical day as a CI Publisher? JC: It begins with reading our email newsletters, then touching base with staffers covering our Houston communities. I also like to stay close to our customers and trends in the region. Attending chamber lunches or networking is something I prioritize, and keeping on top of the operational needs and financial health of our metro fills out my week. I strive to serve my team each day based on where their needs are.
How do you spend your free time? JC: I serve on several boards within the Cy-Fair community where I grew up and where I’m raising my family. Patronizing local businesses, specifically our advertising partners, is also fulfilling to me. Aside from Community Impact, what have you read recently? JC: I just finished “The Intentional Year,” “Smart Brevity,” “The Measure,” “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” and “Intimate Allies.”
Email newsletters are booming for CI; why should readers subscribe? JC: They really are the best way to stay informed with the news of the day plus entertaining items, like new restaurants opening and events to plan your weekend.
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JUNE 2023
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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Museum of Illusions
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part of an immersive experience suitable for all ages. Construction on the space began in April 2022. www.museumo llusions.com ANNIVERSARIES 7 O cials with Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill celebrated the eatery’s 35-year anni- versary over the April 29-30 weekend. The Adair family opened the Universi- ty-area location of Skeeter’s—located at 5529 Weslayan St., Houston—in 1988. The name of the restaurant came from the name founder Gary Adair said his great-uncle used to call him and his cous- ins growing up. The restaurant is known for its mesquite-grilled burgers, salads and Tex-Mex o erings. Another location can be found in Kingwood. 713-660-7090. www.skeetersgrill.com IN THE NEWS 8 Ground broke on May 15 on a 20-sto- ry apartment project called The Langley set to go up at 1717 Bissonnet St., Hous- ton. The 134-unit development will fea- ture two- to three-bedroom apartments ranging from 2,600-3,300 square feet. The project from StreetLights Residential is opposed by some nearby residents who said it is not appropriate for the small streets and low-rise structures in the area. StreetLights o cials said the project meets city requirements and was designed to reduce tra c volumes beyond what is required by the city. The project will include an underground ood control vault designed to capture excess rainwater. 346-595-1717. www.thelangleyhouston.com
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vices are guided by experts, on-site regis- tered nurses and independent physicians. Services include cryotherapy, IV therapy, red-light therapy, infrared saunas and mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, among others. 713-491-4255. www.restore.com 3 National food service supplier Gordon Food Service opened a new store May 15 in the Braeswood Square Shopping Center at 5300 N. Braeswood Blvd., Houston. The store o ers seasonal produce, fresh meats, grab-and-go meals and fresh tortillas. The chain provides food products, including packaged and fresh goods, to restaurant owners and other food service professionals. 346-453-4501. www.gfsstore.com 4 A grand opening took place May 25 for FRNDS Restaurant + Lounge at 2441 University Blvd., Houston. The concept, opened by ALife Hospitality, is designed to serve as a gathering spot, o ering a modern lounge and elevated dining. The new venue specializes in tapas-style shareable plates, and entrees include Thai salmon, brick lemon chicken and rigatoni bolognese. The venue also
o ers a wide variety of craft cocktails. 346-335-8186. www.frndshtx.com COMING SOON 5 A new location of Fajita Pete’s is expected to open this summer in down- town Bellaire at 5201 Spruce St., a couple miles away from where the original West University Place location of the franchise opened. The Tex-Mex restaurant will serve fresh-grilled fajitas, homemade tortillas, frozen margaritas and other sta- ple Tex-Mex items. Owner Pedro “Pete” Mora said he is renovating an old paint store with the intention of also bring- ing new tenants to the adjoining empty space. www.fajitapetes.com 6 The Museum of Illusions is coming this summer to a 5,749-square-foot space in the Houston Galleria at 5060 W. Alabama St., Houston, directly next to the West Alabama Street entrance of the Galleria mall. Guests will be able to step into a world lled with interactive optical illusions and colorful 3D holograms as
COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & MELISSA ENAJE
NOW OPEN 1 The second location of Lankford’s opened May 15 at 5208 Bissonnet St., Bellaire. The new location o ers sig- nature burgers, sandwiches, sides and breakfast items as well as 20 taps of self-serve draft beer. The shop is run by Jessica and Paul Prior, the third gener- ation to run the Montrose-based family business. Guests at the Bellaire spot can use a wristband to connect to taps and pour themselves drinks from a selection of local craft breweries and hand-picked beers on rotation. 713-281-3549. https://bellaire.lankfordsburgers.com 2 A new location of Restore Hyper Wellness opened in early May in Mey- erland at 4886 Beechnut St., Houston. Restore seeks to help people deal with persistent pain, lessen the e ects of aging, boost athletic performance and bolster the body’s natural defenses. Ser-
2280 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030 713-357-7391 www.ascentemc.com
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JUNE 2023
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
COMPILED BY MELISSA ENAJE
West U leaders to study safer intersections along Weslayan Street
PROJECT UPDATE
Safer intersections for both motor- ists and pedestrians could be the outcome from new data collected as part of West University Place’s Weslayan Street corridor study. West University Place City Council approved an agreement to work with the firm Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the city’s traffic engineering services. The context: As a follow-up to a 2021 citywide traffic study, West U is reviewing the Weslayan Street and Stella Link corridor areas to the south of the city border, as well as Weslayan Street and Browning Street to the northern section of the city, for safety and traffic flow improvements, according to agenda documents. • Kimley-Horn will assist with the city’s ongoing citywide traffic study. • City Council voted 4-1 on May 8, with Council Member Shannon Carroll voting against the item. • Weslayan Street is a two-way street that runs north and south throughout West University Place.
Near the southern border of the city, the corridor splits into two two-way segments. • The agreement will last for one year with the option of two one-year renewals. What’s included: The scope of work includes getting traffic flow data. • Speed-related issues • Traffic congestion • Traffic signal timing coordination and • Evaluating the two intersections. The bottom line: The engineering firm, Kimley-Horn, will use speed data to possibly determine appropriate speed limits along the corridor, according to the engineering firm’s documents. With their findings, the firm would summarize that data and report back to City Council at a future meeting. • The firm will work alongside the city of Houston and Southside Place with such plans, according to agenda documents.
A SAFER WESLAYAN The city of West University Place is studying Weslayan Street for ways to potentially make it safer for pedestrians.
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 30. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT BMWNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Loop 610 feeder road bridge Demolition began April 22 on the southbound bridge along the West Loop South feeder road over Brays Bayou. The demolition is split into three phases. Phase 1 will run through September and involves closing the Loop 610 southbound exit ramp and closing two left lanes on the bridge, leaving one lane of traffic open. The project involves widening lanes from 11 feet to 12 feet, adding shoulders and adding six-foot-wide sidewalks. Full completion is slated for early 2024. Timeline: April 2023-February 2024 Cost: $3 million Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation
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SOURCE: CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
• The firm’s tentative schedule stated that after West U officials give the firm the notice to proceed, it could take an estimated three to eight weeks for the different tasks to be completed.
