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2021 BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
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A N N U A L C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9 JAN. 7 FEB. 3, 2021
TOP STORY TO WATCH IN 2021
IMPACTS
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Houston-area health care workers received vaccines in December. (Photos courtesy CHI St. Luke’s Health/HCA Houston)
With vaccine, end of pandemic appears in reach As COVID-19 vaccines began to arrive at Houston hospitals and agen- cies December, health o cials heaved a collective sigh of relief—but under- scored that the ght is not over. “It is the beginning of the end. …We still got a lot of work to do internally and as a community to make sure we get the vaccine out,” Dr. David Persse, Houston Emergency Medical Services director, said at a press conference Dec. 28. “When your opportunity comes, please feel comfortable. Get vaccinated.” Under the state of Texas’ distribu- tion guidelines, the rst batches of Moderna and P zer vaccines were reserved for health care workers and for residents and sta members in CONTINUED ON 17 BY MATT DULIN
TO DO LIST
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ANNUAL COMMUNITYGUIDE 2021
COMMUNITY INFO BUSINESS LISTINGS
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Police reformreport calls for boost tomental health intervention
BY EMMA WHALEN
HPD Crisis response
Editor’s note: This article is the third and nal part of a series exploring Houston’s police reform task force report. When he asked national experts which city to use as a model for mental health crisis response systems, Harris Cen- ter for Mental Health CEO Wayne Young said he was pointed back to Houston. “They said, ‘If anyone else had made this call and asked where to look, we would have told them that Houston was
Of 40,000 mental health calls in 2019, only 15% were addressed by the Houston Police Department’s crisis intervention team. SOURCE: MAYOR’S TASK FORCE ON POLICING REFORM COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
TRANSPORTATION
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EDUCATION
DEVELOPMENT
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
FROMKRISTINA: It is 2021, and this community is going full steam ahead! Despite the upheaval of 2020, we are seeing new businesses about to open their doors, more developments on the horizon and transportation projects making progress. Our Annual Community Guide is always one of my favorite editions, when we allow our readers to get a full perspective of everything happening locally. Kristina Shackelford, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
MARKET TEAM SENIOR EDITOR Matt Dulin CITY HALL REPORTER Emma Whalen REPORTER Hunter Marrow SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Anya Gallant ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sherry Cousins METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kristina Shackelford MANAGING EDITOR Marie Leonard ART PRODUCTIONMANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CORPORATE LEADERSHIP PUBLISHERS AND FOUNDERS John and Jennifer Garrett GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner
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FROMMATT: Whether we are talking about the coronavirus vaccine, business recovery or the ongoing work on police reform, this could be the year we all learn what the “new normal” will truly look like. Spend time with our reports this month to get an in-depth look at the key issues facing your community this year. Matt Dulin, SENIOR EDITOR
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JANUARY 2021
Paid Advertisement LUNG CANCER CARE AT MEMORIAL HERMANN DELIVERING ADVANCED TREATMENTS, SEAMLESSLY
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Lung Cancer Multidisciplinary Team
A diagnosis of lung cancer can be overwhelming, for both patients and their families. At Memorial Hermann, we understand patients want the best care, as effortlessly as possible. That’s why our multidisciplinary team of lung cancer specialists takes a patient-centered approach to lung cancer care. Dedicated Lung Cancer Specialists “Treating lung cancer requires the expertise of multiple specialists,” says medical oncologist Syed Jafri, MD, an associate professor of internal medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealthwho is affiliatedwithMemorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. “The Memorial Hermann lung cancer multidisciplinary team of specialists is dedicated to the treatment of lung cancer.” The team works together to: • Design a treatment plan that is unique to each patient • Enable patients to make informed decisions about their care • Coordinate each patient’s care, including scheduling appointments and testing • Expedite treatment • Provide access to clinical trials • Provide access to f inancial counseling, genetic counseling, survivorship and community resources, and other support services A Better Patient Experience UTHealth radiation oncologist Angel Blanco, MD, clinical
