The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.
Heights River Oaks
Montrose Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 JULY 9AUG. 7, 2024
2024 Home Edition
Designed for connection
Uniti Montrose opened Houston’s rst coliving unit in June.
RENDERING COURTESY UNITI MONTROSE New communal housing options encourage community in Houston real estate market
facilities. In a November 2020 report by Cushman and Wakeeld, a global real estate company, ocials attributed the launch of coliving projects in Houston to an increased cost of living and lack of inventory.
cohousing development, will open in September in the east end. Communal living, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is a housing arrangement where indi- viduals or families often share common spaces and
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Houston is beginning to see the opening of some of the rst communal living projects within the city. Uniti Montrose, a coliving multifamily complex, opened in Montrose in June. CoHousing Houston, a
CONTINUED ON 10
Also in this issue
Premium sponsors
INSIDE
7
Impacts: Piano bar coming to North Montrose (Page 4)
Education: Houston ISD adopts budget for 202425 school year (Page 15)
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE where you need us
Convenient, easy-to-access locations for primary, specialty and emergency care We offer a full spectrum of care, including: • Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service • Specialists with innovative treatments and customized programs for all conditions • Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research
THE HEIGHTS
10
MEMORIAL
610
WEST UNIVERSITY
45
BELLAIRE
HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL
59
SOUTHSIDE PLACE
Houston Methodist Hospital Primary Care Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Emergency Care Breast Care Center Specialty Care
To find care near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/care-central or call 713.790.3333 .
2
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
About Community Impact
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
Market leaders & metro team
Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Carson Weaver Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills
Shawn Arrajj Senior Editor sarrajj@ communityimpact.com
Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Managing Copy Editor Beth Marshall Account Executive Leslie Gonzales Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Art Production Manager Kaitlin Schmidt
Jason Culpepper Publisher jculpepper@ communityimpact.com
Contact us
16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI Careers
We've teamed up to bring you more of the stories you care about.
Join CI Patron for exclusive newsletters and swag.
communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact hrmnews@communityimpact.com hrmads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising
© 2024 Community Impact Co. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.
Proudly printed by
Press releases
Advertising
Email newsletters
communityimpact.com/newsletter
WILL YOU FOSTER US? Fosters needed urgently! To start your foster journey, scan the QR code for more information and to apply.
3
HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION
W. 34TH ST.
Impacts
W. 25TH ST.
290
610
20TH ST.
• Opened June 3 • 1541 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 200, Houston • www.mainsqueezejuiceco.com
3
T. C. JESTER BLVD.
45
WHITE OAK BAYOU
4 Adam Lippes The global luxury lifestyle brand and fashion designer offers the latest in luxury knitwear, outerwear, dresses, classic women’s basics and accessories. • Opened in May • 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. E110, Houston • www.adamlippes.com 5 Marine Layer The clothing brand sells sustainably and responsibly made clothes for men and women with designs inspired 6 Toca Madera The modern Mexican steakhouse on the ground floor of The Pavilion at The Allen features premium Australian and Japanese beef. Other items include the rose-shaped sashimi Mexicano with ahi tuna, and A5 wagyu tacos. • Opened June 18 • 1755 Allen Parkway, Ste. 101, Houston • www.tocamadera.com 7 ParkerJoe The store offers a curated selection of toys, games, apparel and books for boys as well as and Texas-themed stuffed animals. The shop caters to children from newborns to tweens. • Opened June 17 • 1965 W. Gray St., Houston • www.parkerjoe.com by coastal living. • Opened April 24 • 4088 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.marinelayer.com 8 Artechouse The 26,000-square-foot museum showcases over 18 installation pieces that range from cinematic experiences and laser performances to robotic and interactive artwork. • Opened June 21 • 600 W. 6th St., Houston • www.artechouse.com/location/houston
W. 11TH ST.
WHITE OAK DR.
W. 6TH ST.
WHITE OAK PARK
WASHINGTON AVE. BUFFALO PARK DR.
8
9
10
TAYLOR ST.
W. DALLAS ST.
MEMORIAL PARK
SAWYER ST.
W A S
BUFFALO BAYOU PARK
BUFFALO BAYOU
P K
45
15
6
610
14
W. GRAY ST.
10 POST OAK PKWY.
7
LOUISIANA ST.
11
13
4 16 5
527
WESTHEIMER RD. 1 2 KUESTER ST.
W. ALABAMA ST.
12
RICHMOND AVE.
69
288
MAP NOT TO SCALE TM; © 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
N
dishes while specializing in creative takes on Thai cuisine. The venue also features Thai dessert options and a cocktail menu. • Opened June 20 • 1402 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.thaitail.com 3 Main Squeeze Juice Co. The smoothie and juice bar franchise offers fruit- and vegetable-based smoothies, cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, acai bowls, lattes, breakfast sandwiches, toast and wraps.
