Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | August 2025

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 AUG. 7SEPT. 5, 2025

2025 Education Edition

Houston ISD state takeover still divisive despite student gains A tale of two districts

INSIDE

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Against the state takeover

“Our schools are sterile environments that, when children leave at the end of the day, they don’t feel like they’ve been in a place that is warm and

inviting and nurturing and a good place for them to learn.” JACKIE ANDERSON, PRESIDENT, HOUSTON FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

For the state takeover

“Two years in, Houston ISD is unmatched as it relates to its rate of growth. … There was no other urban district in the state that grew in all 20 tested grades

and subjects. HISD did.” CARY WRIGHT, CEO, GOOD REASON HOUSTON

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INSIDE

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles, who was appointed to lead the district by the Texas Education Agency in 2023, received a ve-year contract extension in June. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Impacts

8 British Swim School Oering a variety of swimming lessons for all ages and skills, the swim school uses a survival-rst, goal- oriented program. Lessons are open to children ages 3 months through adults. • Opened July 15 9 Altura Recovery This addiction treatment center helps those with alcohol and opioid use, along with anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. • Opened July 22 • 5555 W. Loop S., Ste. 240, Bellaire • www.alturarecovery.com • 2500 Dunstan Road, Houston • www.britishswimschool.com 10 Best Bagel Shop Selling both traditional and savory New York-style bagels, owner Kian Barzoki’s shop prepares items fresh every day. Flavors include cinnamon raisin and jalapeño cheddar bagels with dierent cream cheese options. • Opened July 3 • 3833 Richmond Ave., Houston • https://best-bagel-shop.square.site 11 Yiayia’s Pappas Greek Kitchen Inspired by the original Yiayia Mary’s, a former Greek restaurant in the Galleria area, the new concept will serve elevated Greek and Mediterranean dishes such as moussaka and Pasta Lena. • Opened August 1 • 2410 Richmond Ave., Houston • www.pappas.com

POST OAK BLVD.

T HEIMERRD.

NAVIGATION BLVD.

6 5

R I C H M O N D A V

MONTROSE BLVD.

West University Place

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

GREENBRIAR DR.

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

Bellaire

DUNSTAN RD.

CORPORATE DR.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

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that creates specialty craft cocktails in an immersive environment. • Opened July 2 • 4500 Montrose Blvd., Ste. B., Houston • www.endlessbummertiki.com 5 HeyTea The Chinese tea brand known for its signature cheese tea, a combination of tea and dairy cheese, opened at the Galleria. The shop also oers high-quality fruit teas. • Opened July 4 • 5015 Westheimer Road, Ste. A1305, Houston • www.heytea.com 6 Chevignon Founded in 1979 in France by Guy Azoulay, the clothing brand opened its rst store in the United States inside the Galleria. The shop sells high-quality leather and denim pieces for men. • Opened July 8 • 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.chevignon.us 7 Peppaz HTX Starting as a food truck, this chicken eatery opened a permanent location at the Lyric Market food hall. The spot whips up fried or grilled chicken wings, bowls, tacos and jerk chicken nachos. • Opened July 12 • 411 Smith St., Houston • https://peppaz-htx.square.site

Now open

Coming soon

1 Hibachi King Houston Chef and owner Lasid Domineck brought the concept of Asian soul food from Michigan to Houston, creating a menu that is a combination of traditional hibachi with avors typically seen in soul food. • Opened May 30 • 5427 Bissonnet St., Houston • www.hibachikinghouston3.com 2 Tago This Tulum-inspired restaurant merges Latin cuisine with a vibrant nightlife scene and immersive design. The bar is designed to emulate the feeling of a hidden cenote with glowing lanterns and rhythmic music. • Opened mid-June • 1120 Dennis St., Houston • www.tagohtx.com 3 HiFi at The Finn Branded as a Tokyo-listening lounge, the vinyl and craft cocktail bar will include an atmosphere with analog audio, specialty beverages and a food menu of Filipino-

