Lake Houston - Humble - Kingwood | November 2023

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Lake Houston Humble Kingwood Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 7 NOV. 21DEC. 19, 2023

Workers move forward on the Uptown Park renovations in the heart of Main Street. The project is just one component of the city of Humble’s downtown reimagining program.

JESSICA SHORTENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Humble ocials focus on reimagining downtown

“[Business owners] are seeing downtown, and hopefully, maybe it sparks some imagination within some of them to say, ‘Hey, maybe this is where I could be,’” City Manager Jason Stuebe said.

In August, city ocials allocated an initial $50,100 from the scal year 2023-24 budget to fund the rst of its downtown projects. The allotment is just the rst in a series of investments city ocials plan to make in its downtown area.

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Humble city ocials are embarking on a down- town reimagining program in hopes of attracting more businesses and visitors to the area following the completion of an assessment in June.

CONTINUED ON 24

Also in this issue

Impacts: Target opens in Valley Ranch Town Center (Page 6)

Community: Ways to give back in the Lake Houston area (Page 19)

Development: Generation Park gains new infrastructure (Page 21)

Dining: V. Bistro Noodle & Grill oers taste of Vietnam (Page 28)

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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. And 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 James T. Norman Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Graphic Designers Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Chelsea Peters Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Impacts

Dentistry is now offering a range of dental services, including cleanings, teeth whitening, emergency dentistry, crowns, fillings and oral cancer screenings. • Opened Oct. 3 • Valley Ranch Town Center, 21856 Market Place Drive, Ste. 400, New Caney • www.newcaneysmilesdentistry.com 5 HearUSA Hearing care retailer HearUSA opened a new location in Atascocita, officials announced in an Oct. 11 news release. The new center offers prescription hearing aids as well as over-the-counter hearing aid solutions. Licensed hearing care professionals are also available on-site to conduct complimentary hearing evaluations, offer simulated hearing environments and assist clients with testing various hearing aids. • Opened Oct. 12 • 6715 FM 1960 E., Atascocita • www.hearusa.com 6 Autumn Springs Home Care Communities Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Autumn Springs Home Care Communities’ new assisted living facility is now open in Atascocita. Officials said the facility helps bridge the gap between independent living and nursing home care by providing assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and medication management. The facility also offers memory care services for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. • Opened Oct. 24 • 7105 Hot Creek Trace, Humble • www.autumnspringshomes.com/atascocita-home 7 D1 Training Following a grand opening block party, D1 Training is now open in Atascocita. The gym offers a variety of training regimens tailored to individual members’ ages and experience levels. In addition to customized equipment unique to the franchise, each training center features a weight room and retail center. • Opened Oct. 21

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

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• 7040 FM 1960 E., Unit B, Humble • www.d1training.com/atascocita

MADERA RUN PKWY.

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Coming soon

MAP NOT TO SCALE

8 Hope Media Group Hope Media Group has selected Valley Ranch as the location for its new global headquarters, officials announced in an Oct. 4 news release. The Houston- based ministry has multiple media brands including KSBJ, a Houston-focused radio station; WayFM stations, a national network; Vida Unida, a Spanish-language Christian network; NGEN Radio, a Christian hip-hop and pop digital content outlet; and WAY LOUD, a Christian rock digital content outlet, among others. According to the release, Hope Media Group’s new global headquarters will feature space for the organization’s broadcast, podcast and video production studios. • Construction to begin in late 2023 • Valley Ranch, intersection of Hwy. 59 and the Grand Parkway in New Caney • www.hopemediagroup.com 9 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic - Atascocita Kelsey-Seybold broke ground on its new three-story clinic in Atascocita, officials announced in an Oct. 10 news release. The 50,000-square-foot clinic will have space COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

include a drive-up order pickup area, a CVS pharmacy, a Starbucks and electric vehicle charging stations. • Opened Oct. 22 • Valley Ranch Town Center, 21836 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.target.com/sl/new-caney/2889 3 Possibilities Possibilities—a consignment store—recently opened in Humble. Owned by Susie Palacios, the business is a community of selected vendors selling new and

