Katy South - Fulshear Edition | September 2023

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Katy South Fulshear Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 13 SEPT. 21OCT. 24, 2023

2023 Voter Guide

Harris County calls $2.5B health bond

INSIDE

A Harris Health Clinic sta member in the southwest Houston area assists a patient. A Harris Health System bond could expand health care access for uninsured people in precincts 2, 3 and 4, including the Katy area, which is seeing high demand for aordable health care as it grows rapidly.

COURTESY HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM

Also in this issue

Impacts: Fort Bend Epicenter ocially opens (Page 6)

Government: HarrisCounty burn ban in eect (Page 9)

Education: Katy ISD passes gender policy (Page 15)

Transportation: Greenbusch Road partially opens (Page 17)

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2023

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

Impacts

Now open

529

KATY FORT BEND RD.

2855

FRANZ RD.

CANE ISLAND PKWY.

99 TOLL

1 5 9

K I N G S L A N

Katy

1 Stacks An eatery that sells boneless chicken, burgers and fries stuffed into a handheld cone for the customer on the go, opened this summer at Katy Mills Mall. In addition to the chicken and fries, the restaurant’s menu includes other handheld fare— such as corn dogs, mozzarella sticks, spiropapas, chili cheese dogs and chicken sandwiches. • Opened in July • 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy, near Bass Pro Shops • www.stackswing.com

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1463

GEORGE BUSH PARK

S N E R

1463

Now open

99 TOLL

F R Y R D .

2 Tiffany’s Tiny Flower Truck The retail and event space opened a brick-and-mortar shop in Fulshear in early September. A few days a week, the shop caters to customers in the Fulshear and Cinco Ranch area to build their own bouquets with single stems from its flower bar. • Opened Sept. 5 • 29255 FM 1093, Unit 6B, Fulshear • www.facebook.com/tiffanystinyflowertruck 3 Milano Nail Spa This expanding nail brand offers a variety of manicure

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BY ASIA ARMOUR & SHAHERYAR KHAN

Now open

In the news

8 Hat Creek Burger Co. The Austin-founded burger joint celebrates its 15th anniversary with giveaways and promotions throughout the month of September. Hat Creek has one location in Katy and Fulshear. The brand offers vegan, vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free options, such as a paleo burger bowl, crispy chicken cobb salad and its cookies and cream shake. • 8A 2150 Mason Road, Katy. 8B 5820 FM 1463 Road, Fulshear • www.hatcreekburgers.com of finger-sized bites of ingredients such as prosciutto, salami, fig spread, crackers and olives. • Opening Dec. 1 • 6845 Peek Road, Suite 210, Katy • www.corkitgainesville.com 9 Onyx This store is a buy, sell and trade location for vintage shoes, sportswear, and apparel—including items such as Air Jordans, Yeezys and other highly-sought sneakers. • Opening in October • 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy, near Finish Line • www.instagram.com/onyxhouston

4 Fort Bend Epicenter The new multipurpose event center spans 230,000 square feet and costs $120 million. Stonehenge LLC oversaw financing and development planning. The facility will hold local and national events, such as sporting events and Fort Bend ISD and pedicure options with over 1,000 polish selections. In addition, services include full-body waxing, and eyebrow and lash services. • Opened Sept. 9 • 22225 FM 529, Ste. 107, Katy, just east of the Grand Parkway • www.milanonailspaelyson.com

graduation ceremonies. • Opened Aug. 18 • 28505 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg • www.thefortbendepicenter.com

• 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy, near Tilt Studio • www.slickcity.com

6 Sunshine Station Shop This women-owned gift shop is set to open in Katy’s historic downtown this fall. The business sells a variety of unique, artisan-crafted products, as well as old- fashioned candies and treats. • Opening in October • 908 Ave. B, Ste. 102, Katy • www.instagram.com/sunshinestationshoptx 7 Cork It This Georgia-based wine and charcuterie business is set to open in the Co-Op at Elyson retail center. The menu includes a variety of composed boards, made up

