Sugar Land - Missouri City Edition | October 2024

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Sugar Land Missouri City Edition VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2 OCT. 5NOV. 7, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Funding the future

Volunteer Christine Tierney bathes Cadet, a 3-year-old Staordshire bull terrier, at the Sugar Land Animal Shelter. The shelter is one of the city’s ve propositions in the November bond election.

AUBREY VOGELCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Sugar Land calls $350M bond for law enforcement, animal shelter improvements

doesn’t give us any bigger of a facility.” The bond items were identied as growing needs for Sugar Land by city ocials, council members and residents through citizen satisfaction surveys, community meetings and master plans, Deputy City Manager Jennifer May said.

grown from $12 million to $20.36 million and was put on hold from the city’s last bond until more funding was secured, ocials said. “One of the options was to build with the money that we have, and basically it gives us what we have now,” Director of Special Projects Jennifer Brown said at the May 10 Animal Advisory Board meeting. “It

BY AUBREY VOGEL

Sugar Land residents will weigh in on the city’s $350 million bond proposal in the Nov. 5 election. The city’s bond is split into ve propositions for public safety, mobility, drainage, municipal facilities and a new animal shelter, as the shelter’s cost has

CONTINUED ON 16

Also in this issue

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Election: Check out the sample ballot and Q&As with local candidates ahead of the Nov. 5 general election (Page 11)

Government: Designs continue for Flourishment Center to bring homelessness resources to Fort Bend County (Page 20)

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Impacts

• Opened July 20 • 20340 Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road, Ste. 120, Missouri City • www.taotaoteaus.com 3 Wallis Bank The bank has a drive-thru service, ATMs and safety deposit boxes, and offers personal, business and digital banking. • Opened Aug. 26 • 13633 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.wallisbank.com

D .

WATERVIEW MEADOW DR.

W . A I R

FOUNTAIN LAKE CIR.

LAKE POINTE PKWY.

4 Marble Slab Creamery and Great American Cookies

Missouri City

N BLVD.

Marble Slab Creamery offers a variety of ice cream flavors with free mix-ins and handmade waffle cones. Great American Cookies offers fresh-baked cookies, brownies and custom cookie cakes. • Opened Aug. 30 • 13533 University Blvd., Ste. 450, Sugar Land • www.marbleslab.com; www.greatamericancookies.com 5 Spirit Halloween The festive business offers a wide selection of costumes and accessories for children, teens and adults as well as carries holiday decor and animatronics. • Opened Sept. 3 (Sugar Land) • A 19890 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land • Opened Sept. 17 (Stafford) • B 12710 Fountain Lake Circle, Stafford • www.spirithalloween.com 6 H-Voice Karaoke The new entertainment space offers both a main stage and private rooms for karaoke, where customers of all ages can perform songs in multiple languages. • Opened Sept. 12 • 9720 Hwy. 6, Ste. 1000K, Missouri City • www.hvoicekaraoke.com

1092

99 TOLL

Sugar Land

COMMONWEALTH BLVD.

K W Y .

KITTY HOLLOW PARK

KLAUKE RD.

2759

SIENNA PKWY.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

SHIPMANS COVE BLVD.

• Opened in early July • 13741 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land • www.funtastiklabs.com/tx-sugar-land

Now open

1 Funtastik Labs The business provides a space for those age 3 and older to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The hands-on facility allows customers to take on arts projects, build and code robotics, and create slime and bath bombs.

Coming soon

2 TaoTao Tea The Taiwanese tea shop sells various beverages, including milk teas, fruit smoothies, fruit teas and specialty lemon cream teas.

7 J. Wedemeier Jewelers The family-owned jeweler will offer fine jewelry,

Services: Physical Therapy, Aquatic Therapy, Sports Performance

First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center - Rosenberg 5765 Reading Rd Rosenberg, TX 77471 (346) 375-7202 www.fortbendpt.com

First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center - Sugar Land 20403 University Blvd STE 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (346) 375-5633 www.sugarlandpt.com

Sports Therapy Center 2225 Williams Trace Blvd #104 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 344-2704 www.sportstherapycenter.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