12 Kristy Hamilton Plastic Surgery Kristy Hamilton, a board-certied plastic and reconstructive surgeon, will open a new practice on Bissonnet Street, specializing in aesthetic surgery of the face, breast and body, in early 2026. • Opening in early 2026 13 Sugared & Bronzed This hair removal and tanning studio is planning a new location in Rice Village for early 2026. The studio oers personalized services such as airbrush tanning and sugaring, a less painful type of waxing. • Opening early 2026 • 2401 Times Blvd., Ste. C-167, Houston • www.sugaredandbronzed.com 14 Mia’s Table Coming to the Bellaire Triangle in late 2026, the Southern comfort food restaurant serves specialties such as chicken fried steak, meatloaf and chicken strips, along with milkshakes. • Opening date TBD • 5413 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.miastable.com • 2311 Bissonnet St., Houston • www.drkristyhamilton.com

inspired light bites. • Opened June 27 • 712 Main St., Houston • www.theinnhou.com/hii-at-the-inn

4 Endless Bummer Located behind Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, the intimate tiki bar is described as a “goth tropical purgatory”

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

What’s next 15 Whataburger

Now open

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the popular restaurant chain will replace the former Fuddruckers site o of Weslayan Street this summer. The location oers made-to-order burgers and chicken options.

• 3929 Hwy. 59, Houston • www.whataburger.com 16 Molly Tea

Anticipated to be completed in spring 2026, according to TDLR, the modern tea shop will bring its special oral milk teas to Houston, with a focus on the aroma and taste of jasmine tea. • 9889 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. D226, Houston • www.mollyteausa.com

18 Glo30 A new facial spa known for using AI technology to personalize facials opened in Rice Village in July. The all-female sta combines in-studio treatments every 30 days with an at-home routine tailored to each client. • Opened in July • 2509 Amherst St., Houston • https://glo30.com/rice-village/

19 Ma Kitchen Serving dishes made with lamb, short ribs and duck, this restaurant combines Southeast Asian cuisine with Western Inuence in Rice Village. The dessert menu also includes white chocolate ginger creme brulee, chocolate tiramisu and sweet mango rice. • Opened July 2

In the news 17 Big City Wings

The chain restaurant celebrated its 10th anniversary on July 10. The spot sells wings, burgers, sandwiches and appetizers. • 2240 Navigation Blvd., Houston • www.bigcitywings.com

• 2512 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.maasiankitchen.com

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Education

BY KEVIN VU

Education Edition

2025

Readers, welcome to the annual CI Education Edition! Our lead story examines the two-year extension of the state takeover of Houston ISD, looking at where the district stands academically, operationally and systemically compared to before the Texas Education Agency stepped in. Mental health among students is another growing concern we examine in this edition, as the district continues to see rising rates of anxiety and depression. We also spotlight Cycle Houston, a local nonprot using cycling to promote student well-being, take a look at a new charter school coming to the city and break down what new education laws were passed during the 89th Texas legislative session.

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What's inside

See what new charter school is coming soon to Houston (Page 7)

Check out how Houston ISD has changed since 2023 (Page 8)

Read more on the mental health issues plaguing students (Page 11)

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Cycle Houston rewards child literacy with bikes Jacob Moreno is a father of three. His oldest son, also named Jacob, was going into the second grade at Burnett Elementary during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when he noticed his son having a hard time learning to read. During the school year, Moreno was introduced to a nonprot the school partners with: CYCLE, or Changing Young Children's Lives through Educa- tion. The nonprot rewards second graders who meet or exceed reading goals with a new bicycle and helmet, with the hopes of encouraging them to continue reading after the program ends. “It motivated him to read more… and I’m a big believer that you’ve got to work for it, don’t let things be handed to you, so I think it’s pretty good what [CYCLE] is doing,” Moreno said. About the program Cycle’s Executive Director Rebecca Roberts said

the nonprot was created back in 2000 to address the need to improve literacy in Houston, working specically with Title I schools, which are schools that typically receive extra federal support and have a larger number of students from low-income families, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Roberts said the nonprot’s goals are tailored to each child. The organization also tracks stu- dents’ conduct and attendance, ensuring they are well-behaved and paying attention in school. What they’re saying Jae Lee, the principal at Burnett Elementary, said the organization has helped his second graders improve their reading level. According to data Lee compiled in the 2021-2022 school year, the average reading level at the start of the year for the 90 students who participated in the program was Level F, equivalent to the reading level of a mid-year rst grader. By the end of December, he said students were reading at Level K, also known as a second-grade reading level.