Coming soon

5 Slick City Action Park First announced by Katy officials at January’s State of the City address, this indoor, waterless slide park is offering another entertainment option for Katy

residents of all ages. • Opening in October

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

Government

Wine • Food • Live Music • Live & Silent Auctions

New laws that took effect Sept. 1 are addressing human trafficking in Texas. House Bill 3579 allows the Texas Department of Licensing and Regu- lation to close massage businesses suspected of human trafficking, per an Aug. 22 news release. Other similar laws affecting the TDLR include: • HB 2313 requires rideshare companies to provide human trafficking training to their drivers regarding awareness and how to report suspected trafficking. • HB 2016 prevents someone from getting a massage therapy license if they have been con- victed of, entered a no contest or guilty plea, or received deferred adjudication for sexual 2 new Texas laws tackle human trafficking

assault and aggravated sexual assault. Dig deeper There are nearly 9,000 illicit massage businesses, or IMBs, in the United States, according to nonprofit research and advocacy group Children at Risk’s March 2022 report. With nearly 700 of those IMBs in Texas, the group called Houston “undeniably prevalent” for having IMBs. The organization also cited the following: • Such unlicensed operations are fronts for prostitution, and many engage in human trafficking. • Law enforcement spends a disproportionate amount of time patrolling smaller cities, towns and suburbs. • IMBs were often located in or near affluent areas. • Most lease commercial space. • More than 900,000 children attend school within a mile of an IMB.

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“Those who are selling their bodies for sex are almost always victims, not criminals. Our goal is to rescue and support them.” ED GONZALES, HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF

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Katy OKs cybersecurity program

cybersecurity technology services. The details This resolution proposes an updated framework for a city cybersecurity assessment, a cyber resilience program and the imple- mentation of an updated general cybersecurity strategy against potential infiltrations, according to a City Council presentation.

During a Katy City Council meeting held Aug. 28, City Coun- cil members voted unanimously to implement a new cybersecu- rity program. The approval of this new plan authorizes Mayor William “Dusty” Thiele to enter an agreement up to $255,716 with True North Consult- ing Group LLC for consultation on

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BY JOE EDWARDS, MELISSA ENAJE & DANIEL WEEKS

Harris County’s burn ban in effect until October A burn ban is in effect until at least October in unincorporated Harris County after commissioners approved a measure Aug. 8 citing extreme tempera- tures and continuous dry conditions. Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen said excessive heat conditions and a lack of rain have elevated various environ- mental levels that could cause potential forest fires. Quote of note “The burn ban is in place to reduce the potential of a devastating wildfire happening in our commu- nity,” Christensen said. Zooming out As of Aug. 8, Harris County’s average drought scale was 681, according to county officials. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index measures drought conditions on a scale from 0-800. Conditions between 600-800 have the potential to lead to intense, prolonged fires.

Commissioners raise vet staff salaries Harris County commissioners approved adjusting the base salary for key positions within the county’s Veterinary Public Health Division on Aug. 8, which includes animal control officers, technicians and veterinarians. The additional funding of more than $563,000 for the market-rate salary adjust- ments will be absorbed within Harris County Public Health’s current budget, Executive Director Barbie Robinson said. Going forward Commissioners will also consider adding three veterinarians to the county payroll, according to the proposed fiscal year 2023-24 budget that is up for adoption in September. Officials from the county’s public health services department recommended the addi- tional positions to improve shelter operations.

What’s allowed:

Approved ceremonial fires

Noncommercial cooking, such as backyard cookouts and barbecues

Welding performed under county fire code requirements

Sale or use of fireworks, but fire marshal’s office discourages using fireworks during the ban

What’s not:

No outdoor, open burning is allowed except in outdoor burning activities authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Those actions found in violation of the burn ban will be considered a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Fort Bend County warns locals of ongoing jury scam Fort Bend County District Clerk Beverly Walker issued a warning alerting citizens about an ongoing jury scam that has been targeting local residents, according to an Aug. 18 news release. The details

“Under no circumstances will the Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office request sensitive information like Social Security numbers or credit card details over the phone.” BEVERLY WALKER, FORT BEND COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK

According to the release, these scammers have been making threatening calls to residents, falsely claiming the recipients have failed to report for jury service. The scammers then demand immediate payment of a fine under the guise of preventing a warrant for arrest. If residents receive calls of this nature, they should contact the sheriff’s office immediately at 281-341-4686 to file a report and seek assistance.