Now open

1 Lupe Tortilla Lupe Tortilla’s new Kingwood location is now serving Tex-Mex staples, including fajitas, enchiladas, tacos and burritos, as well as seafood dishes, carne asada, chicken and vegetarian options. The restaurant also features a full bar and serves weekend brunch. • Opened Sept. 18 • 20061 Northpark Drive, Kingwood • www.tex-mex.com/kingwood 2 Target Valley Ranch Town Center’s new 135,000-square-foot Target—which has been under construction since June 2022—is now open. The store brings about 150 jobs to the New Caney area and offers items such as home goods, clothing, food, makeup and toys. Store features

preowned items. • Opened Sept. 1

• 1016 N. Houston Ave., Humble • 281-541-6201 or 832-265-0384

4 New Caney Smiles Dentistry Located in Valley Ranch Town Center, New Caney Smiles

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

for up to 24 providers offering both primary and specialty care for adults and children. The clinic will also offer medical specialties and diagnostic services, including on- site imaging, laboratory services and a pharmacy. • Opening summer 2024 • 17818 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Humble • www.kelsey-seybold.com 10 Focus Kidney Care Officials held a groundbreaking Oct. 2 for Focus Kidney Care’s new location in Humble. The medical center will serve patients with illnesses such as kidney disease and high blood pressure, and patients in need of treatments such as dialysis and transplant care. • Construction slated to finish late summer 2024 11 Quench IV Studio Officials with Quench IV Studio are targeting a late 2023 opening for their new location in Humble. Led by a doctor and nurse practitioner, the business will offer an assortment of IV hydration therapies, iron infusions, B-12 vitamin shots and Lipo shots. • Opening late November or early December • 9360 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Ste. 150, Humble • www.quenchivstudio.com • 18760 Hwy. 59, Humble • www.focuskidney.com

In the news

Now open

12 Three B’s On The Green Effective Sept. 1, Three B’s On The Green took over food and beverage operations—including the beverage cart, grill and banquet facilities—at Oakhurst Golf Club, General Manager Brandi Anderson confirmed Sept. 21. The eatery’s menu features a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and wings as well as a full bar. The business is owned by Robert Jones and Craig Brown, who also own Three B’s Grill in Kingwood. • Oakhurst Golf Club, 20700 Mills Branch Drive, Porter • www.threebsonthegreen.com 13 Cupcake Quilts In Humble, Cupcake Quilts has closed and relocated its employees and services to the Spring location at 1469 Spring Cypress Road. Owned by Stacie Johnson, Cupcake Quilts offers sewing and quilting machine repair services; crafting lessons and workshops; and craft items, such as fabric, thread and patterns. According to a statement from the business, the decision to close the store came as the building’s lease ended and was due to “changes in traffic patterns and consumer shopping habits.” However, officials said they hope to reopen the store in a new northeast Houston location in the future. • 9574 FM 1960 Bypass W., Humble • www.cupcakequilts.com

14 Center Court Pizza & Brew Center Court Pizza & Brew recently opened in Humble. The Greater Houston-area eatery boasts a menu of hand-tossed pizzas, pizza rolls, calzones, flatbreads, sliders, pasta, wings and salads. The pizzeria also features a full bar with craft beer. • Opened Aug. 5 • 20669 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Humble • www.centercourtpizza.com

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Harris County ocials plan to revitalize NRG Park Plans to revitalize the home of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Houston Texans are moving forward after Harris County commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 10 to task county ocials with redeveloping the NRG Park complex and surrounding region. 90 NRG Center NRG Park Houston Astrodome NRG Stadium

Harris Center opens mobile wellness clinic A new community health care initiative is taking place with the launch of a mobile wellness clinic in September. The mobile clinic will address the full wellness needs of each patient, including physical, mental and behavioral health. The details Ocials with The Harris Center said that while the mobile wellness clinic will initially partner with community centers for events in precincts 1 and 2, it won’t be limited to just those two areas. “We’ll look at what they’re currently doing with their activities because they’re already connected to the community, and then we add the mobile wellness vehicles to go to these events,” Director Stanley Williams said.

