Sugar Land - Missouri City Edition | February 2023

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 6 FEB. 14MARCH 8, 2023

REVITALIZING THE CITY As Sugar Land’s population growth is slowing, the city looks to attract new residents by investing in older homes. Ocials said they hope the investment will spur commercial growth.

New exhibit opens at Sugar Land science museum Knight Road extension project nears completion

Amount City Council will consider investing toward a revitalization program $2M

Area left in Sugar Land that remains undeveloped 4%

Percent of the city’s 28,861 housing units that were built before 1990 51.6%

SOURCES: CITY OF SUGAR LAND, SUGAR LAND ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT CORP. COMMUNITY IMPACT

Sugar Lands oldest neighborhoods lay close to the Imperial Sugar Mill, including this home in Sugar Hill. Sugar Land ocials hope new programs, older home investment will attract residents, businesses JACK DOWLINGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Transportation updates

With just 4% of the city’s incorporated acreage undevel- oped, the city of Sugar Land nds itself at a crossroads. The city’s lack of available land for development means the city must plan and execute a barrage of redevelopment strategies if it wants to remain competitive with area cities, Sugar Land Communications Director Doug Adolph said. U.S. Census Bureau data also shows a decline in population for the city of Sugar Land. BY JACK DOWLING

“To stay relevant with a competitive edge, while also preserving the quality of life for current and future resi- dents, we’ve got some choices to make,” he said. “We are no longer experiencing high growth, so it’s important for the city to start taking a look at areas that could benet from redevelopment and/or reinvestment.” To that end, Sugar Land is considering a home improve- ment grant program dubbed the “Great Homes Program.”

Build-to-rent residential community breaks ground

CONTINUED ON 18

Missouri City makes progress on 2021 bond projects

The city of Missouri City will make headway this year on projects from its $85.85 million bond referen- dum that was approved by voters in November 2021. The bond was split into three propositions allocating almost $51.62 million for street recon- struction and mobility initiatives, $11.22 million for facilities and almost $23.02 million for parks proj- ects. Since then, Missouri City BY JACK DOWLING & KELLY SCHAFLER

Nirmanz Food Boutique inspired by Bollywood

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

$3.5M earmarked to build Freedom

Tree Park adjacent to the historic tree

Join to receive exclusive Saturday news and more.

Missouri City will work on the design for the Freedom Tree Park project, which is one of several parks projects from the November 2021 bond.

CONTINUED ON 21

COURTESY CITY OF MISSOURI CITY

COMPLEX NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS Treated in Sugar Land

At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, our physicians collaborate across specialties to diagnose and treat common to complex neurological disorders. With innovative and advanced treatment options, we provide personalized comprehensive care — close to home.

Our team of physicians treats a variety of conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders • Aneurysms • Brain tumors • Multiple sclerosis • Neuropathy

• Parkinson’s disease and tremors • Sleep disorders • Spinal disorders • Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)

SCAN HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code , visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.274.7979 .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Fort Bend Independent School District prepares students for success in life and career. From early childhood to young adulthood, FBISD’s premier educational experience inspires and equips all students for futures beyond what they can imagine!

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

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THIS ISSUE

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FROM KELLY: Our front-page stories this month focus on the cities of Missouri City and Sugar Land. Missouri City makes way this year on its $85.85 million bond program approved by voters in November 2021. The bond focuses on parks, transportation and facilities projects. The other front-page story dives into Sugar Land’s future, and how ocials at the city are planning to attract more residents and commercial businesses to keep the city on a path to success. Kelly Schaer, MANAGING EDITOR

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

IMPACTS

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

W . B E L L F O R T B L V D .

W . A I R P O R T

99 TOLL

SUGAR CREEK CENTER BLVD.

CITYPARK DR.

COMMERCE GREEN BLVD.

Lago Mariscos

COURTESY EV1PRO

children ages 2-5. The preschool opened its doors for early admissions Jan. 30. 713-551-3955. www.shanellsplayhouse.net 5 Pop Top Burgers & Gyros held a grand opening Jan. 21 at 4767 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, following its soft launch in early December, marketing agent Ganbayar Gansukh said. The eatery offers specialty burgers made halal including the Razz Burger, which is topped with raspberry sauce and cream cheese. The menu also includes various gyros, homemade onion rings, wings, a fried burrito and milkshakes. Pop Top’s original location is in Webster. 346-450-5400. www.poptopburgerstx.com COMING SOON 6 Craft cocktail bar The Perfect Round will open in mid- to late February at 18730 University Blvd., Sugar Land. In ad- dition to handcrafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients, the bar will feature three golfing simulators, where patrons can access 200 courses and a driving range, Director of Operations Michael Downing said. The Perfect Round will also include an outdoor patio and food options. The business has two other loca- tions in the Houston area in Fulshear and Conroe. www.theperfectroundgolf.com 7 DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks , a Texas-based franchise, aims to open in late February at 4875 Hwy. 6, Ste. C, Mis- souri City, franchisee owner Alex Sowell said via email. The eatery’s menu will feature hand-tossed pizzas, sandwiches such as the Philly cheesesteak, appetiz- ers and desserts. It will also feature the

