Katy South - Fulshear Edition | January 2024

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Katy South Fulshear Edition VOLUME 12, ISSUE 5 JAN. 26FEB. 22, 2024

2024 Annual Community Guide

Katy area grows west into Waller County

New homes are coming to the Waller County portion of the Katy area in large master-planned communities, including in Sunterra. Entities are planning various transportation projects and building new schools to accommodate the growth.

KELLY SCHAFLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Entities, developers focus on widening roads, building new homes on area’s west side

work in Waller County, with all the great businesses that we have been landing.” Meanwhile, the county’s $280 million mobility bond voters passed in November will aid transpor- tation needs in the Katy area for both commercial and residential users, Yokom said.

responded with over two dozen planned devel- opments to help meet the demand for housing, said Vince Yokom, executive director of the Waller County Economic Development Partnership. “[There’s] just a natural westward expansion and less land in the Houston area,” Yokom said. “But people have had more choices now [of places] to

BY DAVE MANNING & KELLY SCHAFLER

The Waller County economy is growing, particularly along I-10 and Hwy. 290, aided by an abundance of available land and the eorts of local business development leaders, local ocials said. As more businesses come to the area and attract new workers, residential developers have

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: Slick City Action Park slides into Katy (Page 6)

Transportation: Work to begin on Westpark Park & Ride (Page 16)

Annual Community Guide: Local snapshot of area (Page 21)

Dining: Oaks Kitchen owner aims to shift narrative (Page 25)

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

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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. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

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

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

Impacts

available at H-E-B, such as in-store cut meats, dairy items and frozen foods. • Opened Dec. 6 • 4107 N. Fry Road, Katy • www.joevsmartshop.com 4 Love Always Boutique The boutique offers a collection of fashions for women. The selection includes tops, jackets, dresses, accessories, jeans, leggings, skirts and rompers. • Opened Nov. 11 • 801 FM 1463, Ste. 350, Katy • www.lovealwaysbtq.com 5 Paris Banh Mi The Vietnamese sandwich shop and cafe sells banh mi sandwiches, croissants, burgers, handcrafted specialty drinks and milk teas. • Soft opened Dec. 12 • 2004 S. Mason Road, Unit D5, Katy • www.parisbanhmi.com/locations/paris-banh-mi-katy-tx 6 Woodforest National Bank The bank opened its third H-E-B retail branch. The location offers a full-service bank with staff and ATM services for shoppers as well as others. • Opened Nov. 3

MORTON RANCH RD.

KATY FORT BEND RD.

9 15

BARTLETT RD.

99 TOLL

CLAYRD.

FRANZ RD.

MORTON RANCH RD.

KATY MILLS CIRCLE

CANE ISLAND PKWY.

2ND ST.

L O

99 TOLL

Katy

K I N G S L A

GRAND WEST BLVD.

PIN OAK RD.

1463

N. FULSHEAR DR.

HIGHLAND KNOLLS DR.

359

RODGERS RD.

GEORGE BUSH PARK

17 DISCOVERY HILLS PKWY.

COMMERCIAL CENTER BLVD.

S N E R

359

CROSS CREEK BEND LN.

1463

• 1621 Mason Road, Katy • www.woodforest.com

F R Y R D .

1093

Coming soon

MAP NOT TO SCALE

7 Oak at Katy Park The multifamily community broke ground as part of a 54-acre master-planned development called The Market at Katy Park in early December. Amenities at the 348-unit community include a resort-style pool, a pickleball court, co-working space, a sauna, outdoor kitchens and grilling areas, and a fitness center. • Opening mid-2025

FULSHEAR GASTON RD.

99 TOLL 2 Piada Italian Street Food The fast-casual restaurant serves Italian sandwich wraps, pepperoni piada sticks, pasta bowls and chopped salads featuring fresh ingredients. • Opened Dec. 12 • 4846 FM 1463, Ste. 600, Katy • www.mypiada.com 3 Joe V’s Smart Shop The discount grocer offers a lower price format for its products, which include many of the same grocery items

Fulshear

Now open

723

359 1 Two Tarts’ Toppers The hat brand blends costuming and every day headwear. Hats are adorned with unique materials, including porcupine quills, rhinestones, feathers, bandanas and watches. • Opened Dec. 19 • 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. E185, Katy • www.twotartstoppers.com

