Spring - Klein Edition | January 2023

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10  JAN. 18 FEB. 14, 2023

ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023

ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023 SPONSORED BY • HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest

The Cypress Creek Flooding Task Force’s proposed drainage district would cover the Cypress Creek watershed in areas excluding the Willowbrook community and the cities of Waller, Tomball and Prairie View. SPEAKING UP FOR CYPRESS CREEK

Harris County

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Proposed drainage district

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Dining & shopping listings

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THE DRAINAGE DISTRICT EXPLAINED What would the Cypress Creek drainage district do? It would pursue ’ood mitigation projects along the Cypress Creek watershed. How will the district be created? A local legislator would ”le a bill that would be approved this session. Q: A: Q: A:

Spring, Klein ISDs to carry out bond work in 2023

Who would run the district? A temporary board of directors. A permanent board will be up for election as soon as November. How would the district be funded? The permanent board would determine this once elected. What is the soonest the district could be created? After the November 2023 election

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

SOURCES: CYPRESS CREEK FLOODING TASK FORCE, HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT COMMUNITY IMPACT

Education

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Spring-area task force to target ood mitigation along Cypress Creek in 2023 with drainage district

BY EMILY LINCKE

“THE CREATION OF THE SPECIAL DISTRICT WOULD ENABLE US TO SEEK STATE FUNDING AND FEDERAL

The Cypress Creek Flooding Task Force is hoping to speed up ood mitigation eorts along Cypress Creek by creating a drainage district by June, should Texas legislators approve the idea. “The creation of the special dis- trict would enable us to seek state funding and federal funding for ood control eorts,” said Glenn Wilkerson, president of the Cypress Creek Flooding Task Force, a Spring- area organization made up of com- munity leaders. “Right now, we have no voice to help us do that, so the creation of this district is

FUNDING FOR FLOOD CONTROL EFFORTS. RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE NO VOICE TO HELP US DO THAT."

The Classy Cork cultivates wine community in Spring

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GLENN WILKERSON, CYPRESS CREEK FLOODING TASK FORCE PRESIDENT

desperately needed.” The Cypress Creek watershed has a history of ooding with 29.3 inches of rainfall received and 9,450 homes ooded during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, according to the Harris County Flood Control District. Flooding

events such as Harvey have sparked eorts to mitigate ooding, such as the task force’s proposed drainage district. Since the communities along Cypress Creek are largely within unincorporated Harris County,

CONTINUED ON 19

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SPRING  KLEIN EDITION • JANUARY 2023

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Kim Giannetti EDITOR Hannah Brol REPORTERS Wesley Gardner, Emily Lincke GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ronald Winters ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lydia Lee METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Ethan Pham CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281—469—6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES sklnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING sklads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter PODCAST communityimpact.com/podcast SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron communityimpact.com

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM KIM: Happy New Year, and welcome to our Annual Community Guide edition. In this special guide, we take a look at the year ahead by showcasing locally owned businesses that have recently opened or are planning to open soon, providing updates on voter- approved bonds for Spring and Klein ISDs, and sharing the latest information on major transportation projects. We hope you nd this special issue helpful as you navigate 2023, and we wish you many blessings in the new year! Kim Giannetti, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM HANNAH: More than ve years after Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on the Texas Gulf Coast, –ooding remains a concern for many residents and business owners in the Spring and Klein community. In hopes of tackling –ood mitigation e—orts, the Cypress Creek Flooding Task Force is working with local legislators to create a new drainage district to give a voice to the largely unincorporated Cypress Creek watershed, which spans the Cypress, Spring and Klein communities. To learn more about this e—ort, see our front-page story, which continues on Page 19. Hannah Brol, EDITOR

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Cheers to your rst newspaper of the new year! Community Impact is also celebrating 2023 by welcoming our 100,000th email subscriber. If you don't receive the CI Morning Impact to your inbox yet, you're missing out. Our emails include everything you need to know about local government, new businesses coming to your area, dining hotspots and events. When you sign up as a new subscriber this Jan. 10-Feb. 10, we'll thank you by entering your email into a drawing to receive a gift basket featuring a CI shirt, jacket and hat, plus other surprise goodies to keep you on trend all year. One winner will be announced in each of the four metro areas we serve: Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio*.