associate professor and director of radiation oncology and stereotactic radiosurgery at McGovern Medical School, says the multidisciplinary approach yields a better patient experience. “By having all of their services coordinated for them by our Oncology Nurse Navigator, patients can often come in and be seen by multiple specialists in one visit. Not only is this convenient for patients, it can also expedite their care, which is important, as lung cancer must be treated with urgency.” Minimally Invasive Surgical Options “If surgery is required, most patients with early stage lung cancer are not going to require an open procedure,” says thoracic surgeon Philip Rascoe, MD, an associate professor at McGovern Medical School who is aff iliated with Memorial Hermann-TMC and Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. “We are performing video-assisted and robotic-assisted surgeries for our early stage lung cancer patients, which may yield shorter hospital stays, shorter time to recover at home, smaller scars and a lower UTHealth radiation oncologist Mark Amsbaugh, MD, clinical assistant professor at McGovern Medical School and medical director of radiation oncology at Memorial Hermann-TMC, believes that the program is a great step forward in the care of patients with lung cancer at Memorial Hermann. “By seamlessly integrating technology, expertise, research and passion in a patient-centered setting, we’re caring for the whole person, employing the most advanced treatments available. We’re putting the patient first and at the center.” likelihood of requiring blood transfusions.” Putting the Patient First and Center
Angel Blanco, MD Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
Syed Jafri, MD Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
Mark Amsbaugh, MD Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
Priscilla Rodriguez, RN Oncology Nurse Navigator
Philip Rascoe, MD Associate Professor of Thoracic Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
To learn more about the Memorial Hermann Lung Cancer Multidisciplinary Program, call Memorial Hermann-TMC Oncology Nurse Navigator Priscilla Rodriguez, RN, at 713.704.9542.
Advancing health. Personalizing care.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
COMPILED BY HUNTER MARROW
WESTHEIMER RD.
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Three Brothers Bakery
COURTESY THREE BROTHERS BAKERY
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8 The Blossom Hotel will come to Houston’s Texas Medical Center in April 2021, according to a Dec. 4 news release. Located at 7118 Bertner Ave., Houston, the luxury hotel will feature 13 event spaces and 267 guest rooms across 400,000 square feet and 16 stories. Amenities will include retail, restaurants, a lobby library, an outdoor pool deck, a top-tier tness center and a karaoke room. Unique services will include long- term storage, laundry, and language translation in Mandarin, Spanish and Ger- man. The hotel is accepting reservations. 832-734-8888. www.blossom-houston.com CLOSINGS 9 Meyerland Jewelers , located at 120 Meyerland Plaza Mall, Houston, is expected to close by mid-January. Ahead of the closure, the store was selling its in- ventory for up to 70% o . 713-666-6333. www.meyerlandjewelers.com IN THE NEWS 10 The last of the founders of Three Brothers Bakery , Sigmund Jucker, died Dec. 11 at the age of 98. Jucker co-found- ed the bakery alongside his brothers Sol and Max in Houston in 1949 after surviv- ing concentration camps in Europe during World War II. In May 1955, the brothers moved the bakery to Almeda Street at Southmore Boulevard, then eventually to South Braeswood in May 1960. By 2000, Sigmund’s eldest son, Bobby, had taken over the bakery and in 2005 his wife, Janice, joined him. www.3brothersbakery.com
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NOWOPEN 1 Bellaire Allergy & Asthma opened Jan. 4 at 6750 W. Loop S. Ste 460, Bellaire. Headed by Dr. Jessica Rajan, certi ed allergist and immunologist, the clinic o ers a variety of allergy testing as well as the most up to date treatments for asthma and eczema. 713-364-6525. www.bellaireallergy.com 2 Dish Society opened a new location at 4191 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, on Dec. 17. The restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients from vendors such as Atkinson Farms, Black Hill Ranch, Ives Creek Organics, and Slow Dough Bread Company, among others. Guests can also enjoy Greenway Co ee drinks, juices and elixirs, as well as local craft beers, wine and handcrafted cocktails. 713-966-2737. www.dishsociety.com 3 Two former Politan Row concepts, Ate Kitchen and Kin , reopened Dec. 10 at 2445 Times Blvd., Houston, in Rice Village. The food hall originally closed Nov. 13. Caribbean-inspired Ate Kitchen will o er pickup as well as delivery within ve miles and will be open Wednesday