MISSOURI CITY

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KITTY HOLLOW PARK

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NOBLE SEVEN LN.

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NOW OPEN 1 Lago Mariscos , a new concept from the Cabrera family, opened Jan. 25 at 2329 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land. The Cabreras are behind various other Houston-based restaurants, such as Los Cucos Mexican Cafe, Vida Mariscos and Gauchos Do Sul, location owner Sergio Cabrera said. Similar to Vida Mariscos, Lago Mariscos serves traditional Mexican food and fresh seafood dishes, including ceviche and oysters. It also offers a variety of mi- cheladas and margaritas. 346-391-5279. www.lagomariscos.com

2 Family-owned eatery Swamp Chicken soft opened Jan. 14 and held its grand opening Feb. 3 at 8035 Hwy. 6, Missouri City, owner Terrie Mason said in an email. The family, which is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offers authentic Cajun food at the eatery as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu items include boudin stuffed wings, swamp tacos, shrimp and crawfish etouffee. 281-969-8945. www.swampchickenmocity.com 3 Wine Vibes , a 4,181-square-foot “micro-winery,” opened Feb. 7 at 9018 Sienna Crossing Drive, Missouri City. At the winery, guests can enjoy tastings,

bottle wine and design custom labels. The winery offers bottle sales, bar service, club memberships and bistro-style service, as well as event space, per a news release. The concept is owned by three women, Sheri Lawal Price, Phelicia Colvin and Tamesha Hampton. Price said the small- scale winery sources ingredients from local farmers and partners. 281-710-4320. www.winevibesmicrowinery.com 4 Preschool Shannell’s Playhouse is set to open Feb. 13, after press time. The preschool, located at 18722 University Blvd., Ste. 100, Sugar Land, offers a learn- ing environment and child care service for

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY JACK DOWLING, RENEE FARMER & KELLY SCHAFLER

The Perfect Round

Big Chicken

COURTESY THE PERFECT ROUND

COURTESY BIG CHICKEN

The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land opened a new exhibit Jan. 27.

eatery’s staple Peproni Rolls, which is a hand-tossed roll with pepperoni and smoked provolone cheese. The location will also offer dine-in, delivery, curbside pickup and carryout for customers. www.doubledaves.com 8 Salad and Go , a healthy-living drive-thru, is set to open its Sugar Land location by fall of this year, according to information provided by a Salad and Go spokesperson Jan. 17. Previous reporting showed a construction date as late as Dec. 12. Located at 18830 Noble Seven Lane, Sugar Land, the eatery will offer salads, wraps, soups and breakfasts, as well as cold drinks and cold brew cof- fees, all in a drive-thru exclusive setup. www.saladandgo.com 9 PJ’s Coffee is set to open in late spring at 17211 W. Grand Parkway S., Sugar Land, a PJ’s spokesperson said via email. PJ’s Coffee is a New Orleans-based coffee franchise that serves coffee, cold brew iced coffee, teas, and blended frozen coffee drinks and smoothies. The coffee chain has multiple locations in 14 states across the U.S., according to the website. www.pjscoffee.com 10 Laser cut and interior design space AALVO is opening its first storefront in March. The store opened online in 2018 but is now set for a physical storefront that startup owner Amy Chantra said she hopes will provide a space for Houston creatives and another way for customers to reach her. The space at 10999 Murphy Road in Stafford will feature Chantra’s laser cutting services and interior design skills, while also providing event space for photographers, bakers and other