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SPRING — KLEIN EDITION • JANUARY 2023

IMPACTS

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

3 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming opened Dec. 17 at 8701 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. D, Spring. The business oers a wide range of all-natural and healthy pet foods, gourmet baked treats, pet accessories and supplies as well as professional pet grooming services. 832-559-8250. www.facebook.com/ woofganggleannlochfarms 4 Stone Spirit opened Nov. 5 inside Willowbrook Mall, located at 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Houston. Located near Nordstrom Rack, the store oers a selection of rocks, gems and minerals and also sells stone jewelry and home decor. 281-890-8001. www.shopwillowbrookmall.com 5 The Ice Shack opened Nov. 11 at 24026 Kuykendahl Road, Tomball. The business specializes in serving up New York-style Italian ice, milkshakes and hot dogs. 346-808-7930. Dec. 2 in Vintage Park, located at 130 Vintage Park Blvd., Ste. D, Houston. The business oers IV treatments consisting of hydrating –uid and a blend of vitamins, amino acids and minerals designed to help shorten the recovery time after an injury or a competition and to help support increased athletic ability. 832-476-7837. www.livehydrationspa.com 7 Hagan Artistry opened in mid- December in Old Town Spring, located at 123 Midway St., Bldg. C, Spring. Owned by Lara and Joseph Hagan, the business oers interactive paintings—which are works of art with moveable pieces—photography prints, keychains, necklaces, crochet ornaments and handmade educational www.iceshackitalianice.com 6 Live Hydration Spa opened games. The studio’s owners make all of the art sold and oer custom pieces available for commission. www.haganartistry.com 8 Urban Bird Hot Chicken celebrated the grand opening of its new 2,169-square-foot location in City Place on Jan. 3. Located at 2162 Spring Stuebner Road, Ste. 180, Spring, the fast-casual concept oers chicken tenders in heat levels ranging from Country to Fire in the Hole along with side options, including crinkle-cut fries, kale slaw, and Hot Cheeto mac and cheese. 346-478-0730. www.urbanbirdhotchicken.com

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NOW OPEN 1 Tim Hortons opened its second Greater Houston-area location Dec. 16 at 5312 W. Richey Road, Houston. The

2 Scooter’s Coee opened Nov. 11 at 24527 Gosling Road, Spring. The drive- thru coee shop boasts teas, smoothies and blended coees as well as hot and iced espresso beverages. 832-559-1628. www.scooterscoee.com

Canadian coee shop oers iced and hot coee- and espresso-based beverages as well as doughnuts, doughnut holes known as Timbits and breakfast sandwiches. 281-919-1563. www.timhortons.com

Find one in your neighborhood.

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COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL, WESLEY GARDNER, EMILY LINCKE & JESSICA SHORTEN

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Tim Hortons

Urban Bird Hot Chicken

Common Desk opened Jan. 3 in City Place at 1401 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring.

COURTESY TIM HORTONS

COURTESY URBAN BIRD HOT CHICKEN

COURTESY COMMON DESK

COMING SOON 9 Dutch Bros Coee plans to open at 3665 FM 1960 W., Houston, this spring. The Oregon-based drive-thru coee company serves specialty coee, smoothies, freezes, teas, a private-label Dutch Bros Blue Rebel energy drink and nitrogen-infused cold brew coee. The new location will be locally operated by Todd Sesock. www.dutchbros.com 10 Quick N Clean —which provides car washing services—purchased 1.41 acres of land at 1005 FM 1960 W., Houston, according to real estate žrm NewQuest Properties. A projected opening date for the new location had not been an- nounced as of press time. www.quicknclean.net 11 Platinum Finance purchased 11 acres of land at the intersection of Cypresswood Drive and James C. Leo Drive in Spring, according to a Dec. 19 news release from real estate žrm NewQuest. A projected opening date for the new location had not been announced as of press time. RELOCATIONS 12 The Celtic Odyssey Emporium will host a grand reopening celebration in January after moving locations in Old Town Spring. Previously located at 123 Midway St., Bldg. B, Spring, the business relocated nearby to Building C. Owned by Robert and Kristi Dutkiewicz, the shop oers tarot readings and sells a selection of mystical goods, such as spell books, crystals, candles and incense. 888-492-3584. www.odysseyemporium.com

EXPANSIONS 13 StillGoode Home Consignments held a grand reopening Nov. 26 after expanding its Spring location to 21,000 square feet. Located at 5200 Louetta Road, Ste. 138, StillGoode Home Consignments is owned by Dennis and Janna Sewell and their children, Judy Connor and Nick Sewell, and oers consignment goods, including home decor, lighting, furniture, jewelry and handbags. 281-370-4447. www.stillgoode.com ANNIVERSARIES 14 Greenwood Square Barber Shop celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2022. Located at 5206 FM 1960, Ste. 102, Houston, the shop is owned by Joe Fratangelo and oers haircuts by appointment. 281-444-4209 15 Link Elementary School marked its 40th anniversary in mid-November, according to a Dec. 5 news release from Spring ISD. Current and former students and employees as well as parents attend- ed a “Leopard Family Reunion’’ to honor the occasion. The school is headed by Principal Tangy Stith and was named after SISD’s žrst school board secretary, Joan Link. Link Elementary is located at 2815 Ridge Hollow Drive, Houston. 281-891-8390. www.springisd.org/link2 16 On Dec. 3, Thistle Draftshop celebrated the žve-year anniversary of owners Mary, Jon and Jake Thorn opening the business. Thistle Draftshop oers a selection of beverages on draft or by the bottle, such as craft beer, ciders, wine and seltzers that are updated periodically. Located at 5210 FM 2920,