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JUNE 2023
HOUSING
Unsheltered homelessness drops in Harris County despite rise in evictions
Since 2011, homelessness in Harris County has dropped dramatically. However, the total number of individuals experiencing homelessness increased by 25 between point-in- time counts conducted in the county in 2022 and 2023. OFF THE STREETS
Five hundred people watched from their seats at the Wortham Theater Center as Zasmine Walker gave a vocal solo. Walker, whose other interests include drawing semi-realistic por- traits and cooking seafood dishes, was one of a dozen or so Covenant House residents to take part in the show, a new fundraiser for the nonprofit to support its mission of helping home- less youth ages 18-24. Two months earlier, Walker did not have stable housing. In the short amount of time she has stayed at Covenant House, which provides shelter and support services, a lot in her life has changed, she said. With help from the nonprofit’s counselors, she is looking at re-enrolling in college this fall with an eye on nursing. “It makes me feel like there is hope,” Walker said of the support she’s gotten from Covenant House. “I feel like I can use my story … to inform other youth that need help also.” Covenant House is one of more than 60 nonprofits that collaborate as part of The Way Home initiative in Houston, a city-backed effort to eliminate homelessness. Walker’s personal story, which involved staying in 33 different foster homes going back to age 2, demonstrates why supporting homeless people is such a worthwhile endeavor, Covenant House Executive Director Leslie Bourne said. The number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in Harris County dropped by just over 17% in the past year, continuing an ongoing trend that has seen a nearly 63% decline in overall homelessness in the county since 2011. The latest numbers, released May 3, were celebrated by city and nonprofit leaders in Houston as payoff for more than a decade of effort and financial investments into initiatives to reduce homelessness. Having housed more than 28,000 homeless people since 2011, The Way Home has helped Houston emerge as a national leader in the conversation on how to keep people off the streets, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. However, rising eviction filings in Harris County coupled with an BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & LEAH FOREMAN
increase in the overall number of homeless people in each of the past two years—driven by an increase in those residing in shelters—has some officials in the nonprofit sector focusing on providing people with the support they need beyond a roof over their heads. Declining unsheltered population The 2023 point-in-time count took place from Jan. 25-27 in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend counties, and results were released May 3. The count is conducted each year by the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/ Harris County and involves conducting face-to-face interviews with people experiencing homelessness. In total, 1,186 people were consid- ered unsheltered in 2023 in Harris County, a decrease from 1,430 people in 2022. This can include people living on the streets, cars, parks or aban- doned buildings. However, the number of homeless people in the county has increased in each of the past two years. A total of 1,803 people in the county were staying in shelters in 2023, an increase of just under 15% from 1,534 people in 2022. “Although Houston is showing the state and nation how to reduce street homelessness and encampments suc- cessfully, the job is not done,” Turner said. “We must do more.” Roughly 42% of unsheltered individuals surveyed said they were experiencing homelessness for the first time, an increase from 40% in 2022. Meanwhile, 33% cited an eco- nomic impact, such as job loss, as the primary cause of their homelessness. Eviction filings are also increasing in Harris County, according to data from the Eviction Lab at Princeton Univer- sity. A federal moratorium on evictions was put in place during the coronavi- rus pandemic, prohibiting people from being evicted from their homes, but protections expired in July 2021. According to Eviction Lab data based on courtroom filings in Harris County, the number of evictions filed in each month from May 2022-April 2023 was higher than the average filings for each of those months when using data from 2012-15 as a
5K
Sheltered homeless
Unsheltered homeless
4,170
4K
3,329
3,856
3K
2,417
2,287
2,927
2,052
2K
1,439
1,884
1,803
1,515
1,454
1K
1,078
1,186
0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Total reduction in homelessness since 2011
U.S.
Texas
Harris County
-32.4%
10K
700K 600K 500K 400K 300K 200K 100K 0
50K
-33.8%
-62.8%
8K
40K
6K
30K
4K
20K
2K 0
10K 0
2011
2023
2011
2023
2011
2023
PANDEMIC PROTECTIONS EXPIRE
The total number of evictions filed in Harris County has increased over the past year after federal renter protections installed during the coronavirus pandemic expired in July 2021. Actual filings May 2022-April 2023 Monthly average 2012-15
8K
7K
5,677
5,816
6K
6,296
5,025
4,646
4,627
5K
4,284
5,058
3,878
4,893
4K
4,423
3,752
3K
2K
1K
0
May June July Aug. Sept. Oct.
Nov. Dec.
Jan. Feb. March April
SOURCES: NATIONAL ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS OF HOUSTON/HARRIS COUNTY, THE EVICTION LAB/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Houston City Council has approved more than $65 million toward homeless initiatives and organizations since July 2022. CITY SPENDING
benchmark. With her eye on the eviction filing trends, Bourne said a key component moving forward involves helping people not just find housing but find ways to become independent. To that end, Covenant House is bolstering its support services, including helping people deal with mental health, substance abuse, career services and gaps in education, she said. “We’re that safety net for them so they become stable enough to find the right job ... they feel they can be good at,” she said. “We don’t want it to be a vicious cycle where they become a chronically homeless adult.” City investments The city of Houston has continued to invest in initiatives to reduce home- lessness. A Community Impact analysis of agenda items approved by Houston City Council in fiscal year 2022-23 showed more than $65 million was approved for items that ranged from rapid rehousing initiatives, homeless case management services and affordable housing targeting homeless individuals.