Cycle Houston gave out approximately 12,000 bikes in 2024 across 86 dierent schools.

COURTESY CYCLE HOUSTON

The impact Cycle partners with over 80 schools in several districts, including Houston ISD. Since it launched, the nonprot has gifted 185,000 bikes, with the count expected to hit 200,000 by the end of 2025.

www.cyclehouston.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY MELISSA ENAJE

TEA approves new charter high school program based on recommendations from TEA Commissioner of Education Mike Morath. Officials with Arcadia are looking to hire the school’s principal by January 2026, with operational staff and teachers to follow in February and July. Breaking it down

Student transfers outside of Houston ISD Approximately 28% of HISD students transferred from the district to charter schools in the 2024-25 school year.

Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success 1,246 Idea Public Schools 1,409 Harmony Public Schools-Houston South 2,140 International Leadership of Texas 2,691 Southwest Public Schools 1,941 Yes Prep Public Schools

A newly approved charter high school is set to open in southwest Houston for the 2026-27 school year following authorization from the Texas Education Agency. What we know Arcadia High School is one of four new charter schools opening in Texas, according to a June 27 news release. Located off Beechnut Street, the new public high school will serve Alief and sur- rounding areas, including Fort Bend, Stafford and Houston Independent School Districts with a focus on closing the achievement gaps in the commu- nity, according to the school’s TEA application. Under the direction of its proposed Superinten- dent Mohamad Maarouf, the high school will have a team-based teaching model with classes taught in two-hour blocks, split with electives or extra- curricular activities. The State Board of Education approved the new charter school in June from its Generation 30

Charter schools have drawn out thousands of students from public school districts all over the Greater Houston area in the 2024-25 school year, with Houston ISD and Alief ISD taking the biggest enrollment losses, according to data from 28 Greater Houston area school districts. TEA iden- tified the districts with the highest percentages for net student transfers as a portion of total enroll- ment. For the 2024-25 school year, TEA found that the highest percentage was in HISD, with 33% of students, or 58,406, transferring out. According to TEA data, the top two charter schools HISD students transferred to were Kipp Texas Public Schools and Yes Prep Public Schools.

14,401

Kipp Public Schools

14,480

Arcadia High School The school aims to address educational achievement gaps by offering a model with small class sizes and extra support for students.

CORPORATE DR.

Arcadia High School

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

A tale of two districts From the cover

A closer look

The overview

Systemic reform In addition to the introduction of the NES at 130 campuses, Miles has implemented several major changes since he was appointed, including: Nine days added to HISD’s academic calendar A new teacher evaluation system that includes special education program metrics A performance-based pay increase system Approval to hire uncertified teachers The conversion of libraries to “team centers,” where students are sent to work on more rigorous assignments, at NES campuses

Miles said the introduction of the New Educa- tion System, or NES model, at 130 low-performing campuses has been one of the most significant changes introduced since his arrival. Of the 22 campuses located within Bellaire, Meyerland and West University’s coverage area, four have adopted the NES model. While teachers at NES campuses are required to adhere to a district-approved curriculum and instructional model, Miles said they have access to additional resources, including regular coaching, teacher apprentices and support staff. Miles said the instructional model consists of daily structured lessons followed by a quiz, which is used to determine whether a student will receive more targeted instruction or be sent to a “team center” to complete more rigorous work. “The kids who already get it get pushed ... and the kids who are still learning the objective get more time with the expert,” Miles said.

Houston ISD will remain governed by officials appointed by the Texas Education Agency until at least June 2027, extending the contentious state takeover by two years. The extension was announced by TEA Commissioner Mike Morath in a June 17 news release, more than two years after TEA officials appointed Superintendent Mike Miles and a nine-member board of managers. Miles, who was awarded a five-year contract extension in June, said his team has implemented major changes at almost every level throughout the district. “The district was struggling, not just academically, but systemically through systems for hiring, providing feedback, evaluating, transporting kids and finances,” Miles said. “The solution has to be different from what we’ve always done.” Despite improvements in student exam scores and state accountability ratings, many parents, teacher organizations and community members have continued to voice opposition to Miles’ reform.