creatives who Chantra hopes will use the space. www.shopaalvo.com 11 Big Chicken , the fast-casual chicken concept founded by basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, will open a location in Richmond at 3415 FM 762, Ste. 100, in mid-2023. It will be Big Chicken’s second Texas location, as part of a 50-unit agreement across the state, according to a news release. Big Chicken has four locations open across the coun- try. The concept offers chicken entrees, such as crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders, and dessert options, such as shakes and ice cream sandwiches. www.bigchicken.com RELOCATIONS 12 SUNRGY Solar Distribution will relocate its headquarters mid-April from 12763 Capricorn St., Ste. 100, Stafford, to 12411 Citypark Drive, Missouri City. The solar product distribution company works with both solar installation com- panies and manufacturers; the business also offers financing opportunities to small- and medium-sized compa- nies, CEO Neel Desai said in an email. 833-786-7492. www.sunrgy.com ANNIVERSARIES 13 Sugar Land-based real estate com- pany Aneste Properties LLC completed its first year in business in January. Owner and sole broker for the company Norka Jenkins said the business closed homes worth about $8 million. Jenkins said she expects her business, which is located

FEATURED IMPACT IN THE NEWS “Ocean Bound!”, an exhibit designed to tell the story of water conservation, opened Jan. 27 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land , located at 13016 University Blvd. The exhibit will educate visitors on the value of water by demonstrating where it comes from and how to conserve it. It will run through May 14. “Water conservation is crucial in meeting not just Sugar Land’s long-term water supply goals, but our entire region and beyond, and it will take a communitywide eort to achieve,” Brian Butscher, Sugar Land’s public works director, said in a news release. Visitors can interact with displays, including a watershed, a water COURTESY HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE AT SUGAR LAND at 77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Sugar Land, to continue growing into the new year. Her biggest lesson has been to put clients first and to be honest. Jenkins has also learned to challenge her clients to find the right home. 346-352-2183. www.har.com/norkajenkins IN THE NEWS 14 The city of Sugar Land has officially completed a $1.9 million drainage im- provement project for the neighborhood

conservation station explaining the present and future of indoor water conservation, and a water utility station that explores utility roles and standards. The exhibit is a $5 fee, in addition to general admission. Tickets and more information can be found at www.hmns.org/oceanbound.

of Greatwood Village . A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project was held Feb. 1, more than a year after the project was approved in November 2021. The project set out to address critical ponding and structural flooding issues, targeting a series of problematic areas within the subdivision. The project was greenlit in November 2019, six months after what city officials at the time described as more than 13 inches of rain in nine hours. The project was originally slated to be completed in October 2022.

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Missouri City adopts speed limit changes

COMPILED BY JACK DOWLING & KELLY SCHAFLER

ONGOING PROJECTS

REDUCING SPEEDS Missouri City approved speed limit reductions along Sienna Ranch Road and Trammel Fresno Road.

WATTS PLANTATION RD.

Travel routes may see a slight change moving forward as Missouri City adopted speed limit changes Jan. 17 near road sections next to Fort Bend ISD schools. The affected roads are Sienna Ranch Road near Baines Middle School and Trammel Fresno Road near Hightower High School. The approved changes will see Sienna Ranch Road reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph and the school zone speed reduced from 25 mph to 20 mph along the westbound side. The east- bound speed along Sienna Ranch Road will remain unchanged. The changes are the result of a speed study which found that a reduction in average speed is necessary to ensure safety, according to a staff report from Missouri City. “Bringing down the speed limit and subsequently the school speed zone limit will improve traffic operation and safety issues along Sienna Ranch [Road],” the report stated.

In addition, Fort Bend ISD has asked Missouri City to insti- tute a school speed zone along Trammel Fresno Road near Hightower High School, with a speed limit of 25 mph. All Traffic Solutions conducted a speed study for Sienna Ranch Road between Dec. 21-27 showed an average speed of 39.75 mph, with most of the 32,827 recorded commuters travel- ing above the 40 mph speed limit and 85% of commuters traveling at 44 mph or lower. The study concluded the existing sign along Sienna Ranch Road was ineffective at enforcing the speed limit for the average 4,689 daily drivers. A similar study was conducted for Trammel Fresno Road along the eastbound side, which showed more commuters violated the speed limit at a higher rate. The average speed for that section of the roadway was clocked at 42 mph, and 85% of residents were found to be traveling at 47 mph or higher.

KNIGHT RD.

Knight Road extension The Knight Road project extends the road from the drainage canal to north of Ellison Road and reconstructs the road between Fort Bend County Toll Road and McKeever Road. The project will alleviate some of the traffic from Sienna Parkway, which runs parallel to it, said Shashi Kumar, Missouri City public works director. The project is a joint effort between Missouri City and Fort Bend County. Most construction should be completed at the end of February, with the road opening to the public in March, Kumar said. Cost: $8.12 million Timeline: July 2021-March 2023 Funding sources : Missouri City, Fort Bend County

BEES PASSAGE

Westbound speeds will be reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph and the school zone speed reduced from 25 mph to 20 mph.