through Saturday from noon-6 p.m. Chef Evelyn Garcia will use Kin’s kitchen space to build a wholesale business focused on jarred condiments and spice rubs that will be available for purchase at Central City Co-Op, Local Foods, Kickin’ Kombucha and Henderson & Kane, as well as at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market every Saturday. Customers can order from Ate Kitchen at www.bocagecatering.com/ orderlunchatate. 4 The College of Health Care Profes- sions on Dec. 3 announced the opening of a new campus at 2616 S. Loop W., Ste. 201, Houston, the college’s fourth in the Greater Houston area. It o ers short-term training in fast-growing health care jobs in the region, including certi cations for dental and medical assistants and medical coding and billing, as well as an Associate of Applied Science program for health and medical administrative services. www.chcp.edu 5 A Sanitas Medical Center opened Nov. 30 at 10101 S. Post Oak Road. The clinic o ers telehealth, walk-in services, and health programs including care for chronic conditions, referral support,
medication and nutrition planning, stress management, and at-home care. The national clinic chain has six Houston-ar- ea locations. It accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance coverage, Medicare and self-pay patients. 713-804-5964. www.mysanitas.com COMING SOON 6 ZOA Moroccan Kitchen , a quick-ser- vice concept serving Moroccan street food, is opening a new location at 6700 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire, with a late February or early March time frame expected. The rst location of ZOA opened on Washing- ton Avenue in February. The concept is by Bella Restaurants Group, which operates Mia Bella Trattoria and Coco Crepes, Waf- es & Co ee. www.zoamoroccan.com 7 Home decor and furnishings chain West Elm will open a new store at 2501 University Blvd., Houston, the former lo- cation of Urban Out tters in Rice Village, in summer 2021. The chain has one other Houston location in City Centre. www.westelm.com
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JANUARY 2021
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
January events
COMPILED BY HUNTER MARROW
started Dec. 6. Located in the parking lot near Beautique Day Spa & Salon and Mecox Gardens, the market includes over 40 vendors, with a focus on diverse, certi ed-organic, locally produced items. Vendors and guests are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 2507 Times Blvd., Houston. www.rice-village.com 18 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE The Houston Black Heritage Society and the Mayor’s O ce of Special Events is organizing the 43rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Holiday Celebration with a virtual broadcast with video messages from participating organizations. Free. Time to be Murder By the Book is hosting a virtual event for authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, whose works “Relic” and “The Cabinet of Curiosities” were chosen by readers in a NPR poll as being among the 100 greatest thrillers ever written. “Relic” was also made into a movie that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020. They are also known for their famed Pendergast series. 7 p.m. Free. 713-524-8597. www.murderbooks.com announced. 713-236-1700. www.originalmlkparade.org 19 DOUGLAS PRESTON AND LINCOLN CHILD
O ered on Fridays every month, one of the events has an overnight camp-out option. The limit each night is 10 people, including one host family plus members of their “bubble.” Advance registration is required. 6-8:30 p.m. or 6 p.m.-10 a.m. with overnight camp option. $325, plus $175 for overnight camp. 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire. 713-667-6550. www.naturediscoverycenter.org 09 GRAFFITI NIGHT The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston is hosting a gra ti night for all middle school and high school students. Before the community center begins renovations for its new center, participants will be able to make their mark with art on the walls and oors of some of the spaces of the center. The event is part of Houston Connect 68, a program that o ers a mix of social opportunities for middle school students and is open to the public. 6-10 p.m. Free. 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston. 713-551-7230. www.erjcchouston.org 17 RICE VILLAGE FARMERSMARKET Rice Village has teamed up with Casey Barbles of the Heights Mercantile Farmers Market to bring a market on the rst and third Sundays each month to the shopping district, which rst
IN THEMOOD: A BIG BANDNEWYEAR JONES HALL
JAN. 8 10
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo plans to return in May.