Now open
1 The Marigold Club The restaurant provides classic French-inspired cuisine through the lens of London dining clubs. • Opened June 25 • 2531 Kuester St., Houston • Instagram: @marigoldclubhtx 2 Thai Tail The fast-casual Thai concept offers rice and noodle
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC MEETING AND OPEN HOUSE North Canal High Flow Diversion Channel Project Legacy Room at Houston City Hall 900 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas 77002 Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Submit questions or comments by emailing engage@houstontx.gov with “North Canal Project” and project number (M-43E101-0001-3) in the subject line, or via the online form at www.engagehouston.org/northcanal. Comments must be submitted by Thursday, Aug. 5, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. to be included in the meeting summary and environmental documentation.
4
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
9 Turner’s Cut The luxury steakhouse features rare cuts of meat from Japan and the Americas. • Opened June 28 • 811 Buffalo Park Drive, Ste. 160, Houston • www.turnerscut.com
that will feature restaurants, shops, and a luxury multifamily tower with boutique offices. • Opening in 2027 • Buffalo Speedway at Alabama Street, Houston • www.transwestern.com 13 Gala Design Studio The store offers a premier collection of European home and office brands. Products include high-end kitchen, closet and bathroom furnishings. • Opening in July • 2222 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.galadesign-studio.com 14 De Fortune The intimate cocktail bar will feature an international beverage menu and snack options. • Opening in late 2024 • 3515 W. Dallas St., Houston • www.regentsquare.com 15 The Kennedy The restaurant and piano bar will offer premium cuts of meat, hand-crafted cocktails and wines. • Opening in late summer • 3210 W. Dallas St., Houston • www.thekennedyhouston.com
Now open
Coming soon
10 Mack Allen’s The eatery—known for its fresh seafood, full oyster bar and prime steaks—is coming to the ground floor of the 5POP office building. • Opening in 2025 • 4400 Post Oak Parkway, Houston • www.cpgcre.com 11 Pok Pok Po The menu will be centered around fried chicken with inventive sides, and housemade condiments and sauces. • Opening in late summer • 3201 Louisiana St., Houston • www.pokpokpo.com 12 The RO Transwestern is developing a 17-acre, mixed-use project
16 Azumi The modern Japanese restaurant features an extensive nigiri, sashimi and maki roll selection, and larger plates such as wagyu short rib and yakisoba noodles. The beverage menu features signature cocktails, wines, over 60 sakes and 16 different bottles of Japanese whiskey. • Opened June 24 • 4444 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.azumirestaurant.com
Learning will never be this easy for your child again. Or as wondrous.
Did you know 90% of a child’s brain develops in the first five years? Since 1998, Primrose schools in Houston have been making the most of this important time by helping children grow the mental, physical and emotional skills that will set them up for success in the classroom and beyond.
Learn more about the 45 Primrose schools in Houston.
Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2024 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.
5
HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
WEDNESDAY • JULY 17, 2024 10:00 AM at HUNTERS CREEK HEARING AND BRAIN HEALTH
7667 WOODWAY DRIVE HOUSTON, TEXAS 77063
TUESDAY • AUGUST 6, 2024 12:00 PM at WEST UNIVERSITY 2929 W HOLCOMBE BOULEVARD HOUSTON, TEXAS 77025
AN EDUCATIONAL EVENT Have you heard? There are connections between our hearing and brain health. Join us to learn more about this important link from a local audiologist. We'll discuss how to hear with your brain, the relationship between hearing loss and cognition, training your brain to hear, and how hearing aids aren't the only solution to age-related hearing loss. Light refreshments will be served at Hunters Creek and a nutritious lunch will be provided at West University.
SCAN TO RSVP
RSVP online at bit.ly/HCWU071724
For more information, contact Kim Ward at kward@belmontvillage.com or 832-479-4426.
HUNTERS CREEK • WEST UNIVERSITY
©2024 Belmont Village, L.P. | ALF 106016, ALF 030197 | belmontvillage.com
6
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
BY COLBY FARR & CARSON WEAVER
Home Edition
2024
Readers, welcome to your annual CI Home Edition! This guide features news ranging from key real estate trends in the Heights-River Oaks- Montrose area to the slowing down of property value growth in Harris County. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—show them your gratitude by supporting local businesses. Our cover story this month takes a look at the debut of coliving and cohousing concepts in Houston. Reporter Cassandra Jenkins breaks down what coliving is and how it’s dierent from traditional apartment design while speaking with experts about how the new concept ts into Houston’s existing real estate landscape.
Premium sponsor:
Shawn Arrajj Senior Editor sarrajj@ communityimpact.com
Belmont Village Senior Living Belmontvillage.com/hunterscreek 832.479.4426 Best-in-class care and luxury hospitality are at your ngertips at Belmont Village Senior Living.
What's inside
Trends in the local home market (Page 8)
Property value growth slows in Harris County (Page 9)
Coliving concepts open in Houston (Page 10)
Multiple Listing Service rules changing
Stay tuned
After the policy changes take eect, a nal approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for later in November. “Houston is going to be aected like everyone else because it’s a national settlement,” Mouton said. “We’re no dierent than any other state.”