The Harris County Sports and Convention Cor- poration will develop at least two alternative plans to re-envision NRG Park, which is a 350-acre sports and entertainment complex owned by the county that hosts more than 5.5 million people annually. Digging deeper HCSCC Chair James Dixon II said the organi- zation will work collaboratively with input from tenants, the rodeo and the Texans, and ensure the greatest benet for all key stakeholders, such as county residents, and Houston’s diverse residen- tial and business communities. “If we are really methodical and strategic and collaborative and work with pure intent, we can all

NRG Arena

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end up with something out there that becomes a legacy project for our future,” Dixon said. Ideas discussed for the project included adding more green space, replacing parts of the parking lot with economic mixed-use areas, and looking to potential developments in the surrounding area, Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis said.

Whatever happens in our community, we’re here, ready to serve. Providing Level I trauma care at Ben Taub Hospital for people experiencing the worst day of their lives. Reaching out to families struggling to find or afford healthy food. Offering the gold standard in nursing at our Magnet®-recognized Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. Treating everyone with respect, compassion and gratitude for giving us the opportunity to care for them, work with them, know them. You may not know our name. And that’s okay.

YOU’LL KNOW US BY THE WORK WE DO.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ, HANNAH BROL & JAKE MAGEE

Fred Flickinger to represent Kingwood on Houston City Council

With all 701 voting centers reporting Election Day results, Fred Flickinger has won the race for Houston City Council District E. Flickinger garnered 14,880 votes, or 57.02% of votes, while challenger Martina Lemond Dixon garnered 11,217 votes, or 42.98% of votes, according to results published to the Harris County Clerk’s Office website. District E encompasses Kingwood and Lake Houston in Houston’s northeast area as well as Clear Lake in Houston’s southeast area. The background Flickinger is the owner of Flickinger Machine and has more than 35 years of business experience, while Lemond Dixon is the CEO of a small company and serves as an Humble ISD trustee. “Hiring additional police officers and firefighters, implementing more community policing programs, increasing police presence, additional funding for forensic processing, and ensuring first responders

have the resources to do their jobs are of the utmost priority,” Flinckinger said in his Q&A with Community Impact . The context First elected in 2012, current District E council member Dave Martin has reached his term limit and is unable to run for re-election. Instead, Martin ran for Houston city controller in the Nov. 7 election; however he only garnered 15.6% of votes. Challengers Chris Hollins and Orlando Sanchez will head to a runoff election for the position on Dec. 9, after receiving 44.81% and 27.28% of votes on Nov. 7, respectively. In other news In Houston’s mayoral race, candidates John Whit- mire and Sheila Jackson Lee are also set to compete in the the Dec. 9 runoff election after garnering 43.06% and 34.81% of all votes, respectively. All results are unofficial until canvassed.

Results breakdown

Winner

Headed to runoff

Houston City Council

District E

57.02% Fred Flickinger 42.98% Martina Lemond Dixon

Houston city controller

44.81% Chris Hollins 27.28% Orlando Sanchez 15.6% Dave Martin 12.31% Shannan Nobles

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Education

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Mario Castillo appointed Lone Star College System’s fifth chancellor Mario Castillo was appointed the fifth chan- cellor of the Lone Star College System in August. Castillo follows former Chancellor Stephen Head, who retired this year. Castillo has served LSCS since 2015 as vice chancellor, general counsel and chief operat- ing officer. He is also the first Hispanic LSCS chancellor. What are your thoughts on House Bill 8’s changes to the way community colleges are funded? I’m a much bigger fan of outcome-based funding. That means we’re not going to be an enrollment-focused institution anymore. We are going to be a retention-focused institution, which means that what I’m more interested in

is keeping the students that we have rather than recruiting more. What industries do you expect will have the most significant workforce needs over the next 10 years? Information technology; computers, national security, information technology and computer chips. A lot of our computer chips come from overseas, and so we are vulnerable to countries that are not entirely friendly to the United States. What are some short- and long-term goals you have for the LSCS? I’m a big proponent of one LSC, so for the next 10 months, my goal is to get all 7,000 of our employees doing the same thing and working collaboratively toward the same goal.