• 24720 Morton Ranch Road, Katy • www.wayfinderrealestate.com

8 Burn Boot Camp The fitness facility offers group trainings, nutritional

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support, trainer meetings and complimentary child care, according to company representatives. Programming consists of alternating strength and conditioning days, with 45-minute workouts focusing on different areas of the body. • Opening March 15 • 6510 FM 359 S., Ste. 800, Fulshear • www.burnbootcamp.com 9 The Dog Stop The franchise’s Katy location will feature luxury dog boarding accommodations, an interactive and social day care experience, a spa dog grooming retreat, and a retail store in its indoor and outdoor facility. • Opening Jan. 22 • 23165 Morton Ranch Road, Katy • www.thedogstop.com 10 Exit 4 Katy The escape rooms offer an immersive experience with several themed rooms. Participants have an hour to solve puzzles and unveil clues to win the game. • Opening February • 1227 Grand West Blvd., Ste. B204, Katy • www.exit4escape.com

Now open

13 Peach Cobbler Factory The new dessert shop offers various cobblers, banana puddings, cinnamon rolls, shakes, cookies and other desserts. The sweets shop’s cobblers are topped with a scoop of ice cream. Its menu also includes refreshments, such as sweet peachy tea made in-house and cold brew coffee. • Opened Dec. 30 • 1230 N. Mason Road, Ste. 650, Katy • www.peachcobblerfactory.com

clinic. The adjacent buildings together will be renamed Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – West Campus. The new building will offer a new radiology suite, expanded comprehensive primary services and new specialities when it opens this fall. • 2522 W. Grand Parkway N., Katy • www.kelsey-seybold.com 17 Lamar CISD The district purchased 100 acres in Cross Creek West to house the district’s new high school, junior high and middle school—with potential for a future elementary school on the site, according to a news release. The land is located between Woods Road/Jordan Road and FM 359. • www.crosscreekwesttx.com 16 Slick City Action Park The 56,000-square-foot venue features an assortment of slides such as the Fast Lane—which has four side-by-side racing slides—and the Big Wave—which is shaped similarly to a half pipe for big air. Other attractions at the indoor park include a multi-level playground for younger kids, multi-sport air courts, and a miniature go-kart racing track. • Opened Dec. 9 • 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Ste. 743, Katy • www.slickcity.com

Relocations

11 Texas Borders Bar & Grill The woman-owned Tex-Mex American restaurant relocated its Westgreen Boulevard location to west of the Grand Parkway, near the still-developing Katy Boardwalk District. Its menu features burgers, chicken wings, crawfish, nachos and fajitas. • Opened Oct. 11 • 1251 Pin Oak Road, Ste. 141, Katy • www.bordersbarandgrillkatytx.com

• 5803 Second St., Ste. 1&2, Katy • www.facebook.com/liveoaksalon

In the news

14 Willie’s Grill & Icehouse The eatery celebrated 30 years in business throughout December. Founded in 1993 in Houston, the menu features burgers, nachos, seafood, tacos, chicken fried steak, sandwiches, soups, salads, beer and margaritas. • 19905 Katy Freeway, Houston • www.williesgrillandicehouse.com 15 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic The West Grand Parkway Clinic will add a five-story

Expansions

12 Live Oak Salon The family-friendly salon expanded to have a larger waiting room, shampoo room and a kids playroom for customers, owner Caroline Costley said. • Expanded in late November

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

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Government

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Economic development council considers future organizational options

Comparing entities

Economic Opportunity and Development Department

Fort Bend Economic Development Council

Public-private partnership

Public department

Funded by memberships from cities, the county and private businesses Governed by executive committee of business leaders

The Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council’s board delayed its decision on whether the council will dissolve or reorganize to meet the county’s economic strategic plans. The overview The FBEDC’s executive committee met Jan. 10 to receive realignment recommendations from planning firm TIP Strategies and decide whether to end the council’s operations at the conclusion of fiscal year 2023-24 on June 30. The board delayed the decision to explore options, according to an emailed statement from the FBEDC. The backstory The FBEDC is a public-private partnership

governed by its executive committee. TIP Strate- gies was hired last February to create a five-year strategic plan for the county and the FBEDC. This came after Fort Bend County created an internal Economic Opportunity and Development department in early 2022. TIP Strategies gave the FBEDC board two options for the organization, both of which involved reor- ganizing the board and laying off its staff members, Jared Jameson, chair of the FBEDC’s executive committee, said at a special Jan. 9 Fort Bend County Commissioners Court meeting. Jameson said the executive committee would prefer to have a clean slate, dissolving the FBEDC and starting a new organization with help from an ad hoc committee the county plans to form.