COURTESY HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO
08 THROUGH 22 FAMILY CAMPFIRE NIGHT The Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center is o ering evenings of family fun with night hikes, snacks, animal encounters and other outdoor activities. socially distanced seating. Showtimes vary. $25. 615 Louisiana St., Houston. 713-224-7575. www.houstonsymphony.org From “In the Mood” to “Take the ‘A’ Train,” audiences can kick o 2021 with live music as the Houston Symphony, along with vocalist and saxophonist David Caceres, bring to life big-band swing songs virtually and in person at Jones Hall with
COMING IN 2021 Houston Livestock ShowandRodeo May 4-23 After shuttering amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled to return to NRG Park in May instead of March. $20-$350. 832-667-1000. www.rodeohouston.com
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Find more or submit Bellaire-Meyerland-West University events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JANUARY 2021
CITY& COUNTY
News from the city of Houston
CITY HIGHLIGHTS DEC. 16 Mayor Sylvester Turner unveiled plans to reduce tra c fatalities by redesigning the city’s most dangerous streets, running public awareness campaigns and building 50 miles of sidewalk construction per year. Houston formally joined the international network Vision Zero in 2019 with the goal to eliminate all tra c fatalities in the city by 2030. DEC. 16 Houston City Council approved a new set of rules regarding storage of hazardous materials. The amendments strengthen the re marshal’s enforcement capabilities and add libraries, churches, public parks and community centers to the list of locations from which businesses that store hazardous materials must stay farther than 1,000 feet away. It also requires new permits for storing hazardous materials outside. DEC. 5 City Council approved a direct assistance program to send $1,200 payments to some Houstonians. BakerRipley oversaw the distribution of as much as $20 million, which prioritized households that already applied for assistance through the Harris County Financial Assistance Program but did not receive aid at that time.
Tax incentives for developers target drainage features and sustainability
Green for green
The city will o set taxes on developments that include
environmentally friendly features that help absorb or control stormwater.
BY EMMA WHALEN
With the new ordinance in place, the city is tied for third with San Antonio and Austin, Farrell-Sherman said. District C Council Member Abbie Kamin introduced the idea as an amendment to the city’s scal year 2020-21 budget, which was approved in June. “This represents a more holistic approach to the issues we’re tackling with climate change, and it includes our private partners,” Kamin said. Total tax relief depends on the proportion of the project spending allocated to green stormwater infrastructure and the quality of the design. The value of the abatement will be calculated based on criteria that consider the design’s environmental impact and the amount invested. For example, a $3 million devel- opment that includes $200,000 of investment in the highest standard of green stormwater infrastructure could have 100% of its green infrastructure
Developers who incorporate cer- tain features, such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement and rainwater harvesting, are eligible for a new city tax abatement approved by Houston City Council on Dec. 16. “Green stormwater infrastructure ... allows water to slow down and soak into the soil. Water that is held underground is cleaned of toxic pol- lutants, recharges our groundwater and can ow over our streets to join a raging ood,” said Anna Farrell-Sher- man, a clean water advocate with Environment Texas, during a public hearing on the ordinance. The ordinance was also supported by the Katy Prairie Conservancy and Bayou City Water Keeper. A report from Environment Texas found that Houston’s previous incentives put it eighth among 10 cities in Texas seeking to mitigate ooding through green stormwater infrastructure.
Developments that are:
valued at $3 million or more
with at least $200,000 toward green infrastructure
up to $20,000 in property tax reductions for 10 years.
Can receive:
SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
investment abated over 10 years, which would save $20,000 per year. City Council also approved adding a 15%, 10-year tax abatement to encourage developers to comply with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environ- mental Design, or LEED, standards. The city has had an LEED process since 2004, but no developers had applied for the program.
HOME IS WHERE THE HOOP IS HE
Doctors and scientists agree, most people should get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available. It’s the best way to protect yourself, your family and our community. The sooner we all get vaccinated, the sooner we can get this disease under control. Until then, we have to continue to wear our masks, stay six feet apart and wash our hands well and often. It’s smart to ask questions and learn all you can about staying safe and healthy. As your partner in good health, we’re here to help. Visit us online, or call 713-526-4243 for an appointment. the vaccine? Should I get
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 2021 A N N U A L C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E
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Legacy provides comprehensive health care services at 15 locations across Southeast Texas. From adult and pediatric primary care to dental, OB/GYN, pharmacy, and free HIV/STI and pregnancy testing, Legacy’s trusted providers are ready to care for you. Legacy accepts HMO/PPOs, Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare, and has on-site Eligibility Specialists to discuss a ordable payment options.
Tucked in a verdant pocket of central Houston, the historic Rice Village has remained an iconic landscape for shopping, dining, and discovery for generations. With a wave of vibrant new tenants and lush greenscaping, the Village is poised to become Houston’s rst walkable garden district.