A $418 million settlement with the National Association of Realtors in March may impact fees for buyers, sellers and real estate agents, starting in August. The settlement—brought on by class-action lawsuits alleging brokerages inated buyer- seller commissions—will force the NAR to make policy changes to Multiple Listing Services, online platforms where real estate agents list homes. According to the settlement, sellers will pay smaller commissions and buyers will decide how much their agents are paid, among other changes. “When an agent searches for a home for their client, [the MLS tells] you what the listing agent is actually oering for compensation,” said Thomas Mouton, chair of the Houston Association of Realtors. “Now, that will not be displayed anywhere on the site.”
Updated MLS policies The changes outlined by the NAR settlement in March that go into eect in August include:
Compensation disclosures to sellers, and prospective sellers and buyers, are required. MLS participants can’t lter or restrict listings to clients based on the level of compensation oered to the agent. Listing agents can no longer make compensation oers to buyer agents on the MLS.
2024
March 15: Settlement agreement signed
April 24: Preliminary approval of settlement review granted by the court Aug. 17: Practice changes take eect; earliest day for lawsuit notications to be issued to those impacted
MLS users must enter an agreement with buyers before home tours.
Nov. 26: Final approval hearing for the settlement
SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS COMMUNITY IMPACT
7
HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION
Real estate
Four of five local ZIP codes saw lower median home sale prices in May 2024 when compared to May 2023. The 77019 ZIP code was the only one to see a rise in median price. Residential market data
Number of homes sold
May 2023
May 2024
+16.67%
-18.28%
-19.09%
+96.3%
-23.53%
77006
77007
77008
77019
77098
610
77008
45
10
Median home sales price
77007
May
2023
2024
59
77019
$682,000 $569,000 $637,037 $715,000 $1,374,989
$598,000 $544,850 $615,000 $767,000 $975,000
77006
77006
77098
77007
59
288
N
77008
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY VICTORIA HAWES JAMESTOWN ESTATE HOMES 832-296-1663 VH@JAMESTOWNESTATEHOMES.COM WWW.JAMESTOWNESTATEHOMES.COM
77019
77098
Advertise in the Education Edition
SALESSUPPORT@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM PRINT + DIGITAL PACKAGES | DIRECT MAIL
8
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
BY MELISSA ENAJE
Property value growth slows
Harris County trends
Total single-family homes sold
Median price of homes sold
Months’ supply of homes
95,302
$338,000 $330,000
1.3
2022 2023
2022 2023
Jan. 2022 Jan. 2023 Jan. 2024
2.6
83,854
3.3
More Harris County homeowners saw drops or smaller increases in property values compared to the past two years, according to values determined by the Harris Central Appraisal District as of Jan. 1, 2024. HCAD officials attributed the trend to increasing home inventories and fewer home sales. HCAD Chief Appraiser Roland Altinger said in a news release the Harris County housing market took a “breather this year” after several years in a row of rapid appreciation. Sales slowed in 2023, and prices rose slightly because of higher interest rates and mortgage rates, which Altinger said allowed home inventory to inch upward. “This year we are seeing a return to the usual increases and decreases in property values instead of the extraordinary growth of the past two years,” Altinger said. Residential properties have gone up an average of about 2.5% in value countywide when comparing values from Jan. 1, 2024, with those from Jan. 1, 2023, Altinger said. In submarkets covering the the Heights-River Oaks-Montrose area, values rose between 2% and 8% on average.
SOURCES: HARRIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Average home market value on Jan. 1
3%-5%
More than 5%
0%-2.9%
2 Lazybrook, Timbergrove, Shady Acres, Washington Corridor 1 River Oaks, Glencove, Crestwood 2023: $3,429,622.38 2024: $3,709,512.10 +8.2%
610
290
45
3
2
2023: $522,462.17 2024: $550,949.69
+5.5%
59
3 Heights, Studemont, Brooksmith, Norhill 2023: $751,278.26 2024: $781,123.63 +4%
10
5 Mandell, University of St. Thomas, Montrose, Old Fourth Ward 4 Afton Oaks, Highland Village, Weslayan, Greenway 2023: $1,063,435.21 2024: $1,106,257.98 +4%
1
5
610
4
45
69
288
2023: $641,165.21 2024: $654,063.10
+2%
N
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Zooming in
What residents should know
What’s next
In addition to the slowdown in property value increases, one 2023 change in state law also lowered property tax rates for school districts. The changes came after Texas vot- ers approved Proposition 4 in the November 2023 election. Proposition 4 was placed on ballots fol- lowing the passage of Senate Bill 2, authored by State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, during the 2023 Texas Legislature. The changes went into effect retroactively for 2023 tax bills, and Bettencourt’s office estimated the average Texan homeowner’s tax bill was lowered by $1,260 that year. Following the passage of Proposition 4: The state of Texas set aside $12.7B for school districts to allow them to lower tax rates by 10.7 cents per $100 of valuation. $5.6B went toward increasing the statewide homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000.