13 Swig The national drive-thru beverage chain will offer custom sodas, specialty drinks and snacks such as hot pretzels and cookies. • Opening in spring 2025 • 20210 Fort Bend Parkway, Missouri City • www.swigdrinks.com 14 Blue Ridge Commerce Center The five-building industrial park, set on 92 acres, will create over 1.35 million square feet of Class A industrial space. • Opening in summer 2025 • Located at the corner of Fort Bend Parkway and McHard Road • www.trammellcrow.com 15 Forest Park Missouri City Funeral Home Dignity Memorial’s new funeral facility is meant to serve people of all faiths and cultures and accommodate a wide range of memorial options. • Opening in February • 4217 Shipmans Cove Blvd., Missouri City • www.dignitymemorial.com

permanent jewelry services and repair. The store, formerly known as Elegant Jewelers, will relocate from the First Colony Mall to the University Commons shopping center. • Opening Nov. 1 • 13574 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.instagram.com/j.wedemeierjewelers 8 American Deli The business sells chicken wings; salads; a variety of sandwiches, such as subs, gyros and hamburgers; fried rice; fish and shrimp. • Opening December 2024 or January 2025 • 1943 Texas Parkway, Missouri City • www.americandeli.com 9 The 12th Donut The business will offer donuts, croissants and kolaches at its new Sienna Parkway donut shop. • Opening early December • 5818 Sienna Parkway, Ste. 900, Missouri City • Facebook: The 12th Donut 10 Feng Cha The tea shop chain will offer a variety of drinks such as tea, milk tea, coffee, smoothies and a selection of desserts. • Opening end of 2024 • 8141 Hwy. 6, Ste. 200, Missouri City • www.fengchausa.com 11 Creative Space Learning Center The Pearland-based business offers before- and after-school care for children from 6 weeks old to age 12. • Opening in 2025 • 5330 Sienna Parkway, Missouri City • www.creativespacelearningcenter.com 12 7 Brew The national drive-thru coffee chain offers over 20,000 unique drinks combinations. • Opening in early 2025 • 10030 Hwy. 6, Missouri City • www.7brew.com

Coming soon

18 Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar The American-style restaurant has lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus. Items range from small plates, such as cheese curds and queso, to burgers and noodle dishes. • Opening in October • 4810 Waterview Meadow Drive, Richmond • www.lazydogrestaurants.com

In the news

16 Memorial Park splash pad At a Sept. 3 meeting, Sugar Land City Council approved an $85,000 design contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the Memorial Park Splash Pad project. Design will begin in September and is expected to wrap up April. • 15300 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.sugarlandtx.gov 17 LoTy Beauty Retreat Kelsey Anderson Hair Artist, a hair salon, rebranded in early June to offer booth rentals and in-person education. LoTy Beauty Retreat offers an intimate hair salon experience with five chairs and consultations for personalized services.

19 VIO Med Spa in Sugar Land The business celebrated its one-year anniversary Sept. 19. It offers botox injections, dermaplaning, laser hair removal and hair regeneration services. • 15850 Southwest Freeway, Ste. G250, Sugar Land • www.viomedspa.com 20 Environmental Health Complex The new Fort Bend County complex will house all environmental health staff as well as the mosquito control unit, which was established in October 2023. Construction on the $8.8 million building is set to be completed by the end of 2025. • Klauke and Walsh roads, Rosenberg • www.fortbendcountytx.gov

• 3356 Hwy. 6, Missouri City • www.lotybeautyretreat.com

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND

ELECTION AND VOTER INFO www.SugarLandTX.gov/Elections

STAY INFORMED www.SugarLandTX.gov/SLBond2024

Para obtener una copia de esta información en español, visite www.SugarLandTX.gov/SLBond2024

BALLOT ORDER

DISTRIBUTION OF PROPOSITIONS

Proposition A Public Safety

41%

Proposition B Streets, Sidewalks & Mobility

34%

Presidential & Federal Offices State County Sugar Land Bond

$350M

Proposition C Drainage Proposition D Municipal Facilities Proposition E Animal Shelter

10%

Sugar Land Bond Propositions will be LAST on the ballot.

12%

ELECTION VOTING LOCATIONS

If voters approve the projects, the bonds will require a tax rate increase of no more than 5 cents, spread out over the next five to seven years. This will initially cost the average homeowner with a home valued at about $500,000 approximately $5 per month. This cost will increase annually, and by 2030, the monthly cost could rise to about $20 per month, excluding the impacts of property revaluation.