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

However, Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, said many former teachers cited the structured lesson plans as a primary factor for resigning. “They are not allowed to teach the real, authen- tic teaching to students,” Anderson said.

STAAR passage rate changes, 2023 vs. 2025 The data shows the difference in the percentage points of all HISD students who approached grade level from spring 2023 and 2025 administrations of the STAAR.

By the numbers

2019 HISD takeover timeline

June: If HISD meets the TEA’s requirements to end the takeover, state officials would replace one-third of the appointed board with elected trustees every year until all nine elected trustees are seated. June: The TEA appoints Mike Miles to serve as superintendent as well as nine board managers to replace the district’s elected board of trustees. June: The TEA extends the state’s takeover of HISD until June 2027. January: The Texas Supreme Court sides with the TEA in the lawsuit, clearing the way for the state takeover. August: TEA officials recommend state intervention after the findings of a six-month investigation alleging misconduct by some trustees. November: TEA Commissioner Mike Morath notifies HISD officials that he plans to initiate a state takeover after Wheatley High School received its seventh consecutive failing A-F accountability rating. January: A district-led lawsuit results in a temporary injunction against the state, halting the takeover.

Although not required, Miles said 139 of the district’s 144 non-NES campuses have opted to use district-approved curriculum in the 2025-26 school year. He pointed to the curriculum as one of the biggest contributors to rising test scores through- out the district. In the two years since the takeover, the percent- age of students who approached grade level—con- sidered passing—increased for every STAAR exam subject except eighth-grade social studies, which saw no change, TEA data shows. HISD students saw the most significant improvement in biology, where the percentage of students approaching grade level rose from 77% in the 2022-23 school year to 91% in 2024-25. According to a June report by nonpartisan edu- cation nonprofit Good Reason Houston, students enrolled at NES campuses are improving at a faster rate than their non-NES peers. From the 2022-23 school year to the 2024-25 school year, the percentage of all third- through eighth-grade students who met or mastered their grade level on the math STAAR exam rose from 45% to 48% at non-NES campuses. At NES campuses, the percentage of students who received “met” or “mastered” marks on their respective math exams rose from 23% to 37%.

Percentage point change from 2023-25

0 2 4 6 8101214

2020

3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade 3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade 5th grade 8th grade 8th grade

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

social studies Algebra I EOC Biology EOC English I EOC English II EOC U.S. History EOC

2027

2028

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, HOUSTON ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Also of note

Zooming out

What they’re saying

While TEA A-F accountability ratings for the 2023-24 school year weren’t released until after press time, Miles said the district released projected ratings using the TEA’s data and methodology. Miles said 121 HISD campuses had received “D” or “F” ratings at the end of the 2022-23 school year. The following year, 55 of those schools were projected to jump to an “A” or “B.” The number of “A” and “B” rated schools districtwide increased by 82%, jumping from 93 to 170 in that same period. The TEA will release accountability ratings for the 2024-25 school year Aug. 15, after press time.

Despite some district gains, HISD’s teacher turnover rate remains high, TEA data shows. Eddie Bassey, who taught at the district for nine years before resigning in 2024, said he believes many of the teachers who resigned felt restricted by the district’s NES model. “They want all of us to look the same, sound the same, do things the same,” Bassey said. Despite the turnover, Miles said the district has begun each school year with few vacancies.

Parents and community members have shown up en masse at HISD board meet- ings to voice their concerns about changes they felt were forced upon them. HISD parent Amelia Maldonado said she believes the district’s declining enrollment numbers are an indication of a lack of trust. In April, Miles said the district was projecting a roughly 6,800-stu- dent drop in enrollment before the start of the 2025-26 school year. “Families are leaving the district, not because they don’t value public education, but because they don’t trust this district to deliver it,” Maldonado said. Veronica Garcia, executive director of education nonprofit Houstonians for Great Public Schools, said she feels district leadership needs to work more closely with the public to improve trust and communication.