This interview has been edited for length, style and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

COURTESY LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY HANNAH BROL

Ongoing projects

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1 Northpark Drive overpass Project: This project will expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes between Hwy. 59 and Russell Palmer Road, and add an overpass. Update: In a November newsletter, Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin said progress has been made on the drainage and sidewalk project components. • Timeline: spring 2023-fall 2025 • Cost: $61.5 million • Funding sources: city of Houston, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 10/Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority

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2 Atascocita Road, Blackstone Trails Drive intersection improvements Project: This project will install a new traffic signal at the intersection of Atascocita Road and Blackstone Trails Drive. Update: In a Nov. 6 email, Precinct 3 Communications Manager Jeannie Peng said construction is underway and this project is on track to be completed by the end of November. • Timeline: third quarter-fourth quarter • Cost: $370,000 • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3 3 FM 1960 widening Project: This two-part project will widen FM 1960 from a four-lane asphalt roadway to a six-lane divided concrete roadway with a raised median, curb and gutter, channelized left-turn lanes and a 5-foot sidewalk on both sides of the roadway. Segment A runs from Business FM 1960 to east of Twigsworth Lane, while Segment B continues to the western approach of the McKay Bridge at Lake Houston. Segment B will also include the construction of a new bridge that will span over Atascocita Road, West Lake Houston Parkway and Farmingham Road. Update: In a Nov. 8 email, Bambi Hall, a public information officer with the Texas Department of Transportation, said construction is underway and expected to continue on the project through 2025. • Timeline: late 2021-December 2025 (Segment A),

WILL CLAYTON PKWY.

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MAP NOT TO SCALE N

project wrapped up in August. • Timeline: July-August • Cost: $200,000 • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3 6 Loop 494 expansion

Completed projects

4 Will Clayton Parkway sidewalk installation

Project: This project installed a 500-foot section of sidewalk on the south side of Will Clayton Parkway from Cricket Mill Drive to Woodland Hills Drive. Update: In a Nov. 6 email, Peng said construction on this project wrapped up in August. • Timeline: July-August • Cost: $50,000 • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3 5 Atascocita Road restriping Project: This project restriped Atascocita Road from Old Humble Road to just south of FM 1960. Update: In a Nov. 6 email, Peng said construction on this

Project: This project expanded Loop 494 between a half-mile north of Kingwood Drive and north of Sorters McClellan Road. Update: In a Nov. 8 email, Hall said construction on this project wrapped up in September and the contractor is finishing the final check list. • Timeline: July 15, 2019-Sept. 1, 2023 • Cost: $17.56 million • Funding sources: 80% federal, 20% state

late 2021-spring 2024 (Segment B) • Cost: $58.2 million (Segment A),

$70 million (Segment B) • Funding source: TxDOT

LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Community

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Holiday Events Guide

2023

Home for the Holidays Gift Market Shop more than 100 local and small businesses at this gift market in Humble. The event will feature a photo booth, food trucks and a special appearance by Santa Claus on Dec. 1. • Dec. 1-2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • $6 (adult admission), free (admission for age 12 and younger), free (parking) • Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com

A Holiday to Remember The East Montgomery County Improvement District will host its annual holiday event with ice skating, shopping, bumper cars, train rides and Santa Claus. Most attractions require a wristband.

• Dec. 15-24, hours vary by day • Free (admission), $5-$15 (wristband) • Valley Ranch Town Center, 22296 Market Place Drive, Ste. 100, New Caney • www.emcholiday.com

Christmas in the Park Town Center Park in Kingwood will host a park festival and tree lighting event with shopping, vendors, food, artists and entertainment. There will also be performances by local groups, such as Ballet Preparatory of Rowland Ballard, and Define Dance and Arts Studio. • Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.towncenterevents.com/christmasinthepark.html Christmas Parade of Lights The City of Humble Beautification Committee will host the 32nd annual Christmas parade with “The Nutcracker” theme. Businesses and organizations interested in participating in the parade can fill out an application form online.