Funded by county

Governed by county commissioners

SOURCES: FORT BEND EDC, CARLOS GUZMAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

However, the committee hasn’t voted yet. What’s next

A minimum of 15 individuals will be appointed to serve the committee, TIP Strategies President Tracye McDaniel said. Over six to 12 months, McDaniel said the committee will work to launch the county’s strategic development plan as well as determine a path forward for the FBEDC.

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

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Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & KELLY SCHAFLER

Harris County approves $4M in eviction legal aid An additional $4 million in federal funding will be used for legal aid and eviction services for qualifying applicants in Harris County’s 16 evic- tion-handling courts after county commissioners approved an agreement at a Dec. 19 meeting. The big picture According to Harris County’s Oce of Adminis- tration, the new money brings a total of $8 million for two agencies that handle the legal needs for eviction cases in the county—Lone Star Legal Aid, a nonprot law rm that provides free legal services, and Neighborhood Defender Services. The rst $4 million was approved in March 2023 using federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. The impact Harris County has been facing an eviction surge after rental assistance programs ended at

Fort Bend County to begin parks projects At the Jan. 9 Fort Bend County Commis- sioners Court meeting, commissioners unan- imously approved advancing $153 million in bond funding for parks projects. The gist This means the county can proceed on projects from the November bond by using the county’s general fund before issuing bonds, County Auditor Robert Sturdivant said. He said county sta can later request commissioners’ approval to issue the rst round of bond funding to replenish the general fund. “Is that fair to say that this might speed up the action?” County Judge KP George said. Sturdivant conrmed, saying it acts as a “checkbook” for the parks and recreation department to begin bond projects now.

“Even with our additional eviction dockets, the surge is creating a

bottleneck that impacts our ability to hear all civil cases in a timely manner.” LASHAWN WILLIAMS, PRESIDING JUDGE FOR HARRIS COUNTY CIVIL COURT AT LAW NO. 3

7,371 eviction appeals cases were reported by the Harris County Civil Courts at Law during the rst 11 months of 2023, more than double the prepandemic caseload of 3,568 recorded in 2018.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY CIVIL COURTSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

the start of 2022, according to a report by the consulting rm January Advisors. While there are 16 JP courts, only four county civil courts hear their appeals. With the additional funding, Harris County residents facing eviction will now be able to meet with an attorney or legal aid representa- tive at all 16 courts.

DA’s oce to buy e-bikes for new safety programs The Fort Bend County district attorney’s oce ocials hope the purchase of two electric bicycles will help further the county’s mission to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. At the Jan. 9 Commissioners Court meeting, Fort Bend County commissioners approved the DA oce’s request to purchase the e-bikes. district attorney for Fort Bend County. He said he believes the purchase will be used in two ways: • The bikes will be another resource used by DA’s oce investigators to help monitor crosswalks around schools and other high-risk areas.

“We’ve had complaints from citizens saying, ‘My child was almost hit.’ We went out there and talked to parents, and the crossing guards are like, ‘Yeah, it’s dangerous. I almost quit being a crossing guard because I’ve almost been hit so many times.’ It’s just crazy; it’s out of control.” WESLEY WITTIG, SECOND ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR FORT BEND COUNTY

• They will support law enforcement by raising awareness for cyclists who are being endangered by irresponsible motorists.

This is a a new opportunity for the DA’s oce to increase safety, said Wesley Wittig, second assistant

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KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION

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Education

BY DAVE MANNING

Katy ISD board asks state for more funding Due to the state Legislature failing to approve additional funding for Texas public schools in the special session, the Katy ISD board of trustees approved a resolution Dec. 11 asking for more funding—specifically for teacher salaries. The resolution states several bills were passed in the 88th legislative session without sufficient funding to implement the mandates. How we got here Despite the Senate’s Dec. 1 passage of Senate Bill 5 that would have provided $800 million in funding from the state to public school districts for school safety through 2025, the Texas House declined to consider the measure due to the inclu- sion of private school vouchers before the fourth special legislative session ended Dec. 6. Although a fifth session is still possible, many districts face a shortage of funding.