Houston ISD’s teacher turnover rate

Takeover began

HISD 2023-24 projection TEA rating, 2022-23

Houston ISD local accountability ratings

Houston ISD

State

Campus

NES campuses

Longfellow Elementary Westbury High School Tinsley Elementary School Fondren Middle School

C C

C F

B D

2019-20

2020-21

School year 2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next

If HISD officials meet the requirements set by the Texas Education Agency by June 2027, the state’s transition back to the district’s elected board of trustees would replace: Three state-appointed board managers with elected board members Three state-appointed board managers with elected board members June 2027 June 2028

intervention can end, he said. The final requirement will be ensuring that Houston ISD board procedures align with a focus on students. “Ultimately, two years has not been enough time to fix district systems that were broken for decades,” Morath said.

Morath said the district will need to ensure no campuses receive failing accountability ratings for consecutive years before local control can be restored. However, the district’s unofficial ratings for the 2023-24 school year included 41 campuses with “D” and “F” ratings. The district’s special education program would also need to be fully compliant with all state and federal requirements before the

The remaining state-appointed board managers with the remaining elected board members

June 2029

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

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Education

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

A report released by Rice University’s Baker Institute in early May on mental health challenges in Houston ISD students found that over one-fifth of respondents reported experiencing mental health issues in 2023, with a 35% increase from 2011 in the number of students who reported suicidal thoughts or tendencies. According to the report, nearly 14% of HISD students reported a past-year suicide attempt in 2023, while the rate for students in the United States in the same year was slightly under 10%. HISD students also reported an increase in bullying from 2021 to 2023. In 2021, 9% of Houston students reported having been bullied. By 2023, that number rose to above 15%. The Baker Institute also examined school safety and its influence on missing school. In 2023, 19.3% of students said they missed school due to feeling unsafe and 13% were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property. Student mental health issues spike

Assessing the need

Emergency Management Agency-declared major disasters, including hurricanes, flooding, winter weather and drought, according to the report. Christopher Kulesza, lead author of the Baker Institute report, said that having on-campus resources is a critical component to addressing mental health challenges among students. He listed three policy recommendations, including: • Investing in fully funded, on-campus mental health services • Expanding anti-bullying interventions • Developing proactive responses to safety concerns “Schools are oftentimes the primary provider of mental health support for children; while a challenging task, schools have an important opportunity to connect students with necessary resources and provide a familiar, supportive environment,” Kulesza’s report read.

Shubhra Endley, director of mental health and wellness at Communities In Schools, a nonprofit organization that supports at-risk youths, said recent natural disasters, including the pandemic, were likely factors in the increased mental health challenges noticed in students. “We start to see a lot of trauma related to these large storms, like Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Harvey,” she said. “Then we had the pandemic. With students being cut off from everything, that created a big spike in depression and anxiety.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37% of high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic. A Texas A&M study in 2022 also found that Houston residents who experienced two or more hazardous events within a five-year time frame saw reduced mental health. From 2000 to 2020, the Houston area experienced close to 33 Federal

2021 2023 Houston ISD suicidal behaviors trends, 2015-2023 2015 2017 2019

What’s being done

Seriously considered suicide Made a plan for suicide

+26.67%

someone to talk to who is a safe, non- judgmental person,” Endley said. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, or where you live, it’s always helpful to have extra support in our lives.”

Communities In Schools has licensed mental health professionals at 135 campuses across five districts, including Houston ISD. Students and families can use the program free of cost. If a campus doesn’t have a licensed professional, parents are asked to reach out to the campus leader and request services. “All of us at some point in our lives need

+28.57%

Attempted suicide

+7.69%

Providing services Communities In Schools serves 26 campuses and three Sunrise Centers in Houston ISD.

10% 15% 20%

0% 5%

SOURCES: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

Teachers now have more disciplinary authority House Bill 6 gives public school teachers more discretion to remove students from the classroom if they are repeatedly disruptive or threaten the safety of others. The change comes after nearly half of Texas public school teachers cited disci- pline issues as a top workplace challenge in 2022, according to the Texas Education Agency. What you need to know The law, which took eect immediately when Gov. Greg Abbott signed it on June 20, allows schools to suspend students of any age who engage in “repeated or signicant” disruptions, reversing a 2017 state law that generally prohib- ited schools from suspending students in pre-K through second grade. If students in kindergarten through third grade are sent home for behavioral

Districts to level-set high school GPAs Texas school districts will soon be required to use a standard system to calculate high school students’ grade point averages. At a glance Senate Bill 1191, which became law June 20, directs the Texas Education Agency to create a new GPA standard “as soon as practicable.” The system must give equal weight to advanced placement, international baccalaureate and dual enrollment courses. “It most likely won’t impact kids that are currently enrolled in high school, … because it’s going to take a while to make sure every- one is on the same page,” said Bob Popinski, who leads the policy team for public school advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas.