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT
Data and analysis on local communities
COMPILED BY MATT DULIN
Most ZIP codes in this area are experiencing population growth on par with the county at large—except for Meyerland ZIP code 77096, which lost an estimated 9.8% of its population between 2014 and 2019 amid repetitive oods. The Bellaire-Meyerland- West University area continues to thrive economically, however, with median household incomes rising by over 25% on average. BELLAIRE, MEYERLAND ANDWEST UNIVERSITY
*HISPANIC LATINO IS NOT A RACE, BUT THE HISPANIC LATINO PERCENTAGE BELOW MAY INCLUDE MULTIPLE RACES LISTED. THE RACES LISTED, HOWEVER, DO NOT INCLUDE HISPANIC LATINO RESIDENTS. SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 2019 5 YEAR ESTIMATES COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
HUNTER MARROW COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
2019
2014
POPULATION CHANGE
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
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77401
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77025
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LOCAL DEMOGRAPHICS*
AGE ANALYSIS 0-19 20-39 40-59 60-79 80+
EDUCATION LEVEL High school diploma or higher achieved
Harris County
42.9% 29.6% 18.6%
15.4% 55.7% 9.7% 0.2% 16% 0.1% 0.2% 2.7%
Hispanic or Latino
Bachelor’s degree or higher achieved
White
25.7% 27.1% 26.6% 16.7%
Black or African American
0.2% 6.9% 0.1% 0.2% 1.5%
American Indian or Alaska native
3.9%
94.6%
70.7%
Asian
Median age
Native Hawaiian or other Paci c Islander
33.9 Harris County
34.6
Some other race Two or more races
Texas
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JANUARY 2021
SHOPPING&DINING
Retailers, restaurants that opened in 2020 or are coming in 2021
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MEDITERRANEAN 22 Hamsa 5555 Morningside Drive, Ste. 100, Houston COMING SOON 23 Luna Grill 5310 Weslayan St., Ste. 1, Houston www.lunagrill.com COMING SOON 24 ZOA Moroccan Kitchen 6700 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire www.zoamoroccan.com COMING SOON TEX MEX 25 El Topo 6119 Edloe St., West University Place 832-795-7251 www.topotruck.com $ B P
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Average entrees: $ Up to $9.99 $$ $10-$19.99 $$$ $20 or more
B Breakfast/brunch H Happy hour K Kids menu P Patio
ASIAN 8 Bao Shi Yi 2328 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston 346-867-3941 www.baoshiyibunhouse.com COMING SOON 9 Kim Son Cafe 2512 Rice Blvd., Houston 713-533-1188 www.kimsoncafe.com $$ P 10 Max’s Restaurant 8011-A S. Main St., Houston 832-607 6420 www.maxsrestaurantna.com COMING SOON BARBECUE 11 Citadel BBQ 6601 Main St., Houston www.citadelbbq.com COMING SOON CAFE BAKERY DESSERT 12 Christo Mio 2523 Quenby St., Houston www.christomio.com COMING SOON 13 Crumbl Cookies 5103 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 140, Bellaire 281-937-2100 www.crumblcookies.com $$ P 14 Ginger Kale 6104 Hermann Park Drive, Houston 713-429-5238 www.gingerkale.com $$ K
15 New York Deli & Co ee Shop 5422 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire www.nybagelsandco ee.com COMING SOON 16 The Bagel Shop Bakery 5422 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire www.nybagelsandco ee.com $ B P CARIBBEAN 17 Ate Kitchen 2445 Times Blvd., Houston www.bocagecatering.com $$ COFFEE TEA JUICE 18 JuiceLand 5103 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 135, Bellaire 713-364-1059 www.juiceland.com $ P 19 Pressed Juicery 2437 University Blvd., Houston 281-940-2652 www.pressedjuicery.com $ ITALIAN 20 Marco’s Pizza 9540 Main St., Houston 713-742-6668 www.marcos.com $ 21 MOD Pizza 5103 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 130, Bellaire 346-340-6024 www.modpizza.com $ P
COMPILED BY MATT DULIN & HUNTER MARROW
DINING AMERICAN 1 Dish Society 4191 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 180, Houston www.dishsociety.com $$ B H K P 2 Goode Bird 5015 Kirby Drive, Ste. 1, Houston 713-999-4180 www.goodecompanygoodebird.com $$ 3 Jersey Mike’s Subs 5107 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire 713-677-0746 www.jerseymikes.com $ K P 4 JLB Eatery 8806 Stella Link Road, Houston 832-778-9555 www.thejlbeatery.com $$ K 5 Palace Social 4191 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 150, Houston www.palacesocial.com COMING SOON 6 Salata 5101 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire 713-497-5744 www.salata.com $$ K P