LCISD trustees OK new school names Lamar CISD trustees approved six names to be used for future school campuses during the Dec. 12 meeting, per a news release. The schools include elementary schools 35-38, Middle School No. 7 and an undesignated school. The schools will open in the next two school years. What’s in a name? The board’s list of namesakes is as follows: • Antonio “Tony” G. Becerra • Alice Deanne Sbrusch Fagert • James “Dick” Richard & Marinella Haygood • Alma Lemon Slawinski • Judge RH “Sandy” Bielstein • Kay Danziger

Unfunded mandates The state approved multiple bills in 2023 that require districts implement mandates without additional state funds. House Bill 3 : Requires the addition of armed personnel at each campus House Bill 1416: Requires schools to provide high-quality tutoring programs

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Long story short The final excerpt from the KISD board resolu- tion states KISD trustees support and encourage legislators to: • Support an increase in the basic allotment and establish a formula-driven index that allows the basic allotment to increase with inflation • Support an increase in school funding for teacher compensation • Address unfunded mandates placed on public schools

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Restaurant-style dining with chef- prepared meals is just one of the many enticing perks residents benefit from at our community located just outside of Houston. Our Preferred Choice Dining TM program offers residents the freedom and flexibility to dine any way they wish, at any time. Residents like Paul like to start their day off with a nutritious and flavorful breakfast, followed by a wide variety of activities and quality time spent with friends enjoying amenities like the fully equipped fitness center and art studio.

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State

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Tela Goodwin Mange explains role of Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation The Texas Department of Licensing and Reg- ulation is the licensing entity for 38 different professions in Texas, ranging from barbers and cosmetologists to electricians and air conditioning contractors. In addition to licensing, the agency ensures these businesses are providing safe condi- tions and accessibility for consumers, Communica- tions Manager Tela Goodwin Mange said. The following interview with Goodwin Mange

Navigating the site The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s website has various tools residents can use to learn more about businesses who violated TDLR standards as well as who is licensed with the agency.

Searching for TDLR violators

Go to the TDLR website and select “search site.”

Visitors can search by license program type, company name, licensee name, city, county or ZIP code. Under “search for violations,” visitors can find the list of violators who have been adjudicated for the last two fiscal years.

Searching for TDLR licensees

has been edited for length and clarity. Who has to register with the TDLR?

Go to the TDLR website and select “search site.”

involved. If you were to go to a barbershop or a cos- metology salon and you hate your haircut, ... we’re not gonna open a complaint on that. But if you went to a barbershop or a cosmetology salon, and you got an infection that your physician said, ... ‘You got this because that salon or that barbershop wasn’t clean,’ then that’s definitely something that we want to know about, and there would be an investigation. ... Consumers who are [going to] hire anyone who is in a profession that’s licensed by TDLR, we urge them to check and make sure, is this person licensed, and have they had any administrative penalties in the last couple of years? ... In certain situations, if you do business with someone who’s unlicensed—like, for example, if you hire an elec- trician who is not licensed and they end up doing something that burns your house down—the insur- ance company may not pay your claim because by hiring someone who’s unlicensed, you’re not

If [the project costs] $50,000 or more, they have to register that with TDLR, and they have to provide a full set of construction documents to a person who’s known as a registered accessibility specialist. [We] will review those construction documents to make sure that construction project is going to meet the Texas Accessibility Standards, which is kind of a Texas version of the [Americans with Disabilities Act], because we want to make sure that all Texans are able to access a building. ... If the total project expenditure is less than $50,000, they’re not required to submit that information or that project to TDLR for registration and review, but there are certain times where they still have to meet the accessibility standard. What kind of complaint could someone file about a business? It’s going to vary on the type of license that’s

If a business is under the TDLR umbrella but not on the list, call TDLR customer support at 800-803-9202 to get assistance to verify if the business is registered. Under “search licensees,” visitors can find the list of individuals who have a license with the TDLR.

SOURCE: TELA GOODWIN MANGE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

complying with what the insurance company requires, which is that you hire someone who’s licensed and competent to perform that work. Is there anything else our readers should know? We’re ... not the only licensing entity in the state, but if you go to our website, you can see all the dif- ferent programs that we license. If the service that you’re looking for is included in one of those, please do check and make sure that they are licensed.