Visit www.SugarLandTX.gov/Elections for the latest election voting locations.

Projects were identified through years of public feedback including the most recent Citizen Satisfaction Survey, sentiment surveys and community meetings - as well as various master plans and City Council input.

ASK A QUESTION

www.SugarLandTX.gov/SLBondAsk

Sugar Land City Council called a $350 million bond election for Nov. 5 to address public safety, streets, mobility and sidewalks, drainage, municipal facilities, and the planned animal shelter. The election provides voters a choice to consider funding up to $350 million for proposed capital projects over the next five to seven years, which equates to approximately $300 million in project costs in 2024 dollars.

PROPOSITION A: PUBLIC SAFETY $144.5M

PROJECT NAME

COST($)

PROJECT NAME

COST($)

Austin Parkway Fuel Station Rehabilitation

$1.575M

Public Safety Training Facility Phase III

$32.35M

Renovation of Existing PD & Court Building + New PD Headquarters

Fire Apparatus Replacement & Rebuild

$17.325M

$63.2M

Fire Station Expansion & Rebuild

$17.375M

SWAT Command Vehicles

$1.05M

Public Safety Facilities Rehabilitation

$11.625M

PROPOSITION B: STREETS, SIDEWALKS & MOBILITY $118M

Austin Parkway Phase I (Williams Trace to Lexington)*

$4.5M

Residential Street Reconstruction & Panel Replacement

$18.3M

Austin Parkway Phase II (Commonwealth to Williams Trace)* $7.875M Austin Parkway at Commonwealth Intersection Safety Modification* $0.8M Burney/Main Sidewalk Widening to 7th St & Intersection Modification at Stadium Dr* $1.175M Dulles Avenue Sidewalk Widening & Pedestrian Bridges* $3.475M Lake Pointe to Sugar Land Town Center Connection $2.55M Lexington Blvd Phase I (Austin Pkwy to SH6)* $4.875M Lexington Blvd Phase II (Oxbow to Austin Pkwy)* $6.575M Major Street Rehabilitation $8.175M Mobility Program Project Implementation $5.675M

Settlers Way Blvd (Austin Pkwy to SH6)*

$5.35M

Sidewalk Program Rehabilitation & Replacement

$11.375M

Strategic Traffic Flow Projects

$2.3M

Sweetwater Blvd Phase I (Austin Pkwy to Palm Royale)*

$5.475M

Sweetwater Blvd Phase II (Palm Royale to Town Ctr.)*

$6.675M

Traffic Signal Rehabilitation

$4.65M

Trail System Connections, Additional Routes & Sidewalk Widening

$5.7M

Williams Trace Reconstruction (Oyster Creek to SH6)*

$12.5M

*FBC Bond Projects - proposed street projects that leverage Fort Bend County’s mobility bond matching funds ($45M+).

$35M

PROPOSITION C: DRAINAGE Austin Parkway West Drainage Modifications PROPOSITION C: DRAINAGE

$8.175M

$5.825M

SH 6 at Brooks St Drainage Modifications

$5.35M

$1.05M

Chatham at McAllister Drainage Modifications

Sugar Lakes Inlet Replacements

$0.55M

$6.05M

Citywide Drainage Studies

Windmill Drainage Modifications

$8M

Hillstone Drainage Modifications

PROPOSITION D: MUNICIPAL FACILITIES $40.5M

$12.675M

$27.825M

New Field Maintenance Facility

Public Services Building Rehabilitation & Modernization

$12M

PROPOSITION E: ANIMAL SHELTER

Supplemental Funding for Animal Shelter

$12M

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Election

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Fort Bend County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov for polling locations.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, presiding judge R David J. Schenck D Holly Taylor Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 R Gina Parker D Nancy Mulder Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 R Lee Finley D Chika Anyiam Texas House, District 27 R Ibifrisolam Max-Alalibo D Ronald Reynolds* Texas House, District 28

Fort Bend County constable, Precinct 3 R Ali Sheikhani D Nabil Shike* Missouri City City Council, District A Bruce Zaborowski Monica Riley* Steven McKinney Missouri City City Council, District C Mu Liu Joanna Ouderkirk Shad Bogany Shaizad (Sam) Chatriwala Feven Gebremariam Missouri City charter propositions