Before his final day in office in Jan- uary 2024, Turner remains focused on continuing partnerships to reduce the number of homeless individuals and create more affordable housing, said Marc Eichenbaum, special assistant to Turner on homeless initiatives, in an emailed statement. “Shelters play an important role as the front door to our housing system, but unlike other jurisdictions, we have moved away from primarily being a shelter-based system to being a hous- ing based response system to break the cycle of homelessness,” he said. The progress made so far shouldn’t be overlooked, Bourne said. Changes have occurred in how homeless individuals are viewed just in the past decade, she said, with people becom- ing more understanding. “Back in the day … it was more of [people] looking down on them,” Bourne said. “When you hear their stories, you can see they are the strong ones. They survived and made it here.”
Housing, construction and land acquisition Fiscal year 2022-23 investments in homeless initiatives Other
Biggest investments
• New Houston Area Women’s Center: $15.9M On Feb. 8, City Council approved an allocation from the Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program to go toward acquiring land and constructing a 135-unit development comprising 45 efficiency units and 90 one-bedroom units. • Covenant House expansion: $6.7M On Jan. 25, City Council approved an allocation for the nonprofit Covenant House to go toward a $46.9 million project to expand the campus and allow for a 50% increase in the number of homeless youth that can be sheltered. • Housing opportunities for persons with AIDS: $4.1M • Land trust funding: $1.1M • Acquisition and construction of permanent housing for homeless: $18.7M
$19.1M
$46.5M
The funding allocated by Houston City Council on homelessness-related items:
2021-22 fiscal year: $111.5M
2022-23 fiscal year: $65.6M
Total number of homeless-related agenda items approved by Houston City Council:
2021-22 fiscal year: 25
2022-23 fiscal year: 29
Sign up for email newsletters at communityimpact.com for daily local updates.
SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JUNE 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BUSINESS FEATURE
BY MELISSA ENAJE
Store owner Robert O’Bannon’s dog, Cooper, spends time in the shop.
Multiple artists display their individual work for sale at The Missing Piece.
From pastas to hot sauces or marshmallow pastries, the household food section of The Missing Piece store showcases businesses that have a specialty in crafting food items. (Photos by Melissa Enaje/Community Impact)
If a local small business is interested in becoming a vendor, here are the steps to take: • Fill out online application on store website • Include list of products to sell • Provide images of products • Determine amount of retail space needed • Fill out lease terms • Submit retail request application • The Missing Piece team will respond when/if interested HOW TO JOIN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Missing Piece Retail store allows owners to keep daytime jobs while growing businesses T he year 2021 was a de ning year for marketing company owner Robert O’Bannon. Houston companies without the nancial commitments associated with owning property. the tools, and go through a process of learning how to be in business,” he said. Depending on the season, visitors
While attending outdoor markets in Houston, he witnessed the overall impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local businesses, from store closures to people losing their jobs. It was at an outdoor market in September 2021 where O’Bannon teamed up with Amy Thomas, a local pastry chef and business owner, to come up with a new concept he thought could change the conversa- tion on small-business ownership. In November 2021, the Missing Piece opened in Rice Village as a self-funded operation with a clear- cut mission: to provide a retail and online presence for the smallest of
“What we have provided is a space for small businesses to be seen seven days a week without the commit- ment and the liability of being in retail on their own in a very a uent neighborhood, with us pretty much providing everything they need to be in business,” O’Bannon said. What that translates to in 2023 is a business model O’Bannon said represents more than 100 di erent brands that are 94% women-owned. Some business owners participate in the shop’s incubator development program, O’Bannon said. “They would keep their daytime job and get everything they need, all
who enter the Rice Village retail store can expect a hodgepodge of items including seasonal gifts, soaps or homemade sweets. An array of jewelry, artwork and home goods are stacked along the wall or on shelves. As far as the future is concerned, O’Bannon said he is looking into expansions into other markets, including potential storefronts in Montrose, Dallas, College Station or Austin. Over time, each city would have its own “missing piece” in the small-business retail puzzle. “I’m just doing my little part,” O’Bannon said.