Find one in your neighborhood.

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

Transportation

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Construction to begin on Westpark Park & Ride connection to Energy Corridor

Construction will soon kick o on a long- awaited park and ride that will take commuters from the Cinco Ranch area to various employment sites in the Energy Corridor. The details At the Dec. 19 Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, commissioners approved an amended construction agreement with SpawGlass Civil Con- struction Inc. to build the Westpark Park & Ride. The $7.42 million project will be built on 10 acres near Cinco Ranch at 19820 FM 1093, Richmond, and include 262 parking spaces, according to the agenda packet. Perri D’Armond, director for public transporta- tion for Fort Bend County, said in a phone inter- view that construction will begin in early January

and take about a year to complete. The background

D’Armond said the project has been in the works since before she became director four years ago. “It’s just taking a long time to move the project forward, but we’re excited we’ll nally be able to break ground,” she said. Next steps Over the next year of construction, Fort Bend Transit, the county’s public transportation depart- ment, will work with stakeholders to nalize the commuter bus route, D’Armond said. Public meetings will also take place in 2024 to collect community feedback.

Commuters will be able to take the bus from the new location along FM 1093 to the Energy Corridor.

FREEDOM PARK

1093

Real estate

Number of homes sold

December 2022

December 2023

Residential market data

4 4

203 165

-18.72%

77094

77493

The number of homes sold in Katy-area ZIP codes decreased or stayed the same in December 2023 compared to December 2022.

131 101

76 64

-22.9%

77494

-15.79%

77441

106 79

50 46

529

-25.47%

-8%

77449

77450

99 TOLL

1093

Median home sales price

2022

2023

2022

2023

77094

77493

-6.11%

+0.8%

$390,490

$385,000

$415,900

$381,940

77094 77441 77450 77494

77449 77493

77441

-4%

77494

$480,000

$500,000

-12.7%

$440,000

$504,000

77449

77450

+1.79%

-5.29%

$285,000

$357,500

$280,000

$377,450

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

MASON ROAD 1640 S Mason Rd (281) 395-6262

FALCON LANDING 9722 Gaston Rd (281) 574-3008 KATY MILLS 24417 Katy Fwy (281) 394-5780

KATY 23702 Westheimer Pkwy (281) 392-5554

FULSHEAR 24940 FM 1093 (281) 391-4008

From the cover

Katy area grows west into Waller County

What’s happening

The overview

Waller County bond widening projects

To meet mobility needs of the growing area, Waller County and the Texas Department of Trans- portation ocials have taken on various projects to widen and build roads in north Katy. Waller County voters passed the $280 million mobility bond in November, which included ve road projects totaling $144.69 million in the Katy area, according to county bond documents. Waller County Engineer Ross McCall said the county aims to nish the projects over the next ve years. Meanwhile, TxDOT crews plan to begin several widening projects over the next 5-10 years. A three-phase project will widen FM 529 from the Grand Parkway to FM 362 starting in 2027-28; Hwy. 90 will be widened from I-10 to FM 1463 beginning in early 2028, TxDOT Public Informa- tion Ocer Kristina Hadley said. Another will widen FM 2855 from FM 529 to Hwy. 90, but it won’t bid until 2031, she said.

Experts predict new housing developments will greatly increase Waller County’s population over the next 20 years. “If everything continues the way it goes right now, somewhere between 2030 and 2035 our population will double,” Yokom said. Demographic rm Population and Survey Analysts’ November report for Katy ISD showed two of KISD’s largest single-family contributors over the next 10 years are in Waller County. They include: • Sunterra by Land Tejas • Johnson Development’s “Plow” Sunterra, near Pitts and Clay roads, plans to add 3,604 homes over the next 10 years, per PASA’s report. Johnson Development’s 1,150-acre community near Morton Road and FM 2855 will bring 2,800 homes, with the sales coming in 2025, community ocials said.

STOCKDICK RD.

$12.5M

$34.95M

CLAY RD.

$26.8M

$40.62M

MORTON RD.