The scam involves identity thieves posing as rep- resentatives of the Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office or the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Building a budget Harris County Commissioners

$2.4B

General fund

Harris County Flood Control District Harris County Toll Road Authority

$128M

Court has proposed budgets for several departments in advance of the 2023- 24 fiscal year.

$967M

$869M

Harris Health System

HOMES (& MORE) YOU’LL HEART

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Harris County officials are proposing a $2.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2023-24, an increase of $200 million from the FY 2022-23 budget of $2.2 billion. Key investments, according to the Harris County Office of Management and Budget, include: • Public safety • A 7% cost-of-living adjustment for civilian employees • Adding three district criminal courts to help reduce the criminal court backlog • Expanding the county’s public Rising costs impact proposed $2.4B budget

defender’s office • Adding resources for the coun- ty’s vendor diversity program • A $2.9 million increase to expand the Harris Health System’s violence prevention program Digging deeper Budget management officials said factors affecting the budget process included inflation and rising costs for the county jail, utilities and health care. Going forward Commissioners are expected to vote on the final version of the budget and 2024 tax rates at the Sept. 19 meeting. The adopted budget will go into effect Oct. 1, lasting until Sept. 30, 2024.

Gather the details at Elyson.com/fall-for-it-all An October-long Home Tour It’s a month of must-sees at Elyson. Hop on a trail. Play in a park. And tour our oh-so-many models. (There will be plenty of festive fall fun, too).

Texas Supreme Court denies county request to run election

281.640.4004 23634 Savannah Sparrow Ln Katy, TX 77493 From Grand Parkway, exit FM 529 and travel west. Turn right at Elyson Blvd. and follow signs to Model Home Village.

Senate Bill 1750, a contested election bill affecting Harris County, went into effect Sept. 1 after the Texas Supreme Court issued a decision Aug. 22 deny- ing Harris County’s emergency motion to block the bill before the Nov. 7 election. Election responsibilities will no longer be under the discretion

of the Harris County elections administrator because SB 1750 eliminates the elections adminis- trator’s office, turning oversight to the county tax assessor-collector and county clerk’s office. Going forward The Supreme Court set a date for the oral argument on the state’s appeal for Nov. 28.

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Election

BY DANIEL WEEKS

Voter Guide

2023

Fort Bend County Proposition A $712.6 million to construct and maintain county roads Proposition B $153 million to update parks and related facilities Harris Health System $2.5 billion bond to improve health facilities Lamar CISD $15 million bond for stadium improvements There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more on Page 12.

Dates to know

Sample ballot

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Katy ISD Proposition A

$722.9 million to construct new schools and purchase land, renovate existing buildings and upgrade security Proposition B $83.6 million for technology upgrades Proposition C $4.2 million for competition swimming pool repairs and component replacements at natatoriums Proposition D $29.9 million for athletic facilities maintenance and Rhodes Stadium repairs

Where to vote

Residents in Harris and Fort Bend counties can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com or www.fortbendcountytx.gov for polling locations.

SOURCES: KATY ISD, LAMAR CISD, FORT BEND COUNTY, HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 14 state propositions on the Nov. ballot

Texas voters will find 14 propositions to amend the state constitution on the Nov. 7 ballot. Community Impact spoke with Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, to break down each proposition. Constitutional amendment elections give Texans “a window into the policy process” and a “chance to participate” in state affairs, Rottinghaus said.

Proposition 10

Proposition 5

SJR 87 What it’s asking: Proposition 10 would prevent medical and biomedical manufacturers from paying taxes on their tangible personal property, which the majority of businesses are currently taxed on. Officials said this exemption would strengthen Texas’ medical industry.

HJR 3 What it’s asking: The state’s National Research University Fund would be replaced with the Texas University Fund. Four universities—Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and Texas State University—would qualify for the research endowment. Roughly $273 million would be set aside for 2024-25.

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Proposition 1

House Joint Resolution 126 What it’s asking: This proposition aims to increase landowners’ rights to regulate what happens on their property and limit state or federal interference.

Proposition 11

Proposition 6

SJR 32 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the El Paso County Conservation and Reclamation District. Various counties and regions in Texas have similar districts, which tax local residents to support the creation and development of water services and other facilities.