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Common Desk hosted a grand opening celebration Jan. 3-6 for its newest location in City Place at 1401 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring. The membership-based coworking and o ce space o€ers shared coworking space, private o ces and dedicated team suites with prices starting at $75 per month. Common Desk members also have access to a variety of amenities, including bottomless drip co€ee, conference room space, Wi-Fi, and the ability to work at Ste. 100, Spring, the craft beer bar and bottle shop also serves brunch and lunch/dinner options, such as a crawžsh Benedict, avocado toast, tru¦e fries, pork belly tacos and charcuterie boards. 832-823-0194. www.thistledraftshop.com NAME CHANGES 17 El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant in Spring changed its name to Las Mananitas Mexican Restaurant on Nov. 18. Located at 8921 Louetta Road, the restaurant oers a menu of traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes for lunch and dinner, a full bar and a children’s menu. Restaurant o¨cials noted only the name has changed, and the eatery’s menu and atmosphere remain the same. 832-698-2620. www.lasmananitasmexicanrestaurant.com

any Common Desk location across Texas and North Carolina. 214-216-6913. www.thecommondesk.com

SPRING PINE FOREST DR.

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CLOSINGS 18 Owners Kyle and Cyndi Gri¨n announced the closure of their business, Red Top Bakery , Nov. 19. Located at 6402 Louetta Road, Spring, the family-owned bakery opened in February 2019 and boasted more than 60 rotating cheesecake varieties in addition to cheesecake bites, cookies, pies, breads and breakfast items, including cinnamon rolls, mu¨ns, scones and kolaches. www.redtopbakery.com 19 Owner Tami Zimmerman announced the closure of her business, Sweet Inspirations Tea Room, Cafe and Gifts , on Dec. 7. Located at 6054 FM 2920, Spring, the cafe opened in April 2021 and oered a variety of teas as well as pastries and food items made in house. www.facebook.com/ sweetinspirationstearoom

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SPRING ‚ KLEIN EDITION • JANUARY 2023

TO DO LIST

January & February events

COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL & EMILY LINCKE

hosts a three-day garage sale, the proceeds from which will bene¡t its Community Outreach Ministry. 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. daily. Free. St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Community Christus Center, 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring. 281-370-3401. www.ignatiusloyola.com 07 LEARN ABOUT SPRING ISD At Spring ISD’s annual State of the District Breakfast, attendees will learn about district happenings from SISD o£cials. 8-10 a.m. Price TBA. Randall Reed Center, 23802 Cypresswood Drive, Spring. 281-891-6000. www.springisd.org 11 HONOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH As part of Cypress Creek FACE’s Free Children’s Series, Voices from the Past will present “Git on Board! The Life of Harriet Tubman” in recognition of Black History Month. 11 a.m. Free. Mangum- Howell Community Center, 2500 Frick Road, Houston. 281-440-4850. www.cypresscreekface.org 14 CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY As part of Cypress Creek FACE’s Promenade Series, violinist Rob Landes will perform a Valentine’s Day concert. 3 p.m. $10-$15. The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring. 281-440-4850. www.cypresscreekface.org

how to use these services in the Harris County Public Library system. 2:30 p.m. Free. Barbara Bush Branch Library, 6817 Cypresswood Drive, Spring. 832-927-7800. www.hcpl.net 25 ENJOY A JAZZ HAPPY HOUR Komedy Lounge will be hosting a Jazz on the Patio event featuring the musical stylings of Lloyd Hughes. Ribeye steaks will be on the menu for $20, and a happy hour with $5 drinks will be held. 8- 11 p.m. Free. Komedy Lounge, 5060 FM 1960 W., Houston. 281-624-7654. www.komedylounge.com 28 LISTEN TO THE MUSIC OF SAM COOKE As part of the Cypress Creek Foundation for the Arts and Community Enrichment’s Star-Lit Series, musician Bradd Marquis will bring to life the iconic soul music of Sam Cooke with songs ranging from “You Send Me” and “(What A) Wonderful World.” 8 p.m. $35-$65. The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring. 281-440-4850. www.cypresscreekface.org FEBRUARY 02 THROUGH 04 SHOP FOR A CAUSE St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Community

JAN. 28

PRACTICE PHOTOGRAPHY CITY PLACE PLAZA

Playhouse 1960 performed “Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical” in December. (Courtesy Playhouse 1960)

JANUARY 20 KAYAK ON A LAKE Harris County Precinct 3 is oering six opportunities for kayaking on Marshall Lake. 9-11 a.m. Free. Kickerillo- Mischer Preserve, 20215 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston. 713-274-4299 www.pct3.com/kmp 23 PRINT 3D OBJECTS Learn about 3D printing and types at City Place. 10 a.m. Free. City Place Plaza, 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring. www.cityplacenow.com (Courtesy City Place) The Houston Center for Photography will be teaching a class on composition basics for all camera