LIBERTY SQUARE TRL.

HURRICANE LN.

A short stretch will have its speed reduced from 40 mph to 25 mph during school hours.

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF FEB. 2. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SLMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

SOURCE: MISSOURI CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

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NEWS BRIEFS

Fort Bend ISD talks bond, budget reductions

To bridge a $47 million decit, Fort Bend ISD is cutting back in several key areas. MONEYSAVING STEPS

BY RENEE FARMER

considering a bond election in May to provide funds for various improvements to facilities and services across the district. The majority of the estimated $1.214 billion bond is earmarked for improvements to existing facilities. Deputy Superintendent Steve Bassett presented an initial summary of the capital plan for bond funds. Over $615 million is allocated to address facility de- ciencies and life cycle needs. Another $463 million is set aside for major projects, including a $223 million rebuild of Clements High School, where the founda- tion has shifted. The district surveyed voters in early February on whether they are tolerant of the bond’s size, a 0.5- cent versus a 1-cent tax rate increase and other small projects. On Feb. 13, after press time, the board will decide whether to call the bond election for May 6.

Fort Bend ISD ocials announced there is more room to scale back on expenditures for the scal year 2022-23 budget as well as the timeline for a $1.2 billion bond at the Jan. 23 school board meeting. Following voters’ rejection of a tax rate increase in the November election, the district is taking steps to overcome an anticipated $47 million budget shortfall by FY 2024-25. District ocials said they have found ways to reduce the budget by an additional $785,000, bringing the total savings to $3.05 million. Ocials still anticipate meeting the target of $23 million in reductions by March. FBISD will need to cut another $24 million for FY 2024-25 to maintain its budget reserve. In addition to cutting costs, the district is also

Discontinuing administration of the PSAT at the ninth grade level ($50,000 savings) Conducting Ren360 only on targeted student groups ($350,000 savings) Moving English Language Learners testing to four sites ($70,000 savings) Insourcing custodial services from the James Reese Career and Technical Center ($90,000 savings) Discontinuing ropes course ($140,000 savings) Software reductions ($80,000 savings)

SOURCE: FORT BEND ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Developer breaks ground on single-family rental home community in Missouri City

District positions up in May election

BY RENEE FARMER

Candidate applications are now open for the Fort Bend ISD election to be held this spring. The general election will be held May 6. The deadline for candi- dates to le for a place on the ballot is 5 p.m. Feb. 17. Three positions are up for election: Position 1, held by Angie Hanan; Position 4, held by Shirley Rose-Gilliam; and Posi- tion 5, held by Denetta Williams. Interested residents can le an application in person or by mail to 16431 Lexington Blvd., Ste. 103, Sugar Land, or email an application to yadira.vasquez@ fortbendisd.com. • Lines run from major cable to the consumer’s household • Uses light to transmit data FIBEROPTIC • Uses a dedicated line to provide internet access to a house, which is then transmitted over Wi-Fi or directly via an ethernet cable • Uses copper lines to transmit data BROADBAND UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENCES Fiber-optic internet is dierent from broadband in several ways.

said Brad Dinerstein, managing partner of development and design at The Dinerstein Companies, in the release. Missouri City approved a zone change for the development in July 2021. Completion on the project is estimated for mid-fall 2024, with initial occupancy in spring 2023. This development joins the growing single-family rental market in Houston. According to the Houston Association of Realtors, single-family home rentals in the region have increased 24.3% since December 2021. “With increased renter demand, we believe the build-to-rent sector will evolve and remain strong as

The Dinerstein Companies has broken ground on a 186-home build-to-rent community in Missouri City, joining Houston’s growing single-family rental market. The 35.29-acre development is located at 10050 Hwy. 6 and includes 186 single-family build-to-rent homes with front yards, fenced backyards and attached two-car garages, according to a news release. “The build-to-rent fundamen- tals have been phenomenal, and single-family build-to-rent has continued to prove itself as a solid niche with real runway and longevity within the rental housing market,”

The development includes 186 build-to-rent homes.

K E S H O R EH A R B O R B L V D .

homeownership continues to be a challenge for more and more people,” Dinerstein said in the release.