SJR 75 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to establish the Texas Water Fund, which would support new and existing water projects across the state. The Texas Water Development Board would oversee the new fund.

Proposition 2

Senate Joint Resolution 64 What it’s asking: City and county governments would be allowed to offer a property tax exemption to child care facilities. Rottinghaus said this would reduce property tax burdens on child care organizations, which many families rely on.

Proposition 7

Proposition 12

SJR 93 What it’s asking: This proposition would establish the Texas Energy Fund, which would finance the construction, maintenance and operation of electric facilities to ensure the state power grid remains reliable. The Public Utility Commission of Texas would oversee the new fund.

HJR 134 What it’s asking: This proposition would eliminate the Galveston County Treasurer’s Office. If approved, other county officials would take over the duties of the treasurer. All Texas voters can vote on the proposition, but it only takes effect if a majority of Galveston County voters authorize it.

Proposition 3

HJR 132 What it’s asking: This proposition asks voters to prevent a wealth tax, which is based on a person or entity’s assets, from being imposed in the future. Texas does not currently have any form of wealth taxes.

Proposition 8

Proposition 13

HJR 125 What it’s asking: Proposition 8 asks voters to authorize the creation of the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which would help expand high-speed internet access statewide. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts would oversee the new fund.

HJR 107 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to raise the mandatory retirement period from 70-75 years old to 75-79 years old for justices and judges on appellate, district and criminal district courts.

Proposition 4

HJR 2, from the second special session What it’s asking: Voters can decide to authorize a $100,000 property tax exemption for Texans’ primary homes; establish a temporary 20% limit on annual value increases for nonhomestead properties worth $5 million or less; require members of appraisal boards in counties of over 75,000 people to serve staggered four-year terms; and prevent funds allocated for property tax relief from going against the state’s constitutional spending limit.

Proposition 9

Proposition 14

HJR 2, from the regular session What it’s asking: Voters can approve a cost-of- living adjustment for many former teachers. To combat inflation, teachers who retired before 2001 would get a 6% adjustment, those who retired between 2001-13 would get a 4% adjustment, and those who retired between 2013-20 would get a 2% adjustment.

SJR 74 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the Texas Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which would support the creation and improvement of state parks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would oversee the new fund.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

From the cover

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Voters to decide on hospital bond

A closer look

Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the country, according to the 2021 American Community Survey. In Houston, 1 in 4 people are without health insurance. Harris County’s population also continues to grow, making the county’s health system insucient in meeting current needs and future demands, HHS ocials said. Both hospitals are operating at over 90%-100% daily occupancy. Research by public health experts has found that low-income families face consequences when they are unable to access health care, including: • Uninsured patients coming in for late-stage diseases, including cancer

Hospital; expand the capacity of Ben Taub Hospital; and create new community clinics in precincts 2, 3 and 4. Harris Health President and CEO Dr. Esmaeil Porsa said the hospitals have failing infrastructure and the county population is rapidly growing. The system is mandated by law to provide health care services to the uninsured and underinsured populations, but also serves the entire county.

In November, Harris County voters will have to decide whether to fund a $2.5 billion expansion of the Harris Health System over the next 10 years in a move that could increase health care access for more than 1 million uninsured residents. If approved, the improvements are projected to cost the owner of a $300,000 property $6 more per month in taxes. The bond funding would allow the system to replace and renovate Lyndon B. Johnson

Precincts selected for new clinics if bond passes

Harris Health overview Current countywide Harris Health health care operations include: Two full-service hospitals

Precinct 2

Precinct 3

• Higher mortality rates • Poor diabetes control • Avoidable hospitalization

Precinct 4

Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital 215 acute-care beds Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital 402 acute-care beds

When it comes to need, the county’s poverty rate is higher than the national average at 16.4% for all age groups, compared to 12.8% nation- wide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

99 TOLL

3 same-day clinics Dental center Mobile health units

17 community health centers 8 homeless shelter clinics 4 multispecialty clinics

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Percent uninsured 21.8%

610

GALVESTON BAY

In one year, HHS serves: 854,313 clinic visits 147,496

193,727 telehealth clinic visits

18%

emergency room visits

8.8%

288

Harris County

Texas National

SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What they're saying

What's next

Estimated facility construction timeline per project

Porsa emphasized at an Aug. 18 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting that, if the bond gets approved, each project has various phases that are expected to be carried out over several years. Planning for the LBJ hospital replacement dates back several years with the understanding that it would be inevitable, even without a bond, Porsa said. Construction at the new LBJ Hospital will break ground in April or May of 2024.