LIVE THEATER PLAYHOUSE 1960 6814 Gant Road, Houston

281-587-8243 • www.ph1960.com Feb. 11 12: “Madagascar, Jr.” 3 p.m. $12-$15 STAGEWORKS THEATRE 10760 Grant Road, Houston 281-587-6100 www.stageworkshouston.org Jan. 20 29: “Wait Until Dark.” 7:30 p.m. (Jan. 2021 and 2728), 3 p.m. (Jan. 22 and 29). $27.50-$37

Find more or submit Spring and Klein events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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ENVIRONMENT

Harris County Flood Control District completes 2 phases of bond projects along Cypress Creek

BATCH BY BATCH The Harris County Flood Control District completed batches 1 and 2 in the Major Maintenance of Cypress Creek and Tributaries program in December. The programs aim to improve channel conveyance capacity by removing built-up sediment and repairing erosion damage in the Cypress Creek watershed.

BY EMILY LINCKE

A $13.4 million project, Batch 1 included about 8 miles of work across seven channels south of Spring Cypress Road in the Spring area. Construction on this portion of the program began in June 2020 and includes improvements on Spring, Theiss and Dry gullies. Batch 2—a $3.3 million e”ort spanning nearly 6 miles of work across nine channels north of Cypress Creek near Hwy. 249—launched in August 2021. This batch encompassed nine channels, including tributaries of Faulkey and Pillot gullies. During renovations for Batch 1, over 2.12 million cubic yards of material was removed, and about 4 linear miles of pipe was installed. The HCFCD began construction on Batch 3 of the program in summer 2022 with completion anticipated for the summer of 2024. This $10.8 million segment of the project includes nearly 6 miles of work across 12 channels in the Spring and Cypress areas. Construction on Batch 4 is expected to begin in early 2023. The project will cover 4 miles of work across several tributaries, though a map had not been released as of press time Jan. 11.

Scope: 8 miles of work across seven channels Cost: $13.4 million Timeline: June 2020- December 2022 Batch 1

Scope: 6 miles of work across nine channels Cost: $3.3 million Timeline: August 2021- December 2022 Batch 2

In December, construction wrapped up on two groups of 2018 bond projects from the Harris County Flood Control District that focus on improving water ow along Cypress Creek and its tributaries, according to a Dec. 30 news release from the HCFCD. Batches 1 and 2 of the Major Maintenance of Cypress Creek and Tributaries program were completed ahead of schedule, according to the news release. Combined, the two phases used almost $17 million in bond funds, and a little over 13 linear miles of work was completed. The Major Maintenance of Cypress Creek and Tributaries program will be completed in four to „ve total batches; batches 3 and 4 are in progress. This program is targeted at bettering “channel conveyance capacity” in the Cypress Creek watershed by removing built-up sediment and repairing erosion damage, according to the news release. Examples of other work in these batches include replacing “riprap” stones to „ght erosion, outfall pipes, manholes and concrete channel linings.

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4 Faulkey Gully 5 Pillot Gully

1 Spring Gully 2 Theiss Gully 3 Dry Gully

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT“ COMMUNITY IMPACT

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SPRING  KLEIN EDITION • JANUARY 2023

AT THE CAPITOL

News from the 88th legislative session

QUOTE OF NOTE

“I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO 2023 AND ANOTHER

STATE COMPARISONS

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas ranks in the middle of a sampling of Southern states when it comes to pre-K through 12th- grade overall per-pupil spending. Funding comes from local, state and federal sources. These numbers from the Census Bureau in 2021 show some of the surrounding states:

PRODUCTIVE LEGISLATIVE

NUMBER TO KNOW The number of bills led by Texas lawmakers a month from the start of the Jan. 10 session. Lawmakers started ling bills Nov. 14 and have until March 10—the 60th day of the session—to submit bills for this Legislature. 1,100+ SESSION THAT WILL SET THE STAGE FOR AN EVEN GREATER TEXAS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.” LT. GOV. DAN PATRICK LEGE STICKS WITH ODDYEAR PATH When the Legislature was established, lawmakers could travel across Texas on foot or by horse. Journeys were long and dangerous, so lawmakers chose to meet in Austin every two years, according to Dallas Morning News reports. Many states switched to annual sessions in the 1970s, but Texas did not. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Texas are the only states that do not meet every year. The Texas Legislature rst convened in 1846, according to the Legislative Reference Library of Texas. The session was just 87 days long, but lawmakers met again in 1847, kicking o‰ the tradition of odd-numbered years. Now, sessions are limited to 140 days, according to the Texas Constitution. The governor has the authority to call special sessions, which are limited to 30 days. Each special session focuses on specic topics chosen by the governor and only laws on those topics can be passed. In 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott called three special sessions, which dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, law enforcement, elections, the Texas-Mexico border, transgender rights and more. Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY

$11,075 Louisiana

Arkansas

New Mexico

$10,388 $10,177

Texas

Oklahoma

Mississippi

$9,827 Arizona $8,625

$9,323

$9,284

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU„ COMMUNITY IMPACT

JOE WARNER•COMMUNITY IMPACT

Early bill lings show education, property tax relief among major priorities for 2023 legislative session

BY HANNAH NORTON

students in attendance on average. Schools earn $6,160 per student who meets the average daily atten- dance threshold. But when a student is frequently absent, their school loses money, even if the school’s day-to-day operations do not change. Multiple district administrators told Community Impact they lost more money during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic due to lower attendance rates when children were sick, quarantining or learning remotely. House Bill 31 was led by Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D˜Austin, to require the state to fund schools based on the average number of students enrolled during the academic year. Two bills to change state-funding criteria failed to move forward despite bipartisan support during the 2021 session. Sen. Nathan Johnson, D˜Dallas, led SB 88 to increase the basic allotment to $7,075. Property taxes Texas has one of the highest property tax rates in the nation. This is because the state does not charge an income tax. Additionally, local property taxes are used to fund schools, city infrastructure, emer- gency services and more. Gov. Greg Abbott has indicated that lowering property taxes is a top priority this session. Multiple bills have been led to eliminate or reduce schools’

maintenance and operations taxes, which fund day-to-day operations and employee salaries. Rep. Andrew Murr, R˜Junction, led two bills to eliminate the tax. HB 29 would create a joint commit- tee that would deal with the details of eliminating the tax, while HB 38 would increase certain state taxes in place of the local property taxes. Dick Lavine, the senior scal analyst for policy nonprot Every Texan, said eliminating maintenance and operations taxes is “completely unrealistic” for Texas. “If we want to keep having schools, you need another source of revenue,” Lavine said. “And the state does not have much in alternative sources.” Homeowners can also receive homestead exemptions, or a reduc- tion in a portion of the home’s value for tax purposes. According to the comptroller’s ožce, a $40,000 reduction is available for each homeowner’s primary residence. Additional exemptions are available for Texans who have a disability or are over age 65. HB 40, led by Rep. Erin Zwiener, D˜Driftwood, would create a home- stead exemption for property that is used to harvest rainwater or gray water. HB 144, led by Rep. Diego Bernal, D˜San Antonio, would create an exemption for the parent or legal guardian of someone who receives care in their home while waiting on state support.

A month before the Jan. 10 start of the 2023-24 legislative session, Texas lawmakers had led over 1,100 bills. Thousands more are expected to be led, but only some will become laws. Lawmakers have until the 60th day of the session—March 10—to le prospective pieces of legislation, but bills led before the session often highlight priorities for the biennium. Budgeting for the coming years At a Nov. 30 meeting, the Legisla- tive Budget Board voted unanimously to increase the Legislature’s spending ability by 12.33% for the 2024-25 budget. This means lawmakers will have access to up to $131 billion for the biennium. The state also has a $27 billion surplus, which puts the Legislature above its constitutional spending limits. Lawmakers must vote or pass a bill to exceed the spending cap. Lawmakers began ling bills Nov. 14. Below is some of the legisla- tion that lawmakers are expected to debate when they return to Austin. This article is not comprehensive. Education and public schools Changing the way Texas funds public schools is top of mind for many educators, administrators and parents. Schools receive per-student funding from the state under the basic allotment. This is based on average daily attendance, or the number of

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COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL & DANICA LLOYD

Data and information on local communities

SPRING & KLEIN The nine ZIP codes that make up Community Impact ’s Spring and Klein coverage area fall largely in unincorporated Harris County and include portions of the boundaries of Harris County Commissioner Precinct 3, Spring ISD and Klein ISD. From 2016-21, the Spring and Klein community gained an estimated 46,787 residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Local demographics, 2021* Hispanic or Latino White Black or African American American Indian or Alaska native Asian Native Hawaiian or other Paci c Islander Some other race Two or more races

45

77389

249

99 TOLL

2920

77373

77388

77379

77069 77070

77090

77068

1960

77066

N

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5šYEAR ESTIMATES›COMMUNITY IMPACT

Spring and Klein

Harris County

Population change Harris County gained an estimated 263,700 residents over the past ve years. Nearly 18% of those residents were added to the Spring and Klein community.

30.4% 39.9% 19.1%

43.6% 28.3% 18.5% 0.1% 7%

362,192

4.43M

2016

2016

0.1% 7.4% 0.1% 0.5% 2.6%

408,979

4.7M +5.9%

2021

2021

+12.9%

0.1% 0.3% 2.1%

5-year population change

Houston: +2.4%

Texas: +7.1%

*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.