Live Nativity Program and Celebration Atascocita Presbyterian Church will host a family- friendly holiday event with hot chocolate, cookies, Nativity sets for sale, scent tasting of frankincense and myrrh, an a capella choir, a petting zoo, a photo booth, and a Nativity sing-along play. • Dec. 8-9, 6:30-8 p.m. • Free (admission) Redemption Square Holiday Market Redemption Square and KDA Markets will host a holiday market with live music, food, an artisan vendor market and a special Santa Claus appearance. • Dec. 9, noon-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 250 Assay St., Houston • www.redemptionsquare.com • 19426 Atasca Oaks Drive, Humble • www.apchumble.org/nativity.php Holiday at the Harbor Kings Harbor’s holiday event will have free photos with Santa, a holiday concert, Christmas shopping and treats from restaurants in the shopping center.

December

Tavola Reindeer Run The Tavola Reindeer Run will be held in New Caney with a 1K family-friendly option and a 5K option. The event will start at the recreation center and there will be a Christmas event after the race. This event will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, Chick-fil-A breakfast sandwiches, hot drinks, a giant snow globe and face painting. • Dec. 2, 8-9 a.m. (5K run), 9-10 a.m. (1K run/walk) • $25 (1K run/walk), $40 (5K run) • Tavola Recreation Center, 23212 Via Principale, New Caney • www.runsignup.com/race/tx/newcaney/tavolareindeer Fall Creek Holiday Market This holiday market will have homemade products for sale including holiday decor, mistletoe-scented soaps, baked goods and accessories. This event will also have hot chocolate, a horse carriage and photo opportunities with Santa. Parking is available at Fall Creek Elementary School, and shuttles will be available to transport guests between the parking lot and the market. • Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • Fall Creek Club House, 7930 Fall Creek Bend Court, Humble • www.fallcreekhouston.com/event/fall-creek-holiday- market-4

• Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Historic Main Street, Humble • www.cityofhumbletx.gov

Holiday Treasures Opera Leggera will host its annual Christmas opera with a family-friendly musical experience consisting of Christmas classics. • Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 9, 7 p.m.; Dec. 10, 4 p.m. • $22-$27 • The Nathaniel Center, 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood • www.operaleggera.com

• Dec. 10, 1-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 4501 Magnolia Cove Drive, Kingwood • https://kings-harbor.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733

KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115

HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202

ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY WESLEY GARDNER & EMILY LINCKE

Volunteer Guide

2023

Learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities in Lake Houston, Humble and Kingwood. For specific volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly. This list is not comprehensive.

Empower children

Care for the environment

Empower children

Humble ISD Contribute to the education of Humble ISD students in grades pre-K-12. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. • Sample activities: volunteering at a school book fair, being a student’s reading buddy, serving as a crossing guard, helping a teacher assemble materials • Donations accepted: monetary donations accepted through the Humble ISD Education Foundation • 48 campus locations • www.humbleisd.net/volunteer Humble ISD Education Foundation The Humble ISD Education Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for innovative education projects within Humble ISD classrooms. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. • Sample activities: committee service opportunities, special event assistance, pro bono services • Donations accepted: monetary and sponsorships

FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center aims to assist individuals and families by offering a 24-hour crisis hotline, support groups, counseling, court-approved anger management and parenting classes, case management and a temporary shelter for survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. • Sample activities: assist in the counseling center/ administrative office in Humble, help at the shelter (undisclosed location) and at outreach events • Donations accepted: monetary, specific gift cards, new clothing, hygiene items • 1203 S. Houston Ave., Humble (Crisis & Counseling Center) • www.familytimeccc.org Humble Area Assistance Ministries Humble Area Assistance Ministries is an interfaith organization that connects individuals and families to community resources, helping to build stronger futures by inspiring hope. Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. • Sample activities: pick up drivers and warehouse workers at the food pantry; off-site sandwich assembly; off-site projects; data entry and administrative assistance; Meals on Wheels deliveries; assistance at HAAM resale store • Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind, nonperishable food, hygiene items, completed off-site projects • 204 First St., Humble (HAAM Resale Store); 1302 First St., Humble (HAAM Social Services); 22310 Loop 494, Kingwood (Black Cat Junction Resale Store) • www.haamministries.org Lake Houston Family YMCA This local YMCA serves the Lake Houston community through programs and social services designed to help individuals and families learn, grow and thrive. • Sample activities: fundraising, serving on the board of directors or a committee, coaching sports teams, becoming a buddy for adaptive sports program members • Donations accepted: monetary • 2402 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood • www.ymcahouston.org