Construction for LBJ Hospital campus

“We need this urgently. The facilities are inadequate, whether we’re talking about bed numbers, operating rooms, recovery space, Level I trauma capacity. We’re behind. This bond election is an investment in the future for Harris County and the city of Houston.”

2024-2035

Renovations for Ben Taub Hospital campus

2024-2030

Construction for new clinics and health centers

2025-2033

PAUL KLOTMAN, PRESIDENT OF BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY DAVE MANNING

New gender policy passes

A majority of the over 100 public speakers at the meeting condemned the policy, stating fears it would result in higher rates of domestic abuse, homelessness, drug abuse and suicide for transgender or gender-fluid students. “I’m very disappointed that this board is in a hurry to push through a policy that has clearly been shown that it has significant problems,” Trustee Rebecca Fox said. “We are taking money meant for children, and we’re going to spend it on legal fees.” Those who spoke in favor of the policy cited parental rights and said the policy would help protect their children.

A gender policy restricting how Katy ISD teachers and students discuss gender identity was officially passed by a 4-3 margin Aug. 28. The new policy requires teachers and staff at all schools to inform parents if their child asks to be referred to by pronouns that differ from their sex assigned at birth. “The policy does not require district staff to ask about ... sexual orientation or gender identity,” board President Victor Perez said. “That is something that schools should absolutely not be asking about, whether in the classroom or in a counseling session or in a survey.”

“THE FOOD AT THE DELANEY AT PARKWAY LAKES GETS BETTER EVERY DAY.” – Paul S., Resident

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

The policy states: • District staff are forbidden from asking a student about their gender or preferred pronouns. • Individuals in sex-specific spaces—such as bathrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities—are safeguarded and separated by their sex assigned at birth exclusively. • The pronouns used for persons on campus are consistent with the sex the person was assigned at birth. • Gender fluidity content is excluded from the classroom and instructional materials. • District staff are required to defer to parents on all gender- related issues.

SOURCE: KATY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

To get a taste of our community and schedule a personal tour, call (832) 225-4590 or visit TheDelaneyatParkwayLakes.com

What’s next

designated a student welfare administrator that will evaluate information shared with them and determine if parental contact is required per the new policy, according to a statement from KISD. Director of Communi- cations Craig Eichhorn said via email Sept. 6 that no new position or cost would be added. Instead, the role will be given to an existing administrator.

A notice was sent to all district personnel via email after the approval of the policy, which emphasizes parental authority on gender-fluidity matters. “District staff will notify par- ents if their child requests he or she be identified as transgender, change his or her name, or use different pronouns at school,” the email states. Each campus will be

21700 Bellaire Boulevard Richmond, TX 77407 AL Facility ID# 106971

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

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Transportation

BY DANIEL WEEKS

Greenbusch Road partially reopened to resident traffic The project advertised for bids in May 2021, and construction has been ongoing since March 2022. Greenbusch Road is one of the oldest roads in this area of the county, and officials said residents are looking forward to the upgrades. What’s next The project needs additional modifications

Katy residents can now travel on the partially reopened Greenbusch Road as a renovation project awaits action from the Fort Bend County Commis- sioners Court, county Communications Director Tami Frazier said. The details Despite the construction not yet being com- pleted on Greenbusch Road, the roadway is in a condition that allows it to be open to traffic until the project’s revisions are approved by Commis- sioners Court, Frazier said. The ongoing project between Gaston Road and Westheimer Parkway consists of replacing the two-lane asphalt road with deep ditches to a two- lane concrete road with a new bridge, according to county project documents. The cost of construction remains at $7.4 million, and the project is funded by a 2013 county mobil- ity bond.

that will require surveying and contract amend- ments that must be approved by Commissioners Court before the project can continue, Frazier said. Upcoming modifications to the project and contract were not specified by officials. The county doesn’t have a definitive timeline for the project’s completion as of Sept. 13. The project was originally expected to take approximately one year to complete.