Median household income $71,428

Education level** High school diploma or higher achieved

Age analysis

2016 2021

Bachelor’s degree or higher achieved

30.5% 29.3% 28.1% 29.9% 24.9% 25% 14.6% 13.7% 2% 2.1%

0-19

2016

20-39

2021

90.8%

90.9%

36.4%

36.9%

$78,422

40-59

$55,584

60-79

2016

80.2%

81.9%

30.1% 32.5%

2021

80+

$65,788

**BASED ON TOTAL POPULATION AGE 25 AND OLDER

11

SPRING  KLEIN EDITION • JANUARY 2023

DINING & SHOPPING

Retailers, restaurants that opened in 2022 or are coming in 2023

713-213-9392 www.facebook.com/chitalianpizzeria $$ B H K COMING IN FEBRUARY 13 Crust Pizza Co. 5211 FM 2920, Ste. 108, Spring 832-680-2432 www.crustpizzaco.com $$ K LATINMEXICAN 14 Burrito District 22916 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. B, Spring 346-786-8255 www.theburritodistrict.com $$ K 15 Cabo Bob’s 7103 Cutten Road, Houston 832-446-3504 www.cabobobs.com $ K 16 Don Agave Mexican Grill 6334 FM 2920, Spring 832-422-3598 www.facebook.com/donagavemexican $$ H K 17 Julio’s Mexican Grill 4915 FM 2920, Spring 281-323-4596 www.julios.restaurant $$ B H K 18 Pichurros’ Mexican Grill 24026 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 100, Tomball 346-236-6990 Facebook: Pichurro’s Mexican Grill $$ H K SEAFOOD 19 Claws Boil & Bar 16000 Stuebner Airline Road, Ste. M, Spring 832-559-8006 www.clawshtx.com $$ H K 20 La Palapa 6507 FM 2920, Spring 281-205-7176 www.restaurantlapalapa.com $$ H K 21 Sharky’s American Grill 126 Vintage Park Blvd., Houston 713-257-5200 www.sharkysvintagepark.com $$ H K MISCELLANEOUS 22 Elixir Lounge 206 Main St., Spring 346-351-1121 www.elixirloungekavabar.com $ H 23 Hurricane Alley Daiquiris 3730 FM 2920, Ste. 101, Spring 281-651-5538 www.hurricanealleydaiquiris.com $ H 24 Tropical Sno of Tomball 24510 Hwy. 249, Tomball 281-547-8296 www.facebook.com/tropicalsnotomball $

18

SPRINGWOODS VILLAGE PKWY.

29

25

CITY PLACE

RILEY FUZZEL RD.

14

OLD TOWN SPRING

9 7

2

27

99 TOLL

16

23

2920

20

13

17

BOUDREAUX RD.

31

22

30

24

4

1

249

6

19

26

8

5

1960

45

28

21

CUTTEN RD.

12

VINTAGE PARK BLVD.

11

10

3

BAMMEL NORTH HOUSTON RD.

15

25

MAP NOT TO SCALE

N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Average entrees: $ Up to $9.99 $$ $10-$19.99 $$$ $20 or more

B Breakfast/brunch H Happy hour K Kids menu

ASIAN 4 Noodle Kitchen 18363 Kuykendahl Road, Spring 346-463-8079 www.noodlekitchentx.com $$ 5 Sushi Haya 21542 Hwy. 249, Ste. 5, Houston 832-559-8115 www.sushihaya249.com $$ H BAKERYCAFE 6 Local Bake and Toee Cellar 17297 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring 281-376-4554 www.localbakecafe.com $ B 7 Noe’s Cafe 2120 Spring Stuebner Road, Spring 281-656-9999 www.facebook.com/noescafespring $$ B H K 8 Sweet Greek 8320 Louetta Road, Ste. 100, Spring

832-592-7777 Facebook: Sweet Greek $ B 9 Yi Cha Tea & Coee 2174 Spring Stuebner Road, Ste. 370, Spring 281-719-5173 www.yichateaco‹ee.com $ 10 4 Brothers NY Bagel 4443 FM 1960, Houston 832-461-1683 www.bagelshouston.com $ B INDIAN 11 Tikka Shack 134 Vintage Park Blvd., Ste. H, Houston 281-573-8455 www.tikkashack.com $$ H K ITALIAN 12 Chitalian Pizzeria 3323 B FM 1960, Houston

COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL & EMILY LINCKE

THESE LISTINGS ARE NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

DINING AMERICAN 1 Clutch City Cluckers 6730 Louetta Road, Spring 832-276-9788 www.clutchcitycluckers.com $$ B 2 The Cookshack 21640 Kuykendahl Road, Spring 281-984-1385 www.thecookshack.com $$ K 3 En Vain 6944 FM 1960 W., Houston 832-810-9810 www.envainhtx.com $$$ B H