The Missing Piece 2476 Times Blvd., Houston 281-846-6914
www.themissingpiecehtx.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JUNE 2023
CITY & COUNTY
News from Bellaire, Houston, Harris County & West University Place
Harris County Commissioners Court will meet for its regular meeting at 10 a.m. June 27 at 1001 Preston St., Ste. 934, Houston. Meetings are livestreamed at www.harriscountytx.gov. Bellaire City Council will meet at 7 p.m. June 19 at 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire. www.bellairetx.gov. West University Place City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. June 12 at 3800 University Blvd., West University Place. www.westutx.gov. Houston City Council will meet for public comment at 2 p.m. June 13 and regular business at 9 a.m. June 14 at City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston. www.houstontx.gov/htv. MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS BELLAIRE City Council members voted unanimously May 15 to amend an ordinance on the city’s dumpsters in an effort to address noise nuisances. Dumpster servicing hours will be 8 a.m.-7 p.m., rather than 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Warning signs will be required at the opening of dumpsters for greater visibility. Dumpsters shall have lids, which must remain closed except when they are being loaded or unloaded.
Susan Sample wins re-election for West University Place mayor BY SHAWN ARRAJJ streets and water quality.
Harris County approves guidelines for tax incentives HARRIS COUNTY Commissioners voted 4-0 on May 2 to approve updated guidelines that must be met for projects to qualify for tax abatement in Harris County’s reinvestment zones. BY MELISSA ENAJE
Harris Health officials to pitch $2.5B bond referendum
ALL VOTES COUNTED May 6 election results for mayoral and City Council races in the city of West University Place show Susan Sample re-elected as mayor.
QUOTE OF NOTE “We have a responsibility to promote equitable economic growth and shared prosperity. When companies get a break, our communities should benefit, too.” RODNEY ELLIS, HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 1 COMMISSIONER
Winner
BY SHAWN ARRAJJ
WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE Susan Sample won her re-election bid for mayor in the city of West University Place in elections that took place May 6. In the race for West University Place City Council, John Montgomery, Shan- non Carroll, Clay Brett and Matt Hart finished as the top vote-getters and will take the four seats on the council. The vote: Sample earned 67.8% of the votes against her opponent John Barnes. Meanwhile, Montgomery, Carroll, Brett and Hart each finished with 24.4%, 21.6%, 21.2% and 19.1% of the votes, respectively. Quote of note: Sample, an attorney and the incumbent in the race, said her top priorities include public safety, making drainage improvements, and improving quality of life for residents via initiatives such as parks, safe
“Congratulations to all the candi- dates who ran—your willingness to serve our city is part of what makes [West U] a great place to live,” Sample said in a May 8 Facebook post. “I hear your desire to keep [West U] moving forward.” Zooming in: Sample previously served as mayor from 2015-19 before being elected again in 2021. Before the election, two of the four seats on the council were held by Montgomery and Carroll; one was held by Barnes, who vacated the seat to run for mayor; and one was held by Melanie Bell, who did not run for re-election. How it works: All council members and the mayor serve two-year terms and cannot serve more than three consecutive terms. Candidates are elected on a nonpartisan basis.
HARRIS COUNTY Officials with Harris Health plan to pitch a $2.5 billion bond referendum to Harris County Commissioners Court that would help fund a new Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, renovations to the existing LBJ building, improvements to Ben Taub Hospital and improve- ments to outpatient clinic access in underserved parts of the county. As of press time, officials were slated to present the bond to commis- sioners at the court’s June 6 meeting. Commissioners are not expected to vote until August on whether the ref- erendum would be placed on ballots this November for voter approval. If approved, the bond is estimated to raise monthly property taxes by less than $6 for the owner of a home valued at $300,000, based on Harris County budget office projections.
WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE MAYOR
What happened: Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis said Harris County’s updated guidelines aim to increase and strengthen existing community benefits and worker protections. City of Houston officials said 28 sites are designated as tax increment reinvestment zones. According to Texas Tax Code, a county or municipality may designate a geographic area as a TIRZ to promote development or redevelopment, and attract new invest- ment in an area. Cities around Texas try to boost devel- opment in underperforming areas by creating TIRZs. Tax abatements, also known as a reduction or exemption, can be effective for a maximum of 10 years. The details: The policy builds on changes for compet- itive wages, access to affordable health care and safety training, and encourages minority- and women-owned businesses to participate in developing projects in TIRZ areas. According to documents, the policy updates will: • Incentivize businesses to reduce carbon emissions • Create job opportunities that require at least 50% of new hires at a project location to be Harris County residents
Susan Sample: 1,594 votes
67.8%
32.2% John Barnes: 757 votes
WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE CITY COUNCIL 24.3%
• Require a minimum of 25 new full-time permanent positions to be created per project site • Require that full-time employees be paid a fair wage and offered affordable health care plans • Mandate a Fair Chance Hiring plan, meaning residents would not have to disclose state criminal histories on their job application • Prevent contractors with Occupational Safety and Health Administration violations from working on projects • Prohibit contractors with outstanding wage theft claims or a recent history of wage thefts
John Montgomery: 1,776 votes
Shannon Carroll: 1,573 votes
21.6%
Clay Brett: 1,545 votes Matt Hart: 1,394 votes
21.2%
19.1%
Buckley Morlot: 1,005 votes
13.8%
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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HOSPITALS
News & information on local hospitals in Houston
2023 HEALTH CARE EDITION
7 St. Luke’s Health-Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center Trauma level: N/A NICU level: N/A Number of beds: 881 Number of physicians: 2,000 Number of nurses: 1,490 One unique program or procedure: The Texas Heart Institute is a national leader in
Methodist Hospital is one of the nation’s top volume multi-organ transplant centers and recently completed its 10,000th organ transplant. 6565 Fannin St., Houston 713 790 3311 www.houstonmethodist.org/ texas-medical-center 4 Kindred Hospital Houston Medical Center Trauma level: N/A NICU level: N/A Number of beds: 116 Number of physicians: data not provided Number of nurses: data not provided One unique program or procedure: hospital did not respond by press time 6441 Main St., Houston 713 790 5000 www.kindredhealthcare.com 5 Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital Trauma level: IV NICU level: III Number of beds: 543 Number of physicians: 1,300-plus Number of nurses: 900-plus One unique program or procedure: MHSW has received Age-Friendly Health System- Committee to Care Excellence designation and has an Acute Care for Elders unit. 7600 Beechnut St., Houston 713 456 5000 www.memorialhermann.org 6 Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and Memorial Hermann Rockets Orthopedic Hospital
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cardiology and heart surgery. 6720 Bertner Ave., Houston 832 355 1000 www.stlukeshealth.org 8 Texas Children’s Hospital
HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center
COURTESY ST. LUKE’S HEALTH
HOSPITAL UPDATES St. Luke’s Health-Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center O cials from St. Luke’s Health opened the O’Quinn Medical Tower on April 14 at the Baylor St. Luke’s McNair Medical Campus, located at 1919 Old Spanish Trail, Houston. The $1.3 billion 12-story tower adds more than 400,000 square feet to the McNair campus. The tower serves as an outpatient care facility and the new clinical home for the comprehensive cancer center. It expands the ambulatory surgery center with 12 new operating rooms and 10 new endoscopy suites. It will also include more than 70 exam rooms, as well as state-of-the-art imaging and treatment equipment. Amenities to the site include balcony gardens, curated artwork, food, retail and green space. Houston Methodist Hospital O cials with the Houston Methodist Hospital system are working on the buildout of a new health care innovation space at the Ion building to be modeled after Methodist’s Center for Innovation Technology Hub in the Texas Medical Center. The tech hub, expected to be completed in July, will occupy an approximately 1,200-square-foot space at the Ion’s Midtown campus, located at 4201 Main St., Houston. It will initially be used for informational and educational programming while also serving as a place where other Ion tenants can network and receive mentoring.