Mercer Botanic Gardens Mercer Botanic Gardens has a variety of indoor and outdoor opportunities, most of which are available to volunteers age 16 and older. • Sample activities: garden maintenance, plant sales at events, adult and children’s garden tours, data entry, inventory, event planning, painting, greeting guests • Donations accepted: monetary, large trees, benches and wind chimes • 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble • www.pct3.com/mbg

• 10203 Birchridge Drive, Humble • www.humbleisdfoundation.org

Care for the environment

Better the city

Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center Conservation Connections This Precinct 3 park offers free education programs and events with the help of volunteers. Volunteers age 18 or younger must be accompanied by an adult, and background checks are not required unless volunteers are working with programs or camps. • Sample activities: assisting with park conservation projects, gardening projects, invasive plant removal • Donations accepted: monetary and in-kind donations • 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble • www.pct3.com/jjp

Friends of the Library Kingwood The nonprofit supports the Kingwood Branch Library by operating a bookstore in the library as well as an off-site online center from which books are listed, sold and shipped. Proceeds from donated books and other media support the Kingwood Branch Library. • Sample activities: helping to run both the bookstore and the online center

• Donations accepted: monetary • 4400 Bens View Lane, Kingwood • www.kingwoodfolk.org Precinct 3 Volunteer Program with Community Centers

Support families

Harris County Precinct 3 operates eight community centers that offer residents of all ages group activities, fitness classes, educational seminars and social support. Volunteer opportunities are available through various off-site organizations. • Sample activities: craft making; working outdoor festival activities; holiday decorating; assisting exercise classes; and helping Summer Kids programs, game days, art classes and senior citizen trips • Donations accepted: monetary • Location varies (Precinct 3 transportation provided) • www.pct3.com/explore/community-centers

Family Promise of Lake Houston Family Promise of Lake Houston serves low-income families that become homeless due to an unfortunate circumstance. The nonprofit provides daily support and education programs that lead each family to permanent self-sufficiency. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. • Sample activities: helping children with homework, serving meals, providing transportation, lawn care, tutoring, resume writing, minor auto repairing, special event help, gardening, supply collection • Donations accepted: monetary and corporate matching • 1590 FM 1960 Bypass Road E., Humble • www.fplh.org

LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

SOMETHING New! INTO Dive

FM 1960

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

Generation Park continues to evolve with new infrastructure

McCord Development is adding a variety of infrastructure projects to Generation Park, including new roads, walkways, trails and a rail system. “We’ve had a lot of industrial announcements lately, but we’re working very hard to bring a vibrant retail ecosystem here with great shops, great restaurants and great experiences,” said Ian Adler, marketing director for McCord Development. The specics Generation Parkway is a $29 million project under construction that will run between West Lake Houston Parkway and Lockwood Road, and include new roads, utilities, drainage systems, parks, trails and lakes. The rst segment will be completed by late 2023, according to an Oct. 11 news release. Additionally, McCord Development is completing a $57 million project on the eastern side of Genera- tion Park, which includes wet and dry utilities, new roads, and o-site drainage. The project includes

REDEMPTION SQUARE RD.

Common Dock Road, which will serve as the truck access road for future industrial projects. Another project underway is The Ray—a 4-mile pedestrian walkway that will link all districts within Generation Park West. The rst phase of The Ray is in development and features a 12-foot-wide paved trail designed for pedestrians and cyclists. Future phases will include an 8-foot-wide running trail made of decomposed granite and an ultra-light rail system called The Light Ray.

Generation Parkway will be the primary road in the development, linking the west and east sides with a four-lane, tree-lined boulevard.