The deadline for homeowners to apply for property tax exemptions passed April 30. Meanwhile, the deadline to file a protest against a home value was May 15, or within 30 days of receiving a property value notice being mailed. However, county officials said property owners should take note of several other upcoming dates related to when tax rates are set and when bills will be mailed out.
Data by price range Harris County homes in the lower price ranges were more likely to see value decreases when comparing Jan. 1 data to the previous year. 57.5% decreased in value 28.8% increased in value 13.6% saw minimal change in value For homes valued between $200,000-$299,999: 34.1% decreased in value 58.1% increased in value 7.8% saw minimal change in value For homes valued between $450,000-$749,999: 52.7% decreased in value 37.4% increased in value 9.9% saw minimal change in value For homes valued between $300,000-$449,999:
August-October: Local jurisdictions adopt tax rates October/November: Tax bills are mailed Dec. 31: Last day to pay to use a deduction for the same year’s federal income tax
21.1% decreased in value 73.4% increased in value 5.5% saw minimal change in value For homes valued at $750,000 and over:
SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY TAX-ASSESSOR COLLECTOR, HARRIS COUNTY VOTER REGISTRAR OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: HARRIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: SENATE BILL 2/COMMUNITY IMPACT
9
HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
From the cover
Designed for connection
The overview
Uniti Montrose features Fully furnished Utilities included
Private space Bedrooms, bathrooms, closets Shared space Kitchen Living/ dining area Washer/ dryer area Balcony
The first two coliving concepts broke ground in Houston in 2022 two months apart. Ground broke in September 2022 on the 374-bed, nine-story Uniti Montrose, and pre-leasing began in June. Residents can rent a private room, which includes a bed, nightstand, desk and private bathroom, in a three- or four- bedroom apartment, project officials said. Roommates share the fully-furnished living room and kitchen. The property also offers traditional studio, one- and two- bedroom units along with a variety of amenities. Meanwhile, ground broke in October 2022 on a Museum District project by the Chicago-based developer X Company. The 646-bed, 33-story building was anticipated to open in late 2024, but progress halted in October, according to Hoar Construction, the general contractor. Officials did not provide a reason for the delay. Houston will also see its first cohousing community this year. Cohousing, according to the Cohousing Association of the United States, provides self- contained private units and individual home ownership. CoHousing Houston, located at 114 Delmar St., will offer a mix of one- to four-bedroom homes that will face inward toward a 4,000-square-foot common house with guest rooms and a community dining space, as well as two flex rooms, a pool, playground and garden.
Necessities stocked Library, meeting rooms, etc.
527
RICHMOND AVE.
59
69
NOTE: SITE PLAN NOT TO SCALE
N
CoHousing Houston features Common house with guest rooms Community dining space On-site compositing Shared internet service
Private space Individual one- to four-bedroom homes
Shared space Garages and parking lots Green spaces Common house
NOTE: SITE PLAN NOT TO SCALE
N
N
SOURCES: UNITI MONTROSE, COHOUSING HOUSTON//COMMUNITY IMPACT
Who’s it for
roommates that you may or may not previously know, and the operations of the building itself also has a big emphasis on community. You are encouraged to go out and work and live in other parts of the building. That generates even more community.” The National Institutes of Health found in a 2020 study that cohousing decreases isolation in seniors, positively impacts residents’ quality of life and has both physical and mental health benefits. Soika, who lived in a cohousing unit in Col- orado before moving to Houston, said another benefit of cohousing is sustainability. “Our homes are intentionally smaller, and because we spend more time together, we use our resources more wisely,” she said. Homes in CoHousing Houston are equipped with solar panels and geothermal heat exchange. There is also an on-site composting facility and garden, and residents will share internet access.
Lynn Morstead and Kelli Soika, creators of the CoHousing Houston model, said bringing the con- cept of cohousing to the city was about building relationships and creating a shared community. “It’s designed for connection,” Morstead said. “It is designed to increase your chances of run- ning into other community members. Here, we want you to get to know your neighbors. We are kind of counterculture in the real estate market that way.” According to the World Economic Forum, a nonprofit international advocacy group, the No. 1 benefit to communal living is the ability to socialize. Jorge Adler, director of investments for Civitas Capital Group, a developer of Uniti Montrose, said coliving, like cohousing, is also designed to create community connections. “People really enjoy living in coliving commu- nities because they are able to meet other peo- ple,” he said. “By default you are getting to meet
Pros and cons of communal living
Pros: • More affordable • Comes with a built-in community • Creates more socialization • More sustainable • Proven to improve mental health • Full-service amenities
Cons: • Less privacy
• Potential conflict with roommates • The togetherness can be too much • More restrictive property rights
SOURCE: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM/COMMON/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Looking ahead
The cost
According to The Shelter Companies, a private real estate company focused on multifamily housing, coliving units provide approximately 20%-30% savings in nominal rent compared to traditional multifamily. Rent at Uniti Montrose starts at $1,200 for a private bedroom, which includes all utilities, main- tenance and the daily cleaning of common areas, including living rooms and kitchens. According to MRI ApartmentData, a real estate data software company, the average cost of rent in the Montrose/ Museum/Midtown submarket in May was $1,966. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual median wage for all occupations in the Houston region was $63,510 in May. Experian, a credit reporting company, adivses residents to keep rent within 30% of income, meaning $1,587 per month for the average Houstonian. Bruce Mcclenny, president of MRI Apartment- Data, said he believes the reason coliving has been slow to reach Houston is because of its affordability.