12

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

2023 ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE

22

28

Elixir Lounge

Cordovan Art School

COURTESY ELIXIR LOUNGE

COURTESY CORDOVAN ART SCHOOL

346-386-6471 www.calloways.com ENTERTAINMENT 28 Cordovan Art School 8905 Louetta Road, Ste. A, Spring 281-547-8484 www.cordovanartschool.com 29 Fieldhouse 2007 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring www.šeldhousehouston.com COMING IN LATE 2023 30 Main Event 24620 Hwy. 249, Tomball 281-698-5559 www.mainevent.com/tomball 31 Slinging Axes 11709 Boudreaux Road, Ste. 610, Tomball 281-547-8119 www.slingingaxes.net

SHOPPING FOODDRINKS 25 Don Tomate Meat Market 24026 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 150, Tomball 281-205-1304 www.facebook.com/dontomate2 HOME 26 Exclusive Furniture 16515 I-45, Houston 832-995-2606 www.exclusivefurniture.com/spring PLANTS 27 Cornelius Nursery 7311 N. Grand Parkway W., Spring

Boardough Vino oers an extensive wine and beer list as well as menu items that include charcuterie boards, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts. WORTH THE TRIP BOARDOUGH VINO WINE BAR Boardough Vino Wine Bar opened Vino Wine Bar oers happy hour specials on alcohol and food items. 281-719-8938. www.boardoughvino.com COURTESY BOARDOUGH VINO WINE BAR

March 10 at 4223 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 100, The Woodlands. Boardough Vino oers an extensive wine and beer list as well as menu items that include charcuterie boards, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts. According to the restaurant, the wine bar oers weekly tastings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and trivia night on Wednesdays. The trivia night allows teams to compete with other guests to win gift cards to the restaurant. Additionally, Boardough

45

E A

N

13

SPRING € KLEIN EDITION • JANUARY 2023

TRANSPORTATION

Top transportation stories to watch in 2023

Houston faces large road striping backlog in 2023 BY LEAH FOREMAN Roads without adequate striping to identify lanes are raising concerns about safety for several members of Houston City Council. Public data from the city of Houston showed more than 300 calls to the city’s 311 line to address striping dating back to March 2020. However, Erin Jones, interim communications director with the Houston Public Works Department, disputed the use of the word “backlog” to describe the situation. She said some proposed pavement projects may not have met a “service level agreement”—a time frame that has been agreed upon among the mayor, City Council and the city departments on how long they have to ful™ll those requests. “So it may be considered a backlog in some areas and then others they just may not have met the service level agreement,” she said. At-Large Council Member Sallie Alcorn, who has been looking into the issue, said she received a statement from the public works department, a copy of which was provided to Community Impact. “The trac markings requests that cannot be

OTHER PROJECTS TO FOLLOW IN 2023

PAVING PROBLEMS Requests to address inadequate paving in the Greater Houston area have been made around the Willowbrook and north Houston areas.

45

Striping requests

Lane line Center line

45

1960

249

WILLOW CHASE BLVD.

1960

N

I-45 bridge replacement Work is underway on a project to replace the I-45 southbound frontage road bridge over Cypress Creek, which has been closed since March due to safety concerns. The project’s cost has increased from $6.7 million to $8.6 million due to increased material costs as well as costs to expedite the project to be completed by summer 2023 instead of March 2024. Timeline: March 2022-summer 2023 Cost: $8.6 million Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation

W. GREENS RD.

N

SOURCE: HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT

performed in-house ... are performed by a contract (outside contractors), and the contract is not currently active due to legal issues. [Transportation and Drainage Operations] is working diligently to resolve this situation and expects to resume the pavement marking program soon,” the statement read. At a Nov. 9 meeting where the issue was discussed, Mayor Sylvester Turner said it was the ™rst he had heard of the issue. Jones said public works had over 700 requests for pavement markings in March 2020; 2,476 have since been completed. Data shows seven of those striping requests are located in the Willowbrook and north Houston areas near Spring.

CENTERFIELD DR.

1960

BRETON RIDGE ST.

Grand Parkway expansion to begin in fall 2023 and the new lanes—one in each BY HANNAH BROL

249

WILLOWBROOK DR.

N

Segment B

KUYKENDAHL RD.

45

FM 1960 widening A project to expand FM 1960 between CenterŠeld Drive and Cutten Road is scheduled to go out for bids in August. The project will add a through lane east- and westbound on FM 1960 from the Willowbrook Mall center entrance to Cutten Road and add new pavement, continuous sidewalks, traŒc signals and drainage improvements. Timeline: advertising for bids in August, construction in 28 months Cost: $20 million Funding sources: 80% federal, 20% state

Segment A

Construction on a project to expand the F-2 segment of the Grand Parkway is expected to begin this fall, according to ocials with the Texas Department of Transportation. As previously reported by Community Impact , the project will expand the Grand Parkway from four to six lanes between Hwy. 249 in Tomball and Holzwarth Road in Spring. According to TxDOT ocials, the tollway’s four existing lanes will be kept in operation during the project,

direction—will be expanded inward, reducing the impact construction will have on the surrounding area. The two-part project will be completed in two segments. Segment A, which runs from Hwy. 249 to Kuykendahl Road, is expected to begin advertising for bids in August and will take 42 months to complete at a cost of $63 million. Segment B, which runs from Kuykendahl Road to Holzwarth Road, will advertise for bids in October 2024 and take 36 months to complete

249

HOLZWARTH RD.