SiFi Networks oers to build out ber-optic internet in Sugar Land

BY JACK DOWLING

security for Sugar Land. SiFi Networks has promised to build 900 miles of high-speed, ber-optic internet over 30 years to all homes and businesses in the city. In addition, res- idents could have access to ber-optic lines within a year if Sugar Land gives SiFi Networks the green light to move forward with construction. SiFi Networks CEO Scott Bradshaw said at the Jan. 24 meeting his

company will use “micro-trenching,” the practice of digging deep but narrow trenches along rights-of-way, to accelerate build-out time and keep installation nonintrusive. “This will rain havoc on our trees in Sugar Land,” City Council Member William Ferguson said. If greenlit at the Feb. 7 meeting, after press time, Bradshaw said con- struction could begin in 12 months.

With a promise to provide free high-speed internet infrastructure, New Jersey-based SiFi Networks oered ber-optic internet to Sugar Land at its Jan. 24 meeting. “We were approached about a year ago by SiFi Networks, with an oer that sounded almost too good to be true,” said Steve Budney, director of information technology, data and

SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

AT THE CAPITOL

News from the 88th legislative session

QUOTE OF NOTE

Texas House re-elects Speaker Dade Phelan on rst day of legislative session

Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY This is how much lawmakers can spend as they create the state’s budget for 2024-25. This is largely from high sales tax revenue, energy prices and economic growth. $188.2 billion “WE ALL KNOW THAT INCREASED DEMAND IS GOING TO BE PLACED ON THE GRID AS TEXAS CONTINUES TO GROW. ... WE WILL BUILD A GRID THAT POWERS OUR STATE NOT FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, BUT FOR THE NEXT 40 YEARS.” GOV. GREG ABBOTT NUMBER TO KNOW

BY HANNAH NORTON

are routinely appointed to lead some House commit- tees, but a small group of Republican lawmakers— including Tinderholt, Sla- ton and Schatzline—want to end the practice. Phelan appointed Dem- ocrats to lead 13 of the 34 House committees in 2021 and has vowed to do the same in 2023, according to The Texas Tribune . Every House Democrat voted for Phelan. As speaker, Phelan has the authority to assign House members to com- mittees, appoint com- mittee leaders and more. He also presides over the chamber throughout the session and is required to sign all passed legislation.

Speaking before his colleagues, Phelan out- lined his priorities for the session. He called for a “family-focused House” that prioritizes what matters most to everyday Texans. Phelan emphasized a need for lasting property tax relief, which Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders have highlighted as a top concern. He also urged lawmakers to help more Texans gain access to quality and aordable health care. This includes ensuring new mothers have health cov- erage for 12 months after childbirth, Phelan said. In 2021, the Texas House voted to extend

Members of the Texas House of Representatives re-elected state Rep. Dade Phelan, RBeaumont, for a second term as speaker Jan. 10. Phelan beat state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, RArling- ton, to secure the chamber’s top leadership position. Phelan garnered 143 votes, while Tinderholt received three—one from himself, alongside Republican state Reps. Bryan Slaton of Royse City and Nate Schatzline of Tarrant County. In a statement, Schat- zline said he voted for Tin- derholt to “stand against the practice of nominating Democrat chairs.” Mem- bers of the minority party

Dade Phelan

Medicaid coverage for one year postpartum, but the Senate cut it to six months. The six-month plan was not approved by the federal government, so low-income Texans currently have access to two months of coverage after childbirth. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Jan. 9 that lawmakers will have an unprecedented $188.2 billion—which includes a $32.7 billion surplus—as they create the state’s budget for 2024-25.

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GUIDE

Rodeo Guide 2023

Learn about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s 2023 season

Concert LINEUP

Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 p.m., with the entertainer taking the stage at 9 p.m. and the NRG Stadium gates opening at 6 p.m. Weekend rodeos start at 3:45 p.m., with the entertainer taking the stage at 6 p.m. and gates opening at 3 p.m. February 28 Parker McCollum (Opening Day) March 01 Brooks & Dunn (Armed Forces Appreciation Day) 02 Lauren Daigle (Sensory Friendly Day) 03 Bun B (Black Heritage Day) 04 Walker Hayes 05 Zac Brown Band 06 Jason Aldean (First Responders Day) 07 New Kids On The Block 08 Jon Pardi 09 Ashley McBryde 10 The Chainsmokers 11 Turnpike Troubadours 12 La Fiera De Ojinaga (Go Tejano Day) 13 Cody Jinks 14 Machine Gun Kelly

Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has served as a venue for promoting agriculture and showcasing western heritage, while also educating the public and supporting Texas youth through scholarships and grants. The 2023 Houston Rodeo season will span 20 days from Feb. 28-March 19. COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL & EMILY LINCKE DESIGNED BY MARTHA AMBROSE

Tracking DOWN TICKETS

Tickets for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo went on sale Jan. 12 and can be purchased online at www.rodeohouston.com.