Mark Drumm, managing partner at The Shelter Companies, said despite Houston’s more affordable cost of living, people still need a cost-effective housing option in the city, especially in more expensive submarkets such as the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose.
Comparing rental rates Financial experts recommend spending no more than 30% of one’s income on rent. Uniti Montrose $1,200* Someone earning the median wage in Houston should
He said he anticipates coliving will continue to grow in the region and the state.
aim to spend no more than $1,587 per month on rent.
Average rent in Montrose $1,966
“Coliving will expand across the country,” Drumm said. “There is high demand in urban locations within major metropolitan areas; it will become a larger and larger part of the multifamily rental spectrum over time.” The Shelter Companies and Civitas Capital Group is anticipated to open another coliving project in the Bishop Arts District in Dallas later this year.
SOURCES: APARTMENTDATA.COM, UNITI MONTROSE, KINDER INSTITUTE OF URBAN RESEARCH/COMMUNITY IMPACT *NOTE: PRIVATE BEDROOM STARTING PRICE, RENTS VARY BASED ON UNIT SIZE
“Some of the elements that cause people to gravi- tate toward [coliving] is cost,” he said. “Houston, for a big city, is incredibly affordable.” According to the 2023 C2ER Cost of Living Index, Houston is 28% below the average cost of living among the most populous U.S. metros.
PRIMARY CARE QUALITY CARE FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
11
HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
Transportation
Government
BY SHAWN ARRAJJ
BY MELISSA ENAJE & CASSANDRA JENKINS
Freedmen’s Town street plan advances
Harris County revives nonviolent 911 program Harris County commissioners voted 4-1 on June 4, with Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ram- sey dissenting on all three votes, to continue and expand a countywide program that aims to use hospital-based interventions for nonemergency 911 calls instead of law enforcement. The details The Holistic Assistance Response Team pro- gram, referred to as HART, was created in March 2022 to improve community health and safety by providing responses to residents experiencing homelessness, behavioral health issues, or none- mergency health or social welfare concerns. HART dispatches 911 calls to interdisciplinary, unarmed rst responder teams trained in behav- ioral health and on-scene medical assistance. The program was paused in May after commis- sioners failed to reach an agreement on whether
Houston adopts budget, approves settlement
HART engages underserved residents by linking them to needed services. People served by HART since 2022
Details are emerging on a project seeking to improve street surfaces and underground infra- structure along two streets in Freedmen’s Town, with ocials emphasizing the preservation of the town’s historic brick streets. Ocials with the Houston Public Works Depart- ment and TEI Planning + Design—the engineering rm brought on to lead the development of a design concept report—gave updates on the project at an April 23 community meeting. Goals include: • Upgrading underground utilities, some of which are more than 100 years old and contribute to street ooding issues • Improving walkability • Designating street car tracks in a way that recog- nizes their historical signicance Freedmen’s Town was founded by freed African Americans shortly after the emancipation of slavery in Texas in 1865, with early founders
laying brick streets by hand. The process of preserving the historic streets has involved a visual assessment almost by the square foot, said Geo Carleton, a senior principal with TEI. The city of Houston has committed to bringing a cultural monitor on board to oversee the process. Other design options are being considered with an eye toward highlighting the community’s history, including blue tile street names, ways to designate the historic street car track and other street scape elements. Ocials are also looking to make use of a triangular section of city-owned land at West Dallas and Wilson streets that could function as a gateway to the community. Project ocials said work on a design concept report is nearing completion, at which point a cost estimate will be released. Procuring a design consul- tant could take 8-12 months, and design work could take another year. Construction could take 18-24 months depending on the direction of the project.
Mental health/substance use
172
Housing/shelter
118
Houston City Council approved a $6.7 billion balanced budget for scal year 2024- 25 that will focus primarily on public safety infrastructure and drainage. Breaking it down The city’s general fund totals $3.3 bil- lion, an increase of $74.3 million from FY 2023-24. The budget funds a 10% base pay increase for reghters, a 3.5% pay raise for police, and six police cadet classes and ve re cadet classes. Houston City Council members also voted June 12 on the issuance of a $650 million refunding bond related to a settlement to end a pay parity dispute with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association.
Food assistance
69
Other
60
The historic brick streets of Freedmen’s Town were laid by freed African Americans shortly after emancipation.