“A lot of the problems we see with our kids in high school is because they did not have consequences, none whatsoever, when

they were younger.” BILL AUTHOR REP. JEFF LEACH, RPLANO

issues, schools must provide documentation explaining their decision. HB 6 gives schools the option to place students in an in-school suspension for as long as they see t. State law previously mandated that students could not be suspended for more than three school days, whether they were inside a school building or at home. The three-day time limit on out-of- school suspensions remains unchanged.

New law bans cellphone usage in all K12 schools When Texas public school students return to campus this fall, they will be prohibited from using cellphones, smart watches and other personal communication devices throughout the

School districts could:

the cellphone ban. “We want our kids to focus on academics, such as math, science and reading, and the reality is, these phones are a distraction. ... Schools cite growing incidents of cyberbullying due to these phones,” bill author Rep. Caroline Fairly, RAmarillo, said in March. HB 1481 includes exceptions for students with medical needs or special education accommoda- tions, and does not apply to devices supplied by school districts for academic purposes.

• Purchase pouches to store devices during the school day • Ask students to keep devices in their lockers or backpacks

school day. The details

Texas’ 2026-27 budget includes $20M in grants to help districts implement the law.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1481 into law on June 20, giving school districts 90 days to adopt new electronic device policies, including disciplinary measures for students who violate

SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Transportation

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & KEVIN VU

First phase of citywide sidewalk repairs underway West University Place contractors started replac- ing sidewalks July 7 in the northern section of the city as part of Phase 1 of its citywide replacement. Project details 59 610

METRO bus shelters to combat extreme heat The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County is testing a new bus shelter designed to withstand the weather ele- ments, such as rain and heat, the agency announced in a June news release. Current situation METRO’s new perforated bus shelters are currently in the pilot testing phase, with 12 of them installed in the Gulfton area. The new design utilizes perforated panels that allow more airow while still providing coverage for the bus shelter, per the release. “These shelters will help keep our com- munity safer and more comfortable during extreme weather while supporting long- term ridership growth and sustainability in the Gulfton community,” METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said.

New committee will oversee failed bond projects A new resident-based facilities commission was approved unanimously July 14 by West University City Council to help gather comprehensive data and report on how three current city buildings are being used. The Facilities Utilization Task Force will review, according to agenda documents, the West U library, community center and senior center—three “The purpose... is to be as transparent as possible to allow people from both sides of the corner of the debate

Bellaire approves shorter term limits During the July 7 City Council meeting, Bellaire ocials approved reducing term limits from three terms to two terms for board and committee members, an item spearheaded by Council member Cindy

to participate as much as possible, and to develop from the standpoint of the community how we are using all of these buildings.” JOHN BARNES, MAYOR PRO TEM

West U council members from the previous term unanimously accepted a $400,000 subgrant award from the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County and the Federal Transportation Adminis- tration last August to repair and replace approxi- mately 2,000 square yards of sidewalks through the city, targeting areas with bus stop connections and high foot trac, such as the recreational center and senior center. The entire project will be broken down into four dierent sections, with each component being completed before moving to the next one, according to a July 7 city update. Queens Constructors began work in early July for sections one and four of the project, located just north of University Boulevard. The rst phase

Phase 1

Phase 4

Cohen Taylor. The discussion

facilities that city ocials were seeking voter approval for renovation funding under a $15 million bond that did not pass in the May election. More details The purpose of the task force will be to gather comprehensive data about how the three facilities are being used and create detailed reports on current usage patterns, resident and non-resident usage and potential space constraints. What residents should know The task force will consist of eight residents,

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

Phase 3

Phase 2

Council member Catherine Lewis was the only council member to vote against the motion. She said she’s worried that two terms isn’t enough time for people to adequately serve on the boards and commissions. During the same meeting, 29 new board and commission appointees were approved by the City Council. However, Mayor Gus Pappas said the reduced term limits won’t apply to the new appointees.