Grounds passes

Rodeo & concert tickets

Carnival tickets

• Allow access to all events at NRG Park, NRG Center and NRG Arena as well as the carnival; do not allow access to the rodeo or concert, which take place in NRG Stadium • Can be purchased the day of the event online until 8:30 p.m. or on-site until 9 p.m. • Cost $10 for ages 3-12, $20 for ages 13 and older, and $50 for season passes • Children age 2 and under do not require a ticket.

• Allow access to all events at NRG Park, NRG Center, NRG Arena and NRG Stadium as well as the carnival • Can be purchased the day of the event online until 4:45 p.m. on weekdays and 1:45 p.m. on weekends, or on-site until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends • Start at $25 for individual performances, $150 for premium seating and $500 for season tickets • Children age 2 and under do not require a ticket.

• Are valid for both rides and games • Can be purchased on-site for 50 cents per ticket • Most rides require four to 20 tickets. Supporting TEXAS YOUTH Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo ocials announced Dec. 15 the approval of an educational commitment of nearly $22.6 million to support Texas youth and statewide education programs in 2023.

Things TO DO There is never a dull moment to be had during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Between the bull riding, barrel racing and mutton bustin,’ check out the additional activities that will be available this season.

Graduate assistantships $464,590

Educational program grants $2,517,722

Scholarships $14,286,000

15 Kenny Chesney 16 Chris Stapleton 17 Cody Johnson

For more information

Livestock and horse show Junior market auctions AgVenture Carnival Ranching and wildlife expo

Shopping and dining The Junction The Hideout Champion Wine Garden Stars Over Texas Stage

Total: $22,560,562

18 Brad Paisley 19 Luke Bryan SOURCE: HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO COMMUNITY IMPACT

Junior show exhibitors $5,292,250

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

CITY & COUNTY

News from Sugar Land & Fort Bend County

HIGHLIGHTS FORT BEND COUNTY On Jan. 24, Fort Bend County commissioners approved an application to the Texas Veterans Commission to provide $300,000 in nancial assistance to veterans within the county. The court also authorized an application to vie for a $135,000 veterans mental health grant. The funds would apply for scal year 2023-24, from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. The social services department oers aid for veterans. Sugar Land City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at 2700 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land. Meetings are livestreamed and in person. 281-275-2900. www.sugarlandtx.gov Missouri City City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City. Meetings are livestreamed and in person. 281-403- 8500. www.missouricitytx.gov Fort Bend County Commissioners Court will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 14 and 28 at 401 Jackson St., Richmond. Meetings are livestreamed and in person. 281-342-3411. www.fortbendcountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER

Residents speak at town hall about plans for Imperial Sugar Char House development

City approves smart water meters

County to gift last grant to domestic violence nonprots

BY JACK DOWLING

METER UPGRADES Sugar Land City Council approved a new smart water metering system on Jan. 17. $9.4M Cost to upgrade the city’s water meter system 2023 Construction will begin 2025 Construction will be completed PROJECT DETAILS

SUGAR LAND Following in line with nearby cities, Sugar Land has approved a $9.4 million water metering upgrade across the city. The project was approved at the Jan. 17 City Council meeting and is intended to reduce cost and increase accuracy through the use of AMI, or advanced metering infrastructure, per a city news release. Advanced water metering uses newer technology over the top of old meters to send live-use data through a system of relays and back to the city. Director of Public Works Brian Butscher said in the release the goal is to keep the community safe and maintain reliable water supply while investing in infrastructure and saving money. By retrotting most meters and replacing a select few that are incompatible with the technology, Sugar Land intends to use smart

BY JACK DOWLING

BY ASIA ARMOUR

About half a dozen residents spoke out against high-density housing in Sugar Land as part of the Char House development. Toon said the total investment cost to ll out the Char House development, for all parties, will likely be around $1 billion. Not all of that cost will be taken on by PUMA Development, but the gure shows the true scope of the project. One hurdle for the development rm is they must abide by a set of standards to ensure histor- ical accuracy. To do so, the rm is working with Houston-based Urbana. Despite the diculty surrounding the project, reception to PUMA’s eorts have been positive, Sugar Land ocials said. Data from ZenCity, a social-media analysis platform, shows 70% of comments have been positive, 28% have been neu- tral and just 2% of analyzed users have expressed negative opinions on the project. The Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission will codify its recommendations for the development’s requirements on Feb. 14, after press time.