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTHCOMMUNITY IMPACT
to pay Disaster Emergency Medical Assistance Consulting and Management, the vendor oversee- ing it. At the June meeting, commissioners also voted 4-1 to pay the vendor’s $200,000 invoice and improve the contract’s language to avoid further discrepancies. They also voted 4-1 on a seven-part plan to create an internal county system to oversee the HART program instead of contracting with an outside vendor.
SHAWN ARRAJJCOMMUNITY IMPACT
. D A L L A S S T .
45
ANDREWS ST.
N
HOUSTON SUPERSTORE 2410 Smith Street (713) 526-8787
WESTCOTT AND MEMORIAL 5818 Memorial Dr (713) 861-4161
SHEPHERD 1900 S Shepherd (713) 529-4849
Don’t stop living to do your banking.
Easily manage your money whenever and wherever you want with myTrustmark ® mobile banking. Download the app and enroll today.
trustmark.com
TOP DOCTORS • HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS • BEST TECHNOLOGY
OUR MAIN SERVICES ARE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS .
• Stem Cell/Amniotic Injections • Fungal Toenail Treatment and Laser • Endoscopic Neuroma Surgery • Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy • Tarsal Tunnel Decompression • Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment • Peripheral Nerve Decompression/Surgery
• #1 Wound Specialist • Heel Pain Treatment / Plantar Fasciitis • Wart Radiation using Swift Technology • Ingrown Toenail Permanent Correction • Bunion 3D Correction Lapiplasty • Fracture Correction and Repair • Tendon Repair and Achilles • Hammertoe/Curved Toe Correction • Acoustic Wave Ultrasound/Shockwave
• Physical Therapy in Office • Orthotics Custom Molded
Check out our blog with everything about foot health! www.doctorsinc.net/blog
REVIEWS
5.0
Hablamos Español 24/7 Assistance
The Woodlands 111Vision Park Blvd. Ste. 240, The Woodlands, TX 77384 www.Doctorsinc.net 936-273-6000 Monday - Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM PROMOTIONAL CODE FOR FREE APPOINTMENT JJULY 2024
CHECK OUT OUR NEW ONLINE STORE RECEIVE $30 OFF FOR INTRODUCTORY OFFER COUPON: NEW30
COME IN THIS MONTH AND GET A 3D SCAN AND $150 OFF ON CUSTOM ORTHOTICS AND $200 OFF ON THE SECOND PAIR. ADULTS AND KIDS CODE: JULYPROMOTION PROMOTIONAL COUPONS YOU MUST BRING PHYSICAL COPY TO REDEEM COUPON
WOUND TREATMENT + FREE CONSULTATION PRIORITY FOR MEDICARE PATIENTS
PROMOTIONAL COUPONS YOU MUST BRING PHYSICAL COPY TO REDEEM COUPON (CERTAIN CONDITIONS
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY WESLEY GARDNER
Houston ISD board managers approved a $2.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2024-25 during a June 13 board meeting. Board managers voted 5-4 to approve the budget, the board’s closest vote since they and Superintendent Mike Miles were appointed to lead the district by the Texas Education Agency in June 2023. While board managers Cassandra Auzenne Bandy, Michelle Cruz Arnold, Rolando Martinez and Adam Rivon voted against the budget, they did not openly talk about their decision to cast dissenting votes. Despite dealing with a nearly $528 million budget gap largely attributed to a declining student population, average teacher salaries will increase from $68,250 in FY 2023-24 to $77,300 in FY 2024-25. HISD approves $2.1B budget
Budget cuts by department
A closer look
Percent change
2024-25
Human resources $110M $13M -88.18% 2023-24
During a June 10 workshop, Miles said the FY 2024-25 budget will reduce operational spending by about $500 million compared to the FY 2023-24 budget. Cuts include roughly 1,500 layoffs in the district’s central office, including in the human resources, operations and academics offices. The district is allocating about $684 million toward the funding of 130 “New Education Sys- tem” or “NES” campuses. NES campuses, which include centralized schedules with longer school days as well as district-approved classroom instruction and lessons, have been a cornerstone of Miles’ overhaul of the district. Eighty-five of HISD’s 274 campuses operated within the NES model in the 2023-24 school year, and an additional 45 schools will be under that umbrella in the fall. Although NES campuses are projected to have around 23,000 fewer students than non-NES campuses next year, the FY 2024-25 budget allocates about $27 million more to NES campuses,
Operations
$224M
$123M
-45.09%
Information technology $117M $49M -58.12%
Academics office
$186M
$117M
-37.1%
SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
or roughly $2,500 more per student. Miles said the extra money pays for added staff members, new curriculum and higher teacher salaries. During FY 2024-25, average salaries at NES campuses will increase to $84,400, com- pared to $77,300 at non-NES schools. Miles said around $131 million was drawn from reserves to help balance the budget, leaving $801 million in reserves.