Sample ballot

Federal elections President

R Donald Trump D Kamala Harris L Chase Oliver G Jill Stein U.S. Senate R Ted Cruz* D Colin Allred L Ted Brown U.S. House, District 7 R Caroline Kane D Lizzie Fletcher* U.S. House, District 22 R Troy Nehls* D Marquette Greene-Scott State elections Texas railroad commissioner

R Gary Gates* D Marty Rocha Texas House, District 76 R Lea Simmons D Suleman Lalani* State Senator, District 17 R Joan Huffman* D Kathy Cheng

There are 14 propositions on the ballot in Missouri City for amendments to the city’s charter. Some City Council-related changes include compensation changes, member appointments and council meeting requirements. More information on each proposition is available at www.communityimpact.com. The charter amendments will be posed in a question format on the ballot requiring voters to answer with a yes or no to each proposed change. Sugar Land bond propositions Prop A provides $144.5 million for public safety Prop B provides $118 million for streets, sidewalks and mobility Prop C provides $35 million for drainage projects Prop D provides $40.5 million for municipal projects Prop E provides $12 million for a new animal shelter

R Christi Craddick* D Katherine Culbert L Hawk Dunlap G Eddie Espinoza Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 R Jane Bland* D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L J. David Roberson

Local elections Fort Bend County tax assessor-collector R Jaison Joseph D Carmen P. Turner* Fort Bend County sheriff R Marshall Slot D Eric Fagan* Fort Bend County commissioner, Precinct 3 R Andy Meyers* D Taral Patel Fort Bend County constable, Precinct 2

R Robert Hartfield D Daryl L. Smith Sr.*

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, MISSOURI CITY, SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

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Election

BY CARSON WEAVER

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

Fort Bend County, Precinct 3 commissioner

What experience do you have that would help you in this role? I have served as Fort Bend County’s Precinct 3 commissioner for 25-plus years, reducing the tax rate and saving taxpayers $1 billion. Known as “The Taxpayers Best Friend,” I’ve enhanced safety, fought human tracking, expanded law enforcement and secured millions in revenue while building bipartisan relationships to benet residents.

Why did you decide to run in this election? I’ve contributed signicantly to creating a safe, family- and business-friendly county, and I aim to protect and enhance these qualities. With rapid population growth, signicant work remains to ensure our county stays a wonderful place to live, and I believe I’m best qualied to lead us through these challenges.

Taral Patel Occupation & experience: local business owner; homegrown and local; Fort Bend County judge’s chief of sta; Texas House legislative director www.taralpateltx.com Andy Meyers* Occupation & experience: incumbent, former certied public accountant, held corporate nancial roles, real estate developer and cost 281-238-1403 www.andymeyers.com

I’m a proud product of Fort Bend [County]—since elementary school. I served as our [county judge’s] chief of sta during the pandemic, major oods, winter storms and helped bring Amazon, Tesla and major employers. I’m running because we need bold and innovative ideas to prepare for our growing and diverse future.

As the only candidate that has worked at every level of government and in the private sector, I’m excited to bring my experience to help our families stay safe and our businesses thrive. With our growth, it’s important to bring fresh leadership and new ideas to help Fort Bend’s future.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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Election

BY AUBREY VOGEL

KEY: *Incumbent

What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Missouri City? Missouri City City Council, District A

Bruce Zaborowski Occupation & experience: retired Verizon Texas wireline operations and eight-year water board municipal utility district member 713-933-5490

Monica Riley* Occupation & experience: vice president of operations radio station and political and marketing company CEO, District A City Council Facebook: Councilwoman Monica Riley

Steven McKinney Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Consolidate the more than 42 MUD districts in Missouri City to reduce the bloated overhead. Privatize the Missouri City Golf Course, make [Quail Valley Fund, Inc.] take over the nancial losses.

I want to complete our 2024 comprehensive plan, update our department policies to be current with our goals, clean up the rest of undesirable shopping strips, complete a density ordinance and ensure undeveloped properties are zoned properly.

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Missouri City? Missouri City City Council, District C

Mu Liu Occupation & experience: business analyst and economist in the oil industry, housing and population surveys with the U.S. Census 832-231-3288

Joanna Ouderkirk Occupation & experience: real estate agent, bachelor’s of business administration, prior service on bond committee Facebook: Joanna for Missouri City Council District C

Shad Bogany Occupation & experience: Realtor (broker), Texas Realtors and Houston Association of Realtors past chairman, Fort Bend County Housing Finance president www.boganydistrictc.com

1) Enhance communication with city residents to build government trust; 2) Foster citizen participation to strengthen the Missouri City community; 3) Encourage engagement in business services to improve quality of life.