SUGAR LAND Country living was the primary concern of the 30 or so residents who attended a Sugar Land town hall meeting Jan. 24 regarding the development of an activity center in the Imperial Historic District by PUMA Development. Since the development was announced Dec. 1, details that include overall project cost, initial land use plans and possible development restrictions have been released to the public. “We’ve got a chance to take a pretty bold step,” Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman said at the Jan. 24 meeting. “We’ve been here a handful of times, and it hasn’t worked. But, if we, the council, planning and zoning, and the public—and it’s the public, it’s not us—if we can’t agree, then it’s time to let [PUMA CEO] Mark [Toon] know so he can go work on something else.” Prior to the Jan. 24 town hall, residents were provided access to the development’s land use map and development restrictions, including that a cap of 660 residential units would be implemented across the Imperial Sugar Char House development.

FORT BEND COUNTY A family violence service nonprot will receive its last family protection fee grant from Fort Bend County before it becomes obsolete. The scal year 2022-23 grant totals to $9,559. These funds were made available through a $15 fee collected by the district clerk’s oce when a dissolu- tion of a marriage suit was led, per a Jan. 5 news release. Commissioners adopted this practice under a govern- ment code that allowed the district clerk to donate funds to domestic violence organizations. However, Texas Senate Bill 41, which became eective Jan. 1, 2022, consolidated civil court ling fees and established a streamlined sys- tem—keeping the court’s remaining revenue neutral and disallowing the fee collection, ocials said.

RESIDENT FEEDBACK ZenCity, a social-media analysis platform, showed how residents are responding to PUMA Development’s plans for the Imperial Sugar Char House. PUMA Development announced in December that it will redevelop the Imperial Sugar Char House. JACK DOWLINGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SYSTEM BENEFITS

RESIDENT COMMENTS

monitoring technology to enable live tracking of water usage to pin- point leaks and provide residents with more information. Construction is expected to begin this year and should be com- plete by 2025, city ocials said. SOURCE: SUGAR LANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT • Live-use data will be sent to the city, residents • Meters will reduce cost, increase accuracy

70% POSITIVE

28% NEUTRAL

2% NEGATIVE

SOURCES: CITY OF SUGAR LAND, ZENCITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

City Council will then issue its rst reading of the developmental agreement ordinance on Feb. 21 and will issue the second reading at the March 7 council meeting, where it could approve the agreement, allowing PUMA to proceed.

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DINING FEATURE Nirmanz Food Boutique Eatery brings taste of India to Sugar Land A step into Nirmanz Food Boutique is a step into Bollywood.

BY RENEE FARMER

Food Boutique because it’s every- thing that he has learned and created his own recipes of and dierent cuisines of Indian food,” Niyati said. Raj kachori, a wafer bowl lled with spiced black chickpeas, yogurt and chutneys, is popular among customers as well as chicken tikka masala and dosas, an Indian crepe. Niyati said each dish is made to order and can be adjusted to accommodate anyone’s desired spice level. Good presentation is important to the Shah family, too, they said. “We don’t just make a dish and call it a day. We put so much eort into putting dierent garnishes on each dish,” Niyati said. Customers can dine in or order takeout and delivery, and the restau- rant also oers catering services on the weekends. It serves a diverse customer base with customers visiting multiple times a week for anything from a full meal of comfort food to just a cup of coee. “In the city of Sugar Land, there’s a very diverse community, and we don’t just have Indian customers. We have all types of people that come,” Niyati said. The family has provided hundreds of meals to the community during hardships such as Hurricane Harvey and the pandemic. With community support, the family opened another location of Nirmanz Food Boutique in Richmond in November, this one an upscale, ne-dining establishment serving vegetarian Indian fare.

Owner and chef Nirman Shah, born in Maharashtra, India, has lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years and worked as a professional chef for 25 years. Before moving to the United States, Nirman earned a degree in food technology and hotel management and worked as the chief chef at a luxury hotel. He opened Nirmanz Food Bou- tique, his namesake, in Sugar Land in April 2017. Nirman combined his love for Bollywood and cooking in the Bollywood cinema-themed restaurant. Bollywood movie posters he designed line the walls, and ambassador car pieces and a rickshaw brought over from India decorate the dining room. “He’s an artist of his own. You can see that in the way he does his presentation of any dish that you order in the restaurant,” Nirman’s wife Niyati Shah said. The restaurant is run by Nirman, his wife and his three daughters. The family values service above all else, Niyati said. “It’s all about the service and making people feel at home. When they see all ve of us working at the restaurant, they feel like they’re at home,” Niyati said. The menu consists of nearly 200 authentic Indian dishes, including North and South Indian food and Indian street food, fast food and drinks. “That’s why we call it Nirmanz

Chef Nirman Shah owns and runs Nirmanz Food Boutique with his family.