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

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Our builders have a new crop full of homes available for immediate move-in, and you can snag one of these beauties during the Harvest of Homes Fall Home Tour Nov. 1-30. Stop by to see what’s available and explore our newly opened Curiosity Park. Plus, we’ll be breaking ground on The Arbor Amenity Village, slated to open in 2024. Get ready to plant roots in Evergreen!

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Floor plans, maps and renderings are artist’s conception based on preliminary information, not to scale and subject to change. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square

footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. School enrollment and boundaries subject to change. Equal Housing Opportunity. 10/23

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Number of homes sold

October 2022

October 2023

Residential market data

51 38

32 23

-25.5%

-28.1%

77044

77345

Across a majority of Lake Houston-area ZIP codes, fewer homes sold in October than did in October 2022. Meanwhile, the median home sales price increased across half of the Lake Houston area’s ZIP codes.

22 32

82 79

+45.5%

-3.7%

77338

77346

99 TOLL

48 38

56 33

-20.8%

-41%

77339

77396

LAKE HOUSTON

Median home sales price

2022

2023

2022

2023

77044

77345

+4.3%

-2.9%

$297,033

$363,000

$284,900

$373,750

77339 77345

77044 77338 77396 77346

77338

77346

+1%

-6%

$255,500

$330,000

$253,000

$350,995

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY DEBORAH ROSE MILLER • BROKER/AGENT WITH ROSE REALTY 281-380-0332 • DEBORAHROSEREALTOR@GMAIL.COM 2022-24 CHAIR OF HUMBLE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION 2023 FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL

77339

77396

+7.9%

$317,450

$285,000

$294,250

$285,000

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

From the cover

Humble officials focus on reimagining downtown

The details

Two-minute impact

Since the release of the study in June, business owners have been working to create a compelling modern take on the area in conjunction with city officials through the city merchants group. The overarching vision for Humble’s downtown scene is to provide a draw for residents and other potential consumers outside of holiday events such as the annual Christmas parade and Music on Main, Wooden said. As part of this effort, city officials are looking at Main Street redesigns and new, specially designed street signs for downtown. According to the downtown assessment, the city has enough parking available but could use addi- tional flow and safety measures to make it easier for people to move around the area without having to drive consistently. To help break up the large number of professional businesses downtown, Stuebe said the city is looking at sponsoring pop-up shops for retailers and boutiques that provide business owners a low-cost option to launch a business within the downtown Humble area.

initiatives, including: • Uptown Park renovations • Downtown merchant groups • Business facade restructuring • Main Street re-engineering

Stuebe said considerations for downtown have been brought up off and on since 2014, but when the council officially decided to begin making progress on a program to revitalize downtown, the coronavirus pandemic brought it to a halt. In November 2022, the city finally brought the program up for consideration and contracted with the Texas Downtown Association to put together a study and plan that would create a new look for downtown Humble. “We’re very service-heavy and professional service-heavy in downtown right now, and everybody knows what the secret sauce is: food, beverage and entertainment,” Stuebe said. “You’ve got to give people a reason to come down there.” Stuebe said the city’s plan is to address the suggestions outlined in the downtown assessment in small pieces, which will help conserve budget funds and prevent large expenditures upfront. The assessment compared a number of downtown areas across the state and provided recommendations to implement locally. Over the next year, Stuebe said the city’s main focus will be enhancing the appearance of downtown Humble through a variety of

Stuebe noted the projects are designed to increase flow to downtown by expanding the number and types of events held in the area, as well as creating a vibrant and appealing destination for residents and visitors. Stephanie Wiggins, chief economic development officer for Partnership Lake Houston, is also leading a new merchant group of downtown business owners who meet regularly to discuss potential improvement projects to present to Humble City Council. Humble Civic Center Director Jennifer Wooden said the city is also launching new social media pages and a website to promote tourism. “We’ve never told our own story, and so we have decided if we’re not dictating the story, then we’re at someone else’s mercy,” Wooden said. “We launched the Visit Humble social media about six months ago, but we are in design for the Visit Humble website.”