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

News

Fort Bend Epicenter ocially opens its doors to local, national events The Fort Bend Epicenter, located at 28505 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg, held a ribbon-cut- ting Aug. 18, and the multipurpose event center was unveiled. The details The center spans 230,000 square feet and cost $120 million to build. Stonehenge LLC oversaw nancing and development planning and con- structed the facility. The Greater Texas Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corporation will lease the facility to Fort Bend County. The county will oversee the facility, using rental fees and other revenues to cover lease payments. Following bond repayment by 2050, ownership of the facility will transfer to Fort Bend County.

Lamar CISD board calls $15M bond for November election Lamar CISD trustees called for a bond proposition to be placed on the November election ballot totaling $15 million to pay for the following renovations and improve- ments to Traylor Stadium: • Bleachers

The Fort Bend Epicenter held a ribbon-cutting Aug. 18, and the multipurpose event center was unveiled

SHAHERYAR KHANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Stonehenge LLC started construction in Febru- ary 2022 through a direct private-public partner- ship with Fort Bend County. According to Toby Wyman, general manager of the Fort Bend Epicenter, these are the events that are coming to the Epicenter in October: • ESPN Top Rank boxing match • All Elite Wrestling: AEW Dynamite/Rampage • Hot Wheels Monster Truck show

• Foundation repairs • Turf replacement

• Installation of LED lighting • Roof and locker room repairs In their own words

“Beyond the aesthetic enhancements, these renovations prioritize safety and functionality,” Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens said in a statement.

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

New build-to-rent community opens in Katy

GRANDWAY DR.

Houston-based Wan Bridge, a development company specializing in build-to-rent communi- ties, opened its latest project, Enclave at Mason Creek in Katy, with a ribbon-cutting Aug. 17. The details Located on 21455 Merchants Way, Katy, the build-to-rent community offers 192 three- to four-bedroom townhomes ranging from 1,406 to 2,066 square feet, and the following amenities:

• Close to businesses, retail and dining • Backlit mirrors throughout, including in the primary room and bathroom • Bidets installed in every bathroom and heated seats • Lawn care, air filter and bulb replacement, and pest control services The development has wrapped up its initial phase and is set to finalize the last phase by November this year, according to Tiffany Walsh, senior director of leasing at TBD Management. What they’re saying According to Wan Bridge, three more communi- ties will be coming soon to Houston by the end of the year. “We are excited to bring this latest community to market, especially for potential residents who are looking for a more modern place to live in the area,” Wan Bridge CEO Ting Qiao said.

FRANZ RD.

336-unit apartments under construction A new 336-unit development will open to residents in Katy by May. In a nutshell Multifamily real estate developer Wood Partners announced the groundbreaking of Alta Grandway on Aug. 2. Preleasing will begin by early 2024 for the apartments at 2110 Grandway Drive, Katy. It will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom options.

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OCTOBER 1 - 31

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Real estate

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

‘The rent eats first’: Most Houston renters face cost burdens

YOUR BUSINESS HAS A story of renters experienced housing cost burdens. Additionally, Harris Central Appraisal District’s grading system that assesses the physical condi- tion of rental structures relative to age found that housing conditions were worrisome as of 2021. Nearly 1 in 5 rental structures in Harris County received a “below average” grade, per the report. Approximately 25% of single-family homes in Harris County were rentals in 2021. Among the As rent prices in Harris County have outpaced median household income, the majority of renters are finding themselves burdened by housing costs, according to a July 25 report from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research. The specifics As of 2021, a majority of renter households were spending over 30% of their household income on housing, which researchers said indicates they faced housing cost burdens. When factoring in household size and essential costs, more than 60%

Cost-burdened breakdown Researchers found the majority of Hispanic and Black renters in Harris County, as well as renter households with children, spend more than 30% of their household income on housing.

PERCENTAGE OF RENTER HOUSEHOLDS THAT ARE COST-BURDENED By race/ethnicity By household type

Hispanic

Single-parent household

Two-parent household

Single-person household

74.7%

Black

66.2%

Asian

82.2%

72.9% 55.4%

38%

White

36.2%

SOURCE: KINDER INSTITUTE OF URBAN RESEARCH/COMMUNITY IMPACT

1.1 million single-family rental homes, 10,385 were owned by a small group of multistate corporate investors, and 38,703 were owned by other corpo- rate entities, the report states. Diving in deeper Stating in the report that “the rent eats first,” researchers said rental affordability is not only a factor of the monthly rent costs but also the living costs for the people in that household.