2855

$29.82M

Waller County population projections

Digging deeper

an email. To account for that, the district will open Nelson Junior High this fall at 25747 Longenbaugh Road. The school will accommodate 1,400 students for an estimated cost of $55 million, according to the district’s website. Freeman High School will also open this fall at 7800 Katy Hockley Road at an estimated cost of $183 million. Funds for both come from the KISD’s $676.2 million bond approved in May 2021.

Realtor Tim Sjoka, CEO of See Tim Sell Property Group, said he believes much of the growth in south Waller County can be attributed to KISD becoming a destination district for parents seeking top-rated public schools. In response to the growth, KISD has recently undertaken construction of two new schools to accommodate the enrollment needs of the area. “The district is experiencing tremendous growth, particularly in the northwest quadrant,” said Nick Petito, KISD general manager of media relations, in

100K 80K 60K 40K 20K 0

*PROJECTIONS

SOURCE: HOUSTONGALVESTON AREA COUNCILCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Quotes of note

What’s being done

Overall, Sjoka said community, education and business leaders together created an environment that has consistently brought jobs to Katy. “Katy [community leaders] started the Katy [Area] Economic Development Council, … [which began] working with businesses and working with school districts and working with colleges,” Sjoka said. “They have brought job after job after job to Katy.” As a nonprot public-private partnership, the WCEDP has worked with existing businesses and those wanting to move into the county, which in turn increases the population and drives residential and retail development, Yokom said. Some of those businesses the group has brought to the county are Amazon, Goya Foods and Weatherford, an oil and gas services company, according to the WCEDP. The economic development has resulted

in rising tax revenues for the county, with data from the EDP showing a 355% increase in property tax revenue from EDP projects between calendar years 2015-23.

“We’re not overly regulated [in Waller County], and that leads to a very predictable and business-

friendly environment.” VINCE YOKOM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WALLER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

Waller County property tax revenue from EDP projects

$8M

$6M

“The [mobility] projects in the north Katy area ... were identied because we have a lot of new

$4M

$2M

development and new subdivisions going in.” ROSS MCCALL, WALLER COUNTY ENGINEER

SOURCE: WALLER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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MEMBER FDIC

Managing dementia takes faith, care, and connection.

A surprising number of seniors in our community who live with dementia and Alzheimer’s also live alone, and often they need resources and interaction, not isolation. That’s why Amazing Place’s Faith Care Connection exists. We partner with local churches and pastoral staff right here in Katy, to help identify seniors who are at risk for dementia and offer support and resources to those who care for them. If you are interested in partnering with us or need help, visit AmazingPlaceHouston.org or contact Debbie Godfrey at dgodfrey@amazingplacehouston.org

Amazing Place is coming to Katy! We’ve broken ground on a new campus that will open next year. For more information, visit our website.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KELLY SCHAFLER Community 2024 Annual Community Guide

Fulshear’s population grew 247.44% between the 2022 and 2017 five-year estimates— more quickly than the city of Katy, Katy ISD and Lamar CISD. The school districts’ populations include residents inside the district’s boundaries, not student enrollment. Katy and Fulshear area snapshot

Katy

Katy ISD boundaries Fulshear Lamar CISD boundaries

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2022 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Age analysis

Population change

30.3% 26.5% 25.6%

32.4% 23.6% 27% 14.9% 2.3% 35.7

32.1% 24.5% 29% 12.6% 1.8% 36

36.3% 18.6% 33.1% 11.3% 0.7% 38.4

0-19

2017 2022 383,939 331,801 2017 2022 22,826 17,265

2017 2022 202,745 154,830 2017 2022 21,552 6,203

20-39

40-59

15.1% 2.4% 36

60-79

5-year population change +32.21% +247.44%

80+

+15.71%

+30.95%

Median age

Fort Bend County: +17.03%

Texas: +6.65%

Local demographics*

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Black or African American

American Indian or Alaska native

White

Asian

Some other race Two or more races

Hispanic or Latino

63.46%

11.47% 5.86% 9.19% 3.34% 5.64% 14.94% 10.34%

0% 0%

6.95% 2.65%

0% 0% 0%

0.91% 0.32% 0.24%

3.9% 1.2%

2017 2022 2017 2022 2017 2022 2017 2022

30.12% 26.5%

46.65%

15.15%

62.45%

0.05%

8.64% 15.01% 12.78% 16.67% 11.82%

2.54% 1.34% 3.86% 2.85% 5.62% 4.64%

35.05% 30.08% 28.37% 25.14%

48.73%

0.5%

39.79% 39.99% 45.7%

0.04% 0.1% 0.15% 0.71%

0.24% 0.13% 0.49% 0.39%

0.05% 0.01% 0.08%

33.22%

17.17%

11.53%

35.21%

*ALL CATEGORIES LISTED ARE RACES, EXCEPT FOR HISPANIC OR LATINO, WHICH IS NOT A RACE. HOWEVER, THE PERCENTAGES OF THE RACES LISTED DO NOT INCLUDE HISPANIC OR LATINO RESIDENTS.