Revitalization timeline

2020

Downtown Humble revitalization area

Facade restructuring

Jan. 9: The first downtown Humble revitalization workshop is held. March 11: Public health officials declare the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Funded through grants • Will help restructure business facades to create uniformity in downtown Humble

2022

Nov. 11: The Texas Downtown Association begins its assessment of downtown Humble.

1960

Uptown Park renovations

MAIN ST.

2023

DAVIS ST.

• $345,000 renovation project to be completed in December • Involves clearing and remodeling the area to include an updated park space and live music area

April 21: A second downtown Humble revitalization workshop is held. May 30: The Texas Downtown Association completes its assessment of downtown Humble. June 15: The downtown assessment is presented to Humble City Council. Aug. 15: The council allocates $50,100 to begin downtown projects. Dec. 24: Uptown Park renovations are expected to be completed.

Downtown merchant group

Main Street re-engineering renovations 2

• No funding required • Downtown business owners meet regularly to present downtown improvement ideas to Humble City Council for consideration

• $12,000 re-engineering project • Will create expanded traffic flow and organized parking along Main Street between Hwy. 59 and east of Houston Avenue/Old Humble Road

SOURCE: CITY OF HUMBLE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

What they’re saying

What’s next

Budgeting for the downtown reimagining initiative will be handled on a yearly basis, Stuebe said. However, some projects will span budget cycles, which will allow the city to track spending on the projects without the need to seek outside funding through bonds or other debt. One suggestion outlined in the downtown assessment was the relocation of Humble City Hall. However, Stuebe said the city is not currently looking at moving City Hall due to the associated costs. While a move could be possible in the future, Stuebe said current city funding does not allow for the project to be scheduled. While only $50,100 was allocated out of the city’s FY 2023-24 budget, Stuebe noted additional funding for more downtown projects will be allotted during future budget workshops and as needed.

“The focus right now is going to be on doing some of those low-hanging fruit items. We've got to look into it a little bit more to see what we can aord now, see what needs to be pushed o to next year.” JASON STUEBE, HUMBLE CITY MANAGER

Humble City Hall is located at 114 W. Higgins Street.

WESLEY GARDNER/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“We do realize that we want to be a comfortable place for people who live here. We want to be a place where people want to come to live, play and work. So that is the goal: to tell the story of local places,” JENNIFER WOODEN, HUMBLE CIVIC CENTER DIRECTOR

1960

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Community

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Located at 110 W. Main St. in Humble, Partnership Lake Houston serves as both a chamber of commerce and economic development corporation for the Humble, Kingwood and Atascocita areas.

COURTESY PARTNERSHIP LAKE HOUSTON

WESLEY GARDNERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Get to know Kyle Sheldon, Partnership Lake Houston president, CEO Kyle Sheldon was named president and CEO of Partnership Lake Houston in January following the departure of Lance LaCour. Partnership Lake Houston serves as a chamber of commerce and economic development rm for the Humble, Kingwood and Atascocita area. In an interview with Community Impact , Sheldon—who had spent most of his career in the energy industry—shared some insights on his background and how he has transitioned to his new role with Partnership Lake Houston.

of any organization, you can learn to properly value all levels of coaching. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your time spent to date at Partnership Lake Houston? Working with people to help them nd purpose in who they are and what they do motivates me to get out of bed in the mornings. Having an opportu- nity to work alongside the leaders of the commu- nity that I grew up in has been the most rewarding career move that I didn’t know I needed.

Can you tell me a little bit about your career prior to joining Partnership Lake Houston? I spent the early part of my career working in the hospitality and retail industries. ... From there, I transitioned into corporate America where the bulk of my professional career was spent contributing to the development of international sales organizations in the energy industry. Those 12-plus years helped me to understand the impor- tance of servant leadership. How has your past helped you in your new role? All life experiences generate growth opportuni- ties. ... Dealing with adversity and learning from those situations can be one of the greatest assets to your development as a leader. Being coachable is irreplaceable. Learning to be a team player is not something that can easily be taught. Once you recognize that people are the most valuable asset

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

12310 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. Houston, TX 77044 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org

LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

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