Infrastructure to include mobility. We have to update our deteriorating roads and expand, where we can, to ease trac ow. We need added focus in our comprehensive and strategic plans to address our failing streets, bridges and sidewalks. Our aging streets cannot accommodate the needs of our growing communities.

My top priorities are driving sustainable economic growth, ensuring aordable housing and enhancing public safety. I’ll focus on smart infrastructure, support for local businesses and inclusive policies that foster a strong, thriving community. My goal is to create a high- quality living environment for all Missouri City residents.

Shaizad (Sam) Chatriwala Occupation & experience: engineering consultant, two degrees in engineering with 35 years experience in oil and gas 832-815-0101

Feven Gebremariam Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

I will push for incentives to attract manufacturing and startups, aiming to create jobs and diversify our economy. I will also work to lower property taxes to make Missouri City more aordable, attract new residents and boost local growth.

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Funding the future From the cover

Breaking it down

Sugar Land proposed bond for November 2024

Proposition A: Public safety ($144.5M)

Proposition B: Mobility ($118M)

Proposition C: Drainage ($35M)

More than 41% of the 2024 bond focuses on the city’s public safety sector, including new police department headquarters and building Phase 3 of the Public Safety Training Facility. Although council approved two modular buildings and existing space renovations in June, Police Chief Mark Poland said this only catches the department up on lost space previously used for training and doesn’t account for growth. “Policing today in 2024 is so dynamic in the challenges that our ocers face and the decisions they have to make in split seconds—whether it’s a threat or whether it’s a mental health crisis that they’re responding to,” he said. The city is proposing $118 million in streets and sidewalk projects, including $59.28 million toward the local match for 11 city projects approved in Fort Bend County’s November 2023 mobility bond. The projects help advance the city’s Mobility Master Plan adopted in July 2023 with a goal to keep the city safe and connected, Transportation and Mobility Manager Melanie Beaman said.

Proposition D: Municipal facilities ($40.5M) • $27.83M: Public services building rehabilitation and modernization • $17.33M: Fire apparatus replacement and rebuild • $11.63M: Public safety facilities rehabilitation • $63.2M: Renovation of police department and court building, and new Police Department headquarters • $32.35M: Public Safety Training Facility Phase 3 • $17.38M: Fire station expansion and rebuild

• $59.28M: Fort Bend County mobility bond project local match • $18.3M: Residential streets program rehabilitation and replacement • $11.38M: Sidewalk program rehabilitation and replacement • $8.18M: Major street rehabilitation • $5.7M: Trail system connections • $5.68M: Mobility program project implementation • $4.65M: Trafic signal rehabilitation

• $8.18M: Austin Parkway West drainage modiications • $8M: Hillstone Drive drainage modiications • $6.05M: Windmill Street drainage modiications • $5.83M: Hwy. 6 at Brooks Street drainage modiications • $5.35M: Drainage modiications at Chatham and McAllister avenues

Proposition E: Animal shelter ($12M) • $12M: Supplemental funding for new animal shelter

Total $350M

• $12.68M: New ield maintenance facility

NOTE: THIS PROJECT LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE. READERS CAN FIND A FULL LIST ONLINE AT WWW.COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM OR WWW.SUGARLANDTX.GOV SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Property tax rate per $100 valuation

What it means

$0.35321

$0.4

$0.3365

$0.3465

cost to the average resident of less than $5 per month or about $20 per month by 2030, excluding property revaluation, she said. “Ultimately, each year, the City Council would have a decision to make on [the increase],” May said. “I think the goal would be to have an even implementation over that timeframe.”

If approved, the bond package would fund $300 million in capital projects over the next ve to seven years with $50 million accounting for ina- tion, May said. Funding for the bond would result in a potential tax increase of no more than $0.05 per $100 property valuation. The increase would be phased in over time, likely one cent per scal year, with an estimated monthly

$0.3

$0.3465

$0.35

$0.2

5 cents: Maximum tax rate increase if bond is approved

$0.1

2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25

SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

PROUD TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF FORT BEND COUNTY.