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

Community

BY ASIA ARMOUR

CLAYRD.

MORTONRD.

Black Rock Coee Bar 22911 Clay Road, Katy www.br.coee

Coee Fellows 3329 W. Grand Parkway N., Ste. 700, Katy www.coee-fellows.com

Humble Grounds, a faith-based Fulshear coee shop, opened a new location in Katy in December.

6 coee shops newly opened in Katy, Fulshear Six new coee shops have opened in the Katy area throughout 2023 and early 2024, according to trends identied by Community Impact sta through monthly reporting. The latest arrival is L3 Craft Coee in Fulshear, which celebrated its grand opening Jan. 6. Another Fulshear-based coee house, Humble Grounds, opened a new shop in the area colloquially known as Old Katy on Dec. 13. The faith-based shop’s agship store is located in Fulshear. The southwest Houston area has also seen larger, national chains such as Oregon-based Dutch Bros Coee and New Orleans-founded shop PJ’s Coee. Meanwhile, German-based craft coee chain Coee Fellows branched into the U.S. market for the rst time this year with four Houston-area shops. The Katy store opened in November. This list is not comprehensive.

1463

10THST.

Dutch Bros Coee 1709 Spring Green Blvd., Katy www.dutchbros.com

Humble Grounds 1512 Ave. C, Katy www.humblegroundscoee.com

E. 5THST.

E. 3RDST.

1093

L3 Craft Coee 28830 FM 1093, Fulshear www.l3craftcoee.com

PJ’s Coee of New Orleans 1185 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy www.pjscoee.com

The following stories are based on trends Community Impact sta identied through monthly Impacts section reporting in 2023.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Desserts

Satisfy a sweet tooth at one of eight dessert shops that opened throughout 2023 and early 2024.

Katy

Alchemy Bake Lab This business carries a collection of confections such as cookies, tarts, cakes, and milk and cookies shooters. • Opened April 1 • 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. E185, Katy • www.alchemybakelab.com Carbs Me Out Those following a keto-diet can enjoy sweets such as blueberry cheesecake and ice cream. • Opened in May • 21788 Katy Freeway, Ste. 200, Katy • www.carbsmeout.com Dirty Dough Cookies This cookie company is known for its stuffed treats, with flavors such as cookies and cream and raspberry toaster tart. • Opened Nov. 18 • 6920 S. Fry Road, Katy • https://dirtydoughcookies.com Half Baked Goodness The gourmet cookie company has creative options such as an espresso-infused cookie drizzled with caramel. • Opened Aug. 5 • 2004 S. Mason Road, Ste. D2, Katy • www.halfbakedgoodness.com Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream This location offers over 45 different frozen treat flavors daily. Options include vegan sorbets, sherbets and ices.

• Opened Aug. 10 • 23660 Westheimer Parkway, Unit 660B, Katy • www.handelsicecream.com Mango Mango Dessert This New York Chinatown-based shop has modern desserts such as puddings, pastries, and teas. • Opened in October • 22403 Grand Circle Blvd., Unit B103, Katy • www.mangomangodessert.com Drip’d Donuts Previously located on Washington Avenue in Houston, this unique desserts shop selling stuffed donuts will make its way to Katy in the first half of 2024. Menu options include doughnuts topped and filled with cereals, cookies, fruits and candies. Though the

sweets shop is not yet open, branded merchandise is available to purchase via the Drip’d Donuts website. • Opening early 2024 • 23523 Katy Freeway, Katy • www.dripddonuts.com

Uncle Tetsu The Japanese bakery sells cheesecakes that combine the richness of the American version and the airiness of a French souffle. • Opened Sept. 30 • 23220 Grand Circle Blvd., Katy • www.uncletetsu-us.com This list is not comprehensive.

KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

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