COURTESY NIRMANZ FOOD BOUTIQUE

A TASTE OF INDIA Nirmanz Food Boutique sells nearly 200 traditional Indian dishes.

RAJ KACHORI $8

CHOLAY BHATURE $10

A crispy wafer bowl is lled with spiced black chickpeas, yogurt and chutneys garnished with sev and masala.

Chana masala is served with deep-fried naan bread.

RENEE FARMERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

GARLIC NAAN $3.50

MASALA DOSA $10

A crepe is made from fermented rice and lentil and served with a seasoned potato and dry onion curry.

Bread is topped with garlic, butter and cilantro.

RENEE FARMERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Nirmanz Food Boutique 16338 Kensington Drive, Ste. 160, Sugar Land 832-532-0699 • www.nirmanz.com Hours: Mon., Wed., Thu., Sun. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; closed Tue.

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023

NEIGHBORHOOD SNAPSHOTS Sugar Land is targeting some of its older neighborhoods for redevelopment with a program City Council will discuss Feb. 7, after press time. Residents citywide could be able to apply. The following are some older neighborhoods in Sugar Land.

CONTINUED FROM 1

If City Council approves it Feb. 7, after press time, the program will provide an incentive for owners of older homes to undergo exterior renovations. The Great Homes Program is just the tip of the iceberg, however. “More people and housing are a key component in supporting new commercial development and ameni- ties,” Adolph said. “The most import- ant thing is to continue to grow and attract new residents by providing options for downsizing and pathways to home ownership for the younger generations.” A history of growth Adam Perdue, a research economist at the Texas Real Estate Research Cen- ter, explained the context of Sugar Land’s growth. “Galveston used to be the prime job market,” he said. “But after the [Gal- veston Hurricane of 1900], everyone started heading north to Houston. As Houston proper continued to grow, population and employment spread out from central Houston.” Perdue said the building of Hwy. 59, I-10 and the Westpark Tollway made Fort Bend County the prime destina- tion for “green field development,” which is when companies buy land on the outskirts of cities to develop. Adolph said Sugar Land is mostly developed now. The only place left to grow, then, is inward and upward. Data from the city’s website, which Adolph said is from the American Community Survey, shows Sugar Land’s population dropped from 118,498 in 2021 to 111,026 in 2022. Sugar Land also faces rising property values and an aging home base, as its average home was built in 1992. “What we get is a coincidence where some of the houses are old, and

POPULATION DECLINE

I R P O R T B L V D .

-0.09%

-1.52%

34.04%

-6.31%

MAIN ST.

120K

0.67%

100K

80K

60K

40K

20K

SUGAR LAKES BLVD.

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

SOURCES: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY ONE-YEAR ESTIMATES, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2020 DECENNIAL COUNT, CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COVINGTON WOODS Est. population: 1,000 Est. homes: 650 Avg. home age: 1971-1990 PHOTOS BY JACK DOWLING/COMMUNITY IMPACT

THE HIGHLANDS Est. population: 1,200 Est. homes: 500 Avg. home age: 1971-1990

BROOKSIDE-BELKNAP Est. population: 150 Est. homes: 500 Avg. home age: 1915-1970

THE HILL Est. population: 206 Est. homes: 864 Avg. home age: 1915-1970

SUGAR MILL Est. population: 550 Est. homes: 774 Avg. home age: 1971-1990

you just can’t maintain them,” Perdue said. “Land values are expected to increase. It starts to make sense to tear down the old houses and build more densely.” Redefining growth Perdue said he believes the next step for Sugar Land is to invest in

multipurpose districts as well as mul- tifamily housing. But there is a catch: While multifamily housing is not banned in Sugar Land, it is discouraged. “Current [development] codes do not encourage multitenant housing,” said Devon Rodriguez, deputy direc- tor of the Sugar Land Economic Devel- opment Corp. “But we are exploring

ways to diversify our housing stock.” The city’s land use plan, a compre- hensive 20- to 25-year plan approved in August 2018, set a target of 88% single-family and just 12% multi- family residential development. The plan prohibits the build-out of residential-only apartment com- plexes, instead requiring those

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