VOTE BY NOVEMBER 5! LEARN MORE PAID FOR BY ELIZABETH PANNILL FLETCHER FOR CONGRESS

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AUBREY VOGEL

Looking back

Looking ahead

There are still 13 outstanding projects from the city’s November 2019 bond and one project remaining from the November 2013 bond, according to the city’s website. Only the Ditch H trail project, which has since been renamed to the Sugar Land Trail Phase 1, remains unnished from the 2013 bond and is set to start construction soon, May said. Additionally, two projects from the 2019 bond were put on hold until the 2024 bond is decided, she said.

According to the city’s nancial management policy statement, Sugar Land residents can expect to see the next bond in approximately ve years or when City Council deems it necessary.

Ahead of the Nov. 5 election, city ocials will continue bond education for the public at various community events, including: • Homeowner association meetings

• Block parties • Special events

Residents can learn more and ask questions about the bond through the city’s website or by calling 311. Visit Community Impact ’s website for a list of bond projects. If approved, bond projects could begin progress as early as scal year 2025-26 after necessary budgeting phases are completed, May said. On the ip side, if a proposition is not approved, the city will not be eligible to issue certicates of obligation for the projects for at least three years, city ocials said.

“Our goal is to just raise awareness about the bond election, and

then residents get to make that decision when they vote.” JENNIFER MAY, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER, SUGAR LAND

2019 bond completion status

3 projects in design

7 projects completed

2 projects on hold*

8 projects under construction

*INCLUDES THE ANIMAL SHELTER AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCH BUILDING SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Transportation

Education

BY AUBREY VOGEL

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Fort Bend ISD approves partnership with Friends of the Sugar Land 95

Roads closing off with $1.02M project At an Aug. 19 meeting, City Council approved a $1.02 million contract with iCON General Contractors, LLC for the East Hamp- ton and South Kathy reconstruction project. According to agenda documents, the project includes the closures of East Hamp- ton Circle and South Kathy Avenue with an automated gate and a cul-de-sac. The project will include off-site improvements such as driveway realignment and replacement as well as fencing for an adjacent municipal utility district. What else The project is funded by the city’s 2021 voter-approved $85.85 million bond, accord- ing to agenda documents. Construction will begin soon with an estimated completion of 50 days, City Engineer Marcus Snell said.

Sugar Land OKs $3.19M roundabout, extension At an Aug. 6 meeting, Sugar Land City Council approved a nearly $3.19 million contract with D G Medina Construction LLC for the Soldiers Field Extension and First Colony Roundabout Project. This will address traffic concerns due to a num- ber of crashes, Engineering Manager Huy Ton said. The project will be funded by the city’s nearly $91 million general obligation bond approved by voters in November 2019, Ton said. The project has an additional $1.8 million available from Fort Bend County’s November 2023 mobility bond. The details To minimize the traffic impact during construc- tion, the project will be completed in three phases, including: • Phase 1: Extend Soldiers Field Drive to Hwy. 6 and add a right-turn lane from Hwy. 6 to Soldiers

SOLDIERS FIELD DR.

A partnership between Fort Bend ISD and Friends of the Sugar Land 95 could fund the rest of the Sugar Land 95 Memorial Project. The agreement, approved by FBISD trustees Sept. 23, will allow for funding to be raised to expand the memorial project with outdoor features and community opportunities, according to agenda documents. The site features a cemetery and educational programs. “The contract would provide the district with the mechanism to raise funds outside of our general fund,” Chassidy Olainu-Alade, FBISD coordinator of community and civic engagement, said at the Sept. 9 meeting. The details The Friends of the Sugar Land 95 formed in 2023

as a partner organization to FBISD’s fundraising efforts to memorialize the Sugar Land 95. This affiliate agreement solidifies the part- nership between the nonprofit and district, and aids the district in community engagement and stewardship for the cemetery, Olainu-Alade said. What happened The Sugar Land 95 is a name given to the 95 individuals discovered in February 2018 when FBISD contractors built the James Reese Career and Technical Center. They are believed to have been part of the state’s convict leasing program. MASS Design Group presented plans for the expanded memorial last September at a price tag of up to $4.5 million. “Everything done on this project is

Plans for the memorial site include: • A pathway to lead visitors through the site with benches

FIRST COLONY BLVD.