The data shows rent burdens impact households with children more significantly. About 82% of single-parent households and 73% of two-parent households with children are cost-burdened. Increases in rent often result in reduced spending on essential needs, such as healthy food, medical care and child care. Additionally, in car-dependent cities such as Houston, transporta- tion costs can be comparable to housing expenses, researchers said.

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Real estate

Number of homes sold

August 2022

August 2023

Residential market data

Overall, median home sales prices remained consistent, with four of six ZIP codes seeing less than a 3% change this year. In most ZIP codes homes stayed on the market longer this year.

198 209

-15.3%

+5.5%

77094

77493

196 166

54 59

-15.3%

77494

+9.2%

77441

529

141 101

109 67

-28.3%

-38.5%

77449

77450

99 TOLL

1093

Median home sales price

77094 77441 77450 77494

77449 77493

2022

2023

2022

2023

77493

77094

+2.6%

-8.1%

$579.9K

$375K

$565K

$408K

Homes sold in Katy South | Fulshear area by price point

77441

-0.09%

77494

$585K

$585.5K

+5.3%

$527.5K

$500.7K

77450

77449

-2.8%

+2.9%

$285K

$400K

$293.4K

$388.5K

August 2023

$850,000+

$650,000-$849,999

Average days on market

$450,000-$649,999

-50%

+40%

+100%

+84.6%

+15.3%

$250,000-$449,999

223

<$249,999

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

77094

77441

77449

77493

77494

77450

4747 FM 1463, Suite 1000 Katy, TX 77494 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org

KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Boorific Nights Dewberry Farm features a scary corn maze and hundreds of jack-o-lanterns weekends in October. Life-sized lanterns of horror characters decorate the grounds, while axe-throwing with Jason from Camp Crystal Lakes and a “Stranger Things” set photo opportunity are some featured activities. • Oct. 6-29, 7 p.m. • $34.95 (admission) • Dewberry Farm, FM 362 and Morrison Road, Brookshire • www.dewberryfarm.com/booriffic-nights

All Elite Wrestling: AEW Dynamite and Rampage All Elite Wrestling’s Dynamite and Rampage squads, an alternative to mainstream wrestling that’s often featured on networks like TNT and TBS, will stop in

Rosenberg for an action-packed night. • Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. • $20+ (admission) • Fort Bend County Epicenter, 28505 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg • www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-event

projects and trends in the medical system. • Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • $50 (minimum cost for nonmembers) • Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston West-Katy, 16435

September

October

Annual Pumpkin Patch Visiting Blessington Farms between September and November gets guests access to its annual pumpkin patch, where they can explore over 25 photo ops. More than 20 other activities are included in admission, such as the chicken hut, goat yard, hay palace and rat races. • Sept. 23-Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., weekends only • $28.64 (general admission) • Blessington Farms, 510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton • www.blessingtonfarms.com

Second Annual Kids Fishing Tournament Katy Christian Ministries will host its kids fishing tournament for those age 17 and younger. Activities include archery, fishing classes, lunch, Italian ice and lawn games. Proceeds will benefit KCM. • Oct. 7, 8 a.m.-noon • $20 (admission) • Mary Jo Peckham Park, 5597 Gardenia Lane, Katy • www.ktcm.org/fishing State of Healthcare The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce will host officials from area health care systems who will highlight

Katy Freeway, Houston • www.katychamber.com

Katy Rice Harvest Festival The annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival is a family event with 175 vendors, live international music, food trucks, a beer garden, and contests and a carnival. • Oct. 13, 6-10 p.m.; Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Oct. 15, noon-6 p.m. • Free admission (Oct. 13), $10 (adults Oct. 14-15), free (kids Oct. 14-15) • Historic Downtown Plaza, 910 Ave. C, Katy • www.katyriceharvestfestival.com

Call 1-888-884-4174 for your FREE brochure. NOW OPEN See the NEW homes at Eagle’s Trace

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