AUSTIN DALLAS HOUSTON SAN ANTONIO SALE SALE SALE
Introducing Farouq Lakhani, LMSW Farouq specializes in Anxiety, Depression and Family Conflict with Teens and Adults. He is immediately available online & in-person! Introducing Alfonso Tejada, LPC! Alfonso specializes in Anxiety, Relationships and many more issues.
CONTACT US FOR A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION Immediately Available Weekdays 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM in Sugar Land, TX CONTACT US FOR A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION
¡Hablo Español!
MOST MAJOR PPO INSURANCES ACCEPTED (AETNA, AMBETTER, ANTHEM/BCBS CIGNA, UNITED HEALTHCARE/OPTUM)
Most major PPO insurances accepted Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem/BCBS Cigna, United Healthcare/Optum
Riaz Counseling is now at the following address: 5353 West Alabama Street Suite 570 Houston, TX 77056
$5.00 OFF ANY SERVICE Cannot be combined with any other o�fers, expires 8/10/24
WE CATER TO GUYS OF ALL AGES!
SERVICES OFFERED:
- HAIRCUTS - BEARD TRIMS - MANICURES
- PEDICURES - BARBER SERVICES - KIDS CUTS
TUNEUPSALON.COM
SHOP ONLINE
JERSEY VILLAGE | 713.609.1946 17456 NORTHWEST FWY | HOUSTON, TX 77040
SILBER | 713.481.0380 7613 KATY FWY | HOUSTON, TX 77024
15
HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
live your best love life.
know your HIV care options and
Call 281.616.7015 to schedule an immediate appointment.
LegacyHIV.org
“More than furniture installation specialists,
we rethink commercial space to propel high-level success.”
TRANSFORM YOUR SPACES WITH HOUSTON INSTALLATION SERVICES
WE’VE BEEN REDEFINING COMMERCIAL SPACES SINCE 1974! IF YOU NEED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WE CAN HELP:
• Relocating to a new space or location • Moving to another suite within the building • Removing and disposing of excess furniture • Reconfiguring of your current office space
• Installing of desks, chairs, pedestals or credenzas & more • Hanging of artwork
EXPERTS AT ANY TASK - FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING - SPACE PLANNING SERVICES - CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE
CALL US TODAY & SCHEDULE (713) 462-7067
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Business
BY ASIA ARMOUR
Student chefs composed plates of sh, vegetables and rice in a May 30 class at Culinary Institute Lenotre.
ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT
The school has 14 kitchen laboratories and boasts small chef-instructor to student ratios for personalized training.
ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Culinary Institute Lenotre owners toast to 25 years Alain LeNotre comes from three generations of culinary professionals. The Culinary Institute Lenotre, which LeNotre founded in 1998, along- side his wife Marie, recently celebrated a 25-year milestone.
Alain and Marie LeNotre established the Culinary Institute Lenotre in 1998.
About the school Today, CIL oers associate degrees in hospitality and restaurant management, baking and culinary arts; as well as diploma programs in baking and culinary arts. The school hosts job fairs and several seminars for budding chefs and employers in the food and beverage industry. The institution boasts a low chef-instructor to student ratio for personalized instruction and 14 kitchen labs with individual work stations for each student to practice. To stay around for the next 25 years, LeNotre said the key will be to continue investing in his teaching sta. “When the recipe is good, you don’t change the recipe,” he said.
COURTESY CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE
RIGGS RD.
“It is more than pride,” LeNotre said. “It’s also a responsibility. We started with six students, and now there are more than 3,000 [graduates].” The backstory LeNotre said his father became a household name in the 1950s through an innovative concept of combining fresh pastries, bread, wine and a deli in one, upscale store. LeNotre said he urged his father to start a school. “I knew education was my calling,” he said.
45
N
7070 Allensby St. Houston www.culinaryinstitute.edu
What goes UP,
Stray bullets CAN KILL. If you hear celebratory gunfire: • Call 911 • Notify Crime Stoppers Anonymously at 713-222-TIPS
must come DOWN.
17
HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION
Reach out today and we’ll create a care team for you that includes nurses, clinicians, and your primary care doctor — all in one place. Our team will get to understand all the factors that affect your health so they can give you the very best care for your conditions. You get their time, you get their attention, you get the help you need.
Looking for a doctor? Ours are ready to see you now.
• Walk-ins welcome • Same-day appointments • Virtual visits • Extended hours offered at some locations • Medicare accepted at all Village Medical locations
Call 713.589.3999 or scan the code to schedule an appointment today. VillageMedical.com
Three convenient locations to serve you:
Village Medical at Greenway 4120 Southwest Fwy Ste200
Village Medical - River Oaks 4543 Post Oak Place, Ste. 105 Houston, TX 77027 M - F: 8am - 4:30pm
Village Medical - Heights South 600 N. Shepherd Dr. , Bldg 5, Ste. 530
Houston, TX 77027 M - F: 7am - 6pm
Houston, TX 77007 M - F: 8am - 5pm
VM0453-0524
What’s Your
&
Diabetes Status?