BELLAIRE BLVD.

SOURCES: IDS ENGINEERING GROUP, WEST UNIVERSITY PLACECOMMUNITY IMPACT

four on each side of the Prop D election, and involve stakeholders from the community. According to a July 28 agenda item, council members will interview candidates interested in joining the group through September. The task force will have three months from the date of its rst meeting, undetermined as of press time, to complete its work.

is estimated to be complete by August, with the entire project scheduled to be done by the end of 2025, city ocials said. What residents should know Homeowners directly aected by the project will receive a letter in the mail with more details. Residents are also being advised to clear roadways.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486

HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722

WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE, RACHEL LELAND & JESSICA SHORTEN

County officials urge disaster preparedness amid FEMA concerns

Diving in deeper

FEMA funding also provides individual assistance directly to residents affected by local disasters. Individual assistance can vary from lump sum payments to hotel accommodations for families affected by a disaster. Following the derecho event and Hurricane Beryl in 2024, the Houston region received two presidential disaster declarations. According to funding allocation reports from FEMA, 739,519 applications for individual assistance for home- owners were approved from the two events, totaling nearly $1.2 billion in assistance passed on to residents in 2024 alone. Individual assistance requests from Hurricane Harvey, Tropical Storm Imelda, Hurricane Beryl and the Houston derecho, and the 2024 severe storms totaled $2.9 billion, according to FEMA. FEMA individual assistance funding for Houston region Housing assistance funding Other assistance funding Hurricane Harvey $1.2B $413M Tropical Storm Imelda $57M $11M 2024 derecho/tornado/severe storm $143M $164M Hurricane Beryl $191M $724M

Abbott was appointed to the special review council in May alongside Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Department of Emergency Management. Abbott said the state has historically led disaster response. The biggest concern voiced by local agencies is natural disasters typically cause several million in debris removal and hazard mitigation costs typically reimbursed by FEMA. “The county relies heavily on FEMA funding, especially for large-scale projects like debris removal. Without that support, the financial burden could hinder our ability to respond to and recover from a disaster,” Brooke Boyett, Harris County’s administration communications director, said.

Following the announcement of a new committee May 20 aimed at addressing the reliability and existence of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Houston- area agencies remain uncertain on how the federal FEMA Review Council will affect disaster response in the region. In a July 14 press conference, Gov. Greg Abbott said the main goal of the committee is to streamline processes to provide faster emergency response. “The monetary resources that we are receiving now, they’re much needed for things like … debris removal or search and rescue operations,” Abbott said. “Those will still be funded, but we will have the ability to do it a whole lot faster.”

Immediately following a disaster, local counties seek FEMA funding for public assistance and debris removal. Regional major storm debris removal costs

Galveston County Harris County Montgomery County

Hurricane Harvey

April/May 2024 severe storms

Hurricane Beryl

$40M

$30M

$20M

$10M

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE, GALVESTON COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Final takeaways

The federal review council has met twice in 2025 to discuss how FEMA currently operates, and there is no deadline on when the final report will be issued. “Without knowing how things will be resolved on the federal level, we remain focused on the current reality,” said Brian Murray, deputy coordinator of the Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management office.

County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said. The possibility of FEMA being dissolved still looms over other community leaders who share concerns over the funding provided to local agencies following a natural disaster. “Eliminating FEMA is reckless and will have devastating and deadly consequences,” Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones said. “States already manage disaster response, and rely on FEMA’s partnership, funding and expertise after major disasters.”