• Signs throughout conveying information about those interned in the cemetery based on bio-forensic data, genealogical studies and archival research • Community experiences and cultural celebrations • Commemorative rituals and memorializations

Field Drive • Phase 2: Remove the existing cul-de-sac on Soldiers Field Drive and reconstruct pavement • Phase 3: Construct a new roundabout at Soldiers Field Drive and First Colony Boulevard The project will also add bike lanes and sidewalks as well as storm sewer, waterline and sanitary improvements, Ton said. Looking ahead Construction will begin in mid-October with completion expected by May 2025, officials said.

SOURCE: MASS DESIGN GROUP/COMMUNITY IMPACT

history-making because of the uniqueness of the project and the location of a cemetery on a school campus,” Marilyn Moore, president of Friends of the Sugar Land 95, said at the Sept. 23 meeting.

SUGAR LAND 3335 Hwy 6 S (281) 313-4446 MISSOURI CITY 5418 Hwy 6 (281) 403-0400

SUGAR CREEK 13827 Southwest Fwy (281) 491-8628 SIENNA PLANTATION 9034 Sienna Crossing Dr (281) 778-9959

NEW TERRITORY 5720 New Territory Blvd (281) 491-0811

Government

BY AUBREY VOGEL

Flourishment Center to bring homelessness resources to the county

Future center resources

Counseling

Social support

Educational programs

Mental health services

Organizations in Fort Bend County are working to provide resources to prevent homelessness in the area and offer shelter for adults. Nine nonprofits banded together to create the Flourishment Center, a collaborative that has pro- vided support to almost 50 families since October 2023, said Jenny Jones, nonprofit Attack Poverty’s interim co-CEO and housing collaborative lead. The group is almost done designing its physical location that will open next year in the former First Baptist Church at 1117 First St., Rosenberg. The details The resource center is intended to serve as a place where nonprofits can serve vulnerable popu- lations, Jones said. It will have temporary housing for those who are parents or guardians of children under age 18; or young adults who are ages 18-25.

The on-site units are intended to provide three to six months of housing while helping residents get on their feet, Jones said. The center will also have crisis housing for those who need somewhere to rest for a short time. The cost Fort Bend County Commissioners Court awarded the Flourishment Center $2.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in October 2023, Jones said. An additional $2 million was also allotted to the center for renovations. What they’re saying Seeing how today’s economy could affect some- one’s housing situation, Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy said he and other county commis- sioners are proud to support the collaborative

16 on-site temporary housing units

SOURCE: FLOURISHMENT CENTER/COMMUNITY IMPACT

efforts to ensure individuals aren’t having to leave the county for secure housing. “If we are truly focused on the economic vitality of our community, making sure that people aren’t having to leave our community to thrive [is important],” he said. What’s next Renovations are slated to begin in December or January, and the center is expected to be opera- tional in June or July, Jones said.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KELLY SCHAFLER & AUBREY VOGEL

Judge KP George indicted after electronic device seizure

The Fort Bend County Grand Jury indicted County Judge KP George on Sept. 26 on charges of misrepresenting his identity in September 2022 with intent to injure a candidate or inuence the November 2022 election, according to Fort Bend County court records. George turned himself into the county jail the evening of Sept. 26 and was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond, said Wesley Wittig, second assistant district attorney for Fort Bend County. This charge comes after the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Oce conducted a search warrant Sept. 18 into George’s communication devices, including phones, smart watches, tablets and computers. George is suspected of working with Taral Patel—the Democratic candidate for Precinct 3 commissioner who also served as George’s former chief of sta—by “acting with intent to promote or assist the commission of misrepresentation of identity,” according to the warrant. This is classied as a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a ne of up to $4,000, Wittig said. The details The warrant was based on investigators’ suspi- cions that George was aware of a false Facebook account that posted “hateful, racist and xeno- phobic” comments against George and others in September 2022. George is accused of suggesting wording for a post as well. Patel is accused of creating a false user called “Antonio Scalywag” to attack himself, George and other opponents.

“My oce and sta will continue working tirelessly on behalf of our residents, ensuring that the county’s business moves forward without interruption. I look forward to clearing my name and continuing the important work entrusted to me by the voters.”

Fort Bend County Judge Kyle Prasad “KP” George is out on bond after he was indicted Sept. 26.