99 TOLL

N

at a cost of $38 million. According to TxDOT ocials, the expansion is needed for the tollway to maintain a speci™c level of service as data shows average annual daily trac increased by more than 50% from F-2’s opening in 2016 to 2019—increasing from 43,358 to 65,779 in that timespan.

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Join us to get engaged in supporting our teachers, students, and schools.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

EDUCATION

Top education stories to watch in 2023

2023 ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE

Klein ISD to continue work on $895.3M bond in 2023

OTHER STORIES TO FOLLOW IN 2023

BY HANNAH BROL

arts and athletic spaces; and the comprehensive modernization of eight aging campuses. Also approved by voters, Proposition B allocated $51.5 million for classroom technology. Propositions C and D—which were not approved by voters—would have allocated $141 million to build a district events center and $75.2 million to build a second stadium and renovate Klein Memorial Stadium, respectively. KISD’s board meetings are typically held the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the board room of the Frank A. Lemmon Administration Building, located at 7200 Spring Cypress Road, Spring. Board meeting agendas can be viewed ahead of time online at www.kleinisd.net.

PINPOINTING PROJECTS Klein ISD voters approved the following bond propositions in the May 7 election.

KLEIN ISD Ocials will update the public on the district’s $895.3 million bond during the board of trustees’ February or March meeting, district ocials conrmed via email Dec. 14. As previously reported by Community Impact , KISD voters approved two of four propositions totaling $1.1 billion placed on the ballot last May. Voter-approved Proposition A allocated $843.8 million to address growth and capacity challenges with the construction of Intermediate School No. 11 and classroom additions at Klein Cain and Klein Oak high schools. The proposition also includes safety and security improvements; the purchase of new school buses; upgraded academic,

Proposition A

$843.8 M

Lone Star College-University Park to open visual, performing arts center Construction on Lone Star College- University Park’s $21.67 million Visual and Performing Arts Center is slated to be completed by December with its €rst classes beginning in spring 2024. Upon completion, the 30,000-square- foot facility will house an art gallery, a band hall, a 338-seat main stage theater, a 100-seat black box theater and classrooms. Construction is slated to wrap up by late 2023. (Rendering courtesy Lone Star College-University Park)

• Intermediate School No. 11 • Classroom additions at Klein Cain and Klein Oak high schools • Safety and security improvements • Comprehensive modernization of eight campuses age 50 and older • Upgraded academic, ‚ne arts and athletic spaces • New school buses

Proposition B $51.5 M

• Classroom technology for students and staŒ

SOURCE: KLEIN ISD‡COMMUNITY IMPACT

SISD to begin designing projects, purchasing equipment for $850M bond in 2023

BY EMILY LINCKE

LOOKING AT THE FINANCES Spring ISD will be beginning multiple projects this year as part of the district's 2022 bond. • $850M in bonds were approved by voters in November. • $300M in bonds have been approved so far to be sold. • 3 propositions make up the 2022 bond package. • $681M will fund campus improvements. • $141M will fund a new districtwide academic and arts center. • $28M will fund technology upgrades.

SPRING ISD In 2023, Spring ISD will move forward with the $850 million bond approved by voters in November by selling bonds, designing projects and purchasing safety equipment and vehicles, district ocials conrmed via email Dec. 15. The next steps in the bond process will include closing on the rst wave of bonds to be sold, which totals $300 million, in February. On Dec. 13, SISD trustees approved the bonds to be sold at a maximum total interest rate of 5.5% and a maximum nal maturity of 40 years. SISD ocials said they will prioritize designing projects such as the Education Performance and Instructional Center and the renovation of Spring High School. District ocials noted they plan to meet with the communities of Westeld High School and Jenkins and Reynolds elementary schools to work collaboratively on those redesign projects. Construction on the Spring High School

Harmony Public Schools plans new campus in City Place in north Spring Harmony Public Schools—a Texas- based free public charter school system—will be opening multiple campuses on a 28.9-acre tract of land located in City Place over the next few years. Originally announced in August, the €rst phase of development will include a pre-K-seventh-grade school slated to open for the 2024-25 school year. The second phase will add middle and high school campuses scheduled to open for the 2026-27 school year. The rst campus is set to open for the 2024 25 school year. (Rendering courtesy Harmony Public Schools)

SOURCE: SPRING ISD›COMMUNITY IMPACT

project is anticipated to begin in 2024. Main focuses for the year will also include purchasing some of the school buses and technology upgrades funded by the bond. District ocials said safety and security equipment, such as new cameras, will also be purchased.

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