With the 2025 hurricane season underway, many agencies are focused on maintaining preparedness for storms and see the potential for streamlining FEMA processes. “Montgomery County agrees that there could be many improvements to the processes and procedures by which FEMA operates, [such as] streamlining expense control and response/ resiliency capabilities, but we trust the president’s committee to review these issues and make appropriate recommendations,” Jason Millsaps, executive director of Montgomery

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY NATALIE JOHNSON

food, as well as set up picnic blankets and lawn chairs. • September 5, 7 p.m. • Free • Bellaire Town Square, 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire • www.bellairetx.gov Paws for Literacy Paws for Therapy is providing trained therapy dogs to come and sit with shy readers to help them gain confidence. Each participant will get 15 minutes to read with a friendly dog. • September 6, 11 a.m.-noon • Free (registration required) • West University Branch Library, 6108 Auden St., Houston • https://hcpl.bibliocommons.com Japan Festival of Houston Traditional and contemporary performances of Japanese music, dance and martial arts, will accompany a tea ceremony, origami, food trucks and family-friendly games. • September 6-7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Reflection pool at Hermann Park near the Japanese Garden entrance • www.houstonjapanfest.org

August Blow Out Bash

Enjoy face painting, personalized pencils, handmade rockets, a confetti party, storytime and a DJ to say goodbye to summer. Most special activities will begin around 10 a.m. • August 9, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. • $19.95 (general admission for adults and children over 1 year old) • Children’s Museum Houston, 1500 Binz St., Houston • www.cmhouston.org/events/blow-out-bash Classic Replay Presents ‘90s Mixtape Listen to four Broadway vocalists put their spin on classic ‘90s songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” or “I Will Always Love You.” • August 15, 8 p.m. • Free • Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

Broadway on the Hill Enjoy a night of music as Broadway stars return to their hometown of Houston, featuring old and new musical songs. For covered seating, free tickets will be available starting August 28 at 10 a.m. on Miller Outdoor Theatre’s website. • August 29, 8 p.m. • Free • Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

September Party at the Pavilion

Listen to a tribute to Johnny Cash in Bellaire Town Square. Attendees are welcome to bring their own drinks and

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Aesthetica Organic Spa sells a variety of beauty and skincare products.

Owner Marissa Burres opened Aesthetica Organic Spa in 2023.

PHOTOS BY MELISSA ENAJECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Aesthetica Organic Spa specializes in natural beauty Inspired by her husband’s health supplement manufacturing business, Marissa Burres opened Aesthetica Organic Spa in 2023, driven by her motivation to help her clients feel more refreshed, rejuvenated and completely relaxed through a nat- ural and organic approach to her wellness services. Burres said her approach emphasizes the use of products and supplements that prioritize gradual, natural results over quick, chemical xes. but the mother of twins also spent years as a Houston educator. She said she brings her natural inclination to learning into her business and the knowledge she gains to expand her services. What they oer

The Bellaire business oers natural and holistic spa services such as facials and massages.

The Bellaire business oers natural and holistic spa services, including facials, massages, makeup consultations, body treatments such as saunas with infrared therapy and body contouring, all aimed at reducing stress and promoting overall wellness. Facials include oxygen, acne and Hydrafacials; while massage services include wood therapy, foot reexology and lymphatic drainage treatment. Personalized treatments include body sculpting and skin care.

CLAREWOOD DR.

“I make people happy,” Burres said. “This spa is dierent from others in the sense that with our products, you see results, but it may take a little longer. Our approach is more natural.” Originally from Panama, Burres’ background includes not only the beauty and health industry,

DASHWOOD ST.

BELLAIRE BLVD.

6550 Mapleridge St., Ste. 124, Houston www.aestheticaorganicspa.com

PATIENT NAME: Cinthia Lacer

We see the whole person. New patients welcome.

Learn about our FREE community events!

LegacySeniorPrimaryCare.org • (713) 814-3655 (713) 814-3655

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

YOUR COMMUNITY AWAITS

Make the YMCA your place this fall. Dive into group exercise classes, enroll your kids in after school, youth sports and swim lessons, or get involved in activities the whole family will enjoy. There’s something for every age, interest and goal.

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Learn more at ymcahouston.org.

YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

What are my options for senior living? What if my parents have different needs? What if those needs change? THE RIGHT ANSWERS BEGIN WITH THE RIGHT QUESTIONS. At Belmont Village, we know that each family is unique and that choosing the right senior living option matters. Our experienced advisors will help you ask the questions you need to get the answers your family deserves. We’re here to help. Just ask. BelmontVillage.com/JustAsk 832-583-2925

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