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Trauma level: I NICU level: IV Number of beds: 745 Number of physicians: data not provided Number of nurses: 2,501 One unique program or procedure: A specially designed program for adults with congenital heart disease is backed by the nation’s No. 1 pediatric heart center and with congenital heart experts. 6621 Fannin St., Houston 832 824 1000 www.texaschildrens.org 9 Texas Orthopedic Hospital Trauma level: N/A (Level IV emergency room) NICU level: N/A Number of beds: 42 inpatient, 26 observation Number of physicians: data not provided Number of nurses: data not provided One unique program or procedure: One of the only specialty hospitals in the country focusing solely on orthopedics. 7401 S. Main St., Houston 713 799 8600 www.texasorthopedic.com 10 The Woman’s Hospital of Texas Trauma level: N/A NICU level: IV Number of beds: 403 Number of physicians: data not provided Number of nurses: data not provided One unique program or procedure: The hospital is a designated Level IV maternal facility, the highest level of care recognized by the state. 7600 Fannin St., Houston 713 790 1234 www.womanshospital.com
1 Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital Trauma level: I NICU level: III Number of beds: 402 Number of physicians: 1,110 Number of nurses: 1,036 (full-time nurses) One unique program or procedure: In 2022, Ben Taub introduced minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures for eligible patients su ering from heart valve failure. 1504 Taub Loop, Houston 713 873 2000 www.harrishealth.org 2 HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center Trauma level: N/A NICU level: N/A Number of beds: 382 Number of physicians: data not provided Number of nurses: data not provided One unique program or procedure: HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center provides some of the most advanced cardiovascular procedures o ered in Houston. 1313 Hermann Drive, Houston 713 527 5000 www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com/ medical-center 3 Houston Methodist Hospital Trauma level: N/A NICU level: II Number of beds: 946 Number of physicians: 3,038 Number of nurses: 9,006 One unique program or procedure: Houston
Trauma level: I NICU level: IV Number of beds: 1,251 Number of physicians: 2,076 Number of nurses: 3,711
One unique program or procedure: The Red Duke Trauma Institute has one of the busiest Level I trauma centers in the nation and is also home to Memorial Hermann Life Flight, the only hospital-based air ambulance program in Houston. 6411 Fannin St., Houston 713 704 4000 www.memorialhermann.org
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JUNE 2023
BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS
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WEST UNIVERSITY
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DEVELOPMENT
Methodist Hospital’s application for Bellaire location set for June public hearing
BY MELISSA ENAJE
former Randall’s at 5130 Bellaire Blvd., including a small one-story commer- cial building occupied by a Subway restaurant, would all be demolished, according to city documents. Quotes of note: “I still keep going back to it’s the only downtown we have. Do we want to ll up the only downtown we have with an o ce building?” Commissioner Cindy Preble said at the April meeting. “No grocery store wants to be across the street from H E B. With Methodist, it did work out. I’m in favor of this,” Commissioner Jonathan Reichek said at the meeting. How we got here: In September 2022, Page Southerland Page Inc. gave a preliminary presentation of the devel- opment to the planning and zoning commission on behalf of Methodist Hospital. Since then, the development has
The city of Bellaire’s downtown commercial corridor could be the site for a Methodist Hospital medical o ce building and three other retail buildings. After the Bellaire Planning and Zoning Commission approved an application by a 3-2 vote in April, it advanced to the next step, which included a public hearing June 5, after press time. What’s next? After the June 5 public hearing, Development Services Director Travis Tanner said the Bellaire City Council would take action on the request at a subsequent meeting. The date for the meeting has not been decided yet, but would be scheduled following the June hearing. It will be a two-meeting process, Tanner said. If City Council votes in favor of the application, existing buildings on the approximately 3.19-acre site at the
Methodist Hospital has proposed a three-story medical o ce building in Downtown Bellaire with an attached two-story parking garage.
RENDERING COURTESY BELLAIRE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AGENDA
been updated in size and scope from what was a ve-story structure. The new proposed project includes three one-story retail buildings and a three-story medical o ce building with an attached two-story parking garage along with an additional subsur- face parking level. The speci cs: Methodist plans to use the site to o er more primary care, spe- cialty care and ancillary services—such as palliative care, home health and dialysis—to the Bellaire community.
CEDARST.
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JUNE 2023
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