DAWN Center
(832-393-6700)
At Risk
Type 2 DM
Locations: Visit The Diabetes Awareness Wellness Network Center (DAWN)
If you or someone that you know is at risk of developing diabetes, the DAWN center can help. The DAWN Center provides diabetes self-management education and support, along with health-related services, to individuals living with diabetes or at risk for diabetes.
Alief Community Center 11903 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX 77072
Acres Homes MSC 6719 W. Montgomery Rd. Houston, TX 77091
Denver Harbor MSC 6402 Market St. Houston, TX 77020
Third Ward MSC 3611 Ennis St. Houston, TX 77004
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Do��y Da��a�� Bo��d��g Pe� Sp�
Virtually ip through any e-edition! Enhance your experience with hyperlinked stories and ads.
We are the place for every dog. We are experts in dog management. We create specialized playgroups.
LIMITED OFFERS:
1 FREE To��i� Ba�� a��e� ��u� fir�� ��g�� �� ��a��i��!
2 FREE Da�� o� Do� Da��a��!
Contact us today to schedule your free evaluation.
(346) 618 - 0368 1216 Durham Drive, Houston, TX, 77007 houstonheights@houndstownusa.com www.HoundsTownUSA.com/houstonheights
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM PRINTARCHIVES Snap or visit
19
HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION
NEW CLUBHOUSE IS OPEN!!! Pro Shop • Hitting Bays • Virtual Green Little Meadow Restaurant & Cocktails Golf Snack Bar • Beautiful Decks
HITTING BAY HAPPY HOUR $10 OFF Regular Rate M-Th 10:00 – 2:00
Expires 8/15/24 Must bring coupon
LITTLE MEADOW RESTAURANT AND COCKTAILS HAPPY HOUR 3:00P 6:00P 50% OFF HOUSE COCKTAILS10% OFF CALL COCKTAILS4.00 ANY BEER
8502 Rio Grande | Jersey Village, TX 77040 713-896-0900 | www.jerseymeadow.com
8/12/24
8/12/24
IKESCIMPACT
IKESCIMPACT
PHYSICIAN-OWNED AND STAFFED BY EXPERIENCED REGISTERED NURSES.
(713) 234-0086 2505 W. 11th Street, Suite 400 Houston, TX 77008 thedripbar.com/houston-heights $50 OFF THE FIRST LIFESTYLE DRIP (regular price $199) Better health begins with HEALTHY CELlS
20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
HOUSTON’S BEST KEPT SECRET
- Open daily at 7 am - Open for brunch, lunch, dinner & Social Hour (details on our website & social media) - Highest quality & freshest ingredients sourced locally - Kids eat FREE every Tuesday BUY ONE GET ONE After 6pm with ad. Dine in only. Cannot be used with other promotions. FREE ENTREE, SALAD OR SANDWICH
Our Services: Fat Reduction
Skin Tightening Custom Facials Microneedling Waxing Teeth Whitening BOTOX
Redeem coupon on your next visit at Avalon Body Sculpting and Skin Solutions
Offers apply to New Clients Only
45-minute Ultra Lift Skin Tightening (Face, Neck, Decollete)
90-minute Signature Facial Experience $85 (Reg $200)
1-hour Body Sculpting Experience
$100 (Reg $250)
$100 (Reg $250)
1050 YALE ST #100, HOUSTON, TX 77008 713-861-3474 • WWW.DISHSOCIETY.COM SCAN FOR MENUS.
Galleria Area 2400 AUGUSTA DR #215, HOUSTON, TX 77057 WWW.AVALONBODYSCULPTING.COM | Call or Text to Schedule (713) 234-5607
avalonbodysculpting1
avalonbodysculpting
avalon.body.sculpt
Custom Closets Garage Cabinets Home Offices Wall Beds Wall Organizers Pantries
Laundries Wall Units Hobby Rooms Garage Flooring Media Centers and more...
Imagine your home, totally organized!
SPECIAL FINANCING FOR 18 MONTHS With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details. Not available in all areas.
Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $1000 or more or 30% off any order of $700 or more on any complete custom closet, garage, or home office unit. Take an additional 15% off on any complete system order. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $600 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Expires 2/28/2023 . Offer not valid in all regions. Limited time offer. Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $1000 or more or 30% off any order of $700 or more on any complete custom closet, garage, or home office unit. Take an additional 15% off on any complete system order. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $600 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Discount Expires in 30 Days. Offer not valid in all regions. 40% Off plus 15% off & 18 months 0% financing 40 % Off Plus Free Installation 15% Off PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA
Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate 346 - 230 - 2667 www.closetsbydesign.com CI Follow us
21
HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
Primary care made easier for you.
Taking care of your health is easier with the right doctor. That’s why we’ve made it simpler to find the provider right for you, with 60+ locations in Greater Houston. Plus virtual office visits that bring the care to you, wherever you need it. That’s primary care designed around you. memorialhermann.org/mhmg 832.658.6464
Advancing health. Personalizing care.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12-13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24Powered by FlippingBook