KP GEORGE, FORT BEND COUNTY JUDGE

KELLY SCHAFLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

George was rst elected to serve as county judge in November 2018. Digging deeper Patel was indicted Sept. 3 on several counts of online impersonation and misinterpretation of identity, per arrest records. Patel is scheduled for a discovery on Oct. 14 for the felony charges, which is the process of legal parties exchanging informa- tion and evidence that will be presented at trial, according to the American Bar Association. Texas Local Government code states a person won’t be removed from an elected position if they’re convicted of a crime after taking oce if the crime was committed before being elected to the position, Wittig said. If a county ocer is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving ocial misconduct, the Texas Local Government code authorizes immedi- ate removal upon conviction if not appealed.

The warrant claims the messages were sent during George’s campaign for re-election for Fort Bend County judge in November 2022. What they’re saying The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Division expanded its ongoing investigation into Patel to include George, DA’s oce ocials said in a Sept. 27 statement. “Though the investigation remains ongoing, the District Attorney’s Oce presented one Class A misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity ... to the Grand Jury, who subsequently indicted Mr. George as a party to the oense for which Taral Patel was indicted,” DA’s oce ocials said a statement. In a written statement Sept. 26, George said he’s “disappointed” by the charges but “condent that when all the facts are presented, justice will pre- vail.” He also addressed calls for his resignation, saying he has “no intention of stepping down.”

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY AUBREY VOGEL

Missouri City funds raises, street projects At a Sept. 16 meeting, Missouri City City Council voted unanimously to approve $242.98 million in expenses for the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, a $28.28 million increase from FY 2023-24. The council maintained its tax rate of $0.570825 per $100 valuation from FY 2023-24. The details The FY 2024-25 budget accounts for a 5% pay increase for all noncivil service employees, while law enforcement will see a 6% increase beginning in May, officials said. The budget also lays out $90.34 million in capi- tal improvement program projects over five years with $27.2 million funded in FY 2024-25: • $7 million to construct Sta-Mo Park • $2 million for the Pavement Management & Maintenance Program

$11M in trails included in Sugar Land budget Sugar Land’s fiscal year 2024-25 budget, approved at a Sept. 17 City Council meeting, includes $453.87 million in expenses for FY 2024-25, a $100.43 million increase from FY 2023-24. Additionally, council increased its tax rate to $0.353210 per $100 property valuation, up 0.92% from FY 2023-24. Zooming in The budget also lays out $679.51 million in capital improvement program projects over five years with $140.34 million funded in FY 2024-25. Upcoming projects include the construction of the South of the Brazos Wastewater Treatment Plant, a Brazos River erosion project near Riverstone, and Sugar Land Trail Phase 2 and Gannoway Lake Trails construction.

Missouri City property tax rate history

-4.55%

$0 $0.1 $0.2 $0.3 $0.4 $0.5 $0.6

2020-21 2021-22 2022-23

2024-25 2023-24

Fiscal year

SOURCE: CITY OF MISSOURI CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• $1.2 million for traffic pedestals, operations and signal upgrades • $1 million for Northeast Oyster Creek drainage improvements The budget allocates funds for 21 new positions, including parks maintenance staff members and a citywide grant writer, officials said. What’s next? The FY 2024-25 budget began Oct. 1, city officials said.

Fort Bend County to impose hotel occupancy tax Hotel visitors in Fort Bend County could see an extra tax on their bill, as commissioners approved

Hotel occupancy tax uses

Promoting and improving arts programs Historical restoration and preservation projects Enhancing existing sports facilities Signage to attract the public to sights and attractions

• 2% tax on room cost for hotels within a city limit • 7% tax on room cost for hotels out of a city limit Looking ahead The county’s initial estimate of revenue from the tax is $2 million a year, Guzman said. The hotel occupancy tax became effective on Oct. 1, accord- ing to agenda documents.

a hotel occupancy tax at the Aug. 13 meeting. The additional tax will support tourism in the county, said Carlos Guzman, director of the county’s internal Economic Opportunity and Development department. Guzman said the amount of tax depends on where hotels are located in the county, with a:

SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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great food from Carnival Midway food trucks and The Tea Room. Take home treats from Aunt Hattie’s.

Public Welcome,

3900 Lexington Blvd. Missouri City, TX 77459 Sunday Worship 9:00 & 11:05 am 281-499-3502 | www.fumcmc.org

Free Admission & Parking

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

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