26 Momma’s Tamales 5214 Cedar St., Bellaire www.eattamales.com $ PUBS WINE BARS 27 Countercommon Beerworks & Kitchen 5413 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire www.countercommon.com COMING SOON SEAFOOD 28 Red Crab Seafood 9205 Main St., Houston 336-632-4570 www.redcrabseafood.com COMING SOON SHOPPING AUTOMOTIVE 29 Eric’s Car Care 5820 Kirby Drive, Houston 713-454-7860 www.ericscarcare.co BEAUTY 30 Diesel Barbershop 3351 Westpark Drive, Houston 832-834-4344 www.dieselbarbershop.com 31 Face Haus 2509 Amherst St., Ste. A125
7 The Toasted Yolk Cafe 5103 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire www.thetoastedyolk.com COMING SOON
10
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2 0 2 1 S P E C I A L E D I T I O N
9285 Main St., Houston 713-965-4244 www.gowrifoods.com 36 Rice Fine Wines & Liquor 5108 Spruce St., Bellaire 713-666-1203 37 Sprouts 1212 Old Spanish Trail, Houston 346-326-7639 www.sprouts.com HOME GARDEN 38 Houston Natural Mattress 6111 Kirby Drive, Houston 832-582-6324 www.houstonnaturalmattress.com 39 Valio Rugs 2339 Bissonnet St., Houston 832-814-2792 www.valilorugs.com 40 West Elm 2501 University Blvd., Houston www.westelm.com COMING SOON VARIETY 41 Five Below 250 Meyerland Plaza, Houston 346-237-4945 www. vebelow.com
31
Face Haus
COURTESY FACE HAUS
The Meyerland area will soon have a permanent community market.
281-747-6979 www.thefacehaus.com 32 Madison Reed Color Bar 2515 Amherst St. Ste. A126 281-502-8127 www.madison-reed.com 33 MYX Blend Bar Houston 2524 Amherst St. Ste. E110, Houston 713-393-7262 www.myxblendbar.com ENTERTAINMENT 34 Locktopia Escape Room 5326 Weslayan St., Houston 713-588-1705 www.locktopiahouston.com FOOD BEVERAGE 35 Gowri International Market
MATT DULIN COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
NEWSHOPPINGDESTINATION
long-term spaces. The market will o er full-time sta ng and will handle all purchase transactions, allowing vendors to leave products in stock without needing to be present. The market will also host events and oversee marketing e orts to draw in customers. www.facebook.com/ lovethyneighbormarket
LOVE THYNEIGHBORMARKET Taking up shop in the former H-E-B property at 5417 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Love Thy Neighbor Market is looking to bring a permanent community farmers market to the Meyerland area. Interior renovations began in November. The market should be able to open by early 2021, said Michael Babajanov, the organizer of the Braeswood and Montrose farmers markets who is pursuing the project. When complete, the space will be able to support over 200 vendors and artists who will be able to rent short- or
S. RICE AVE.
N
This list is noncomprehensive.
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JANUARY 2021
TRANSPORTATION
Updates on key transportation stories
TOP TRANSPORTATION STORY OF 2021
3
COMPLETED 1 I-69 North to Loop 610 South 2 Loop 610 South to I-69 North UNDERWAY 1 Loop 610 North to I-69 South 2 I-69 North frontage road 3 South Rice intersection 4 Newcastle intersection POTENTIAL CLOSURES IN 2021 1 I-610 South to I-69 South 2 I-69 South to Loop 610 North 3 I-69 North to Loop 610 North
2
1
2
1
4
2
69
1
3
610
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While not yet open to tra c, work was completed on the new Loop 610 South to I 69 North ramp in November. (Courtesy Texas Department of Transportation)
Loop610 interchange project picks up the pace amid COVID 19 For the Texas Department of Transportation, COVID-19 has meant fewer cars on the roads and more time to spend on projects such as the ongoing overhaul of the I-69 and Loop 610 interchange. And that means the entire project is now ahead of schedule. place from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. However, we were allowing them to close at 8 p.m. for example and open at 6 a.m.” Early 2024 is the target completion date for the $259 million project, with Phase 2 nearly complete, Perez said. The items remaining in that phase In the meantime, TxDOT has begun to shift its focus to the remaining three phases of the project. Motorists can expect some major closures in 2021, such as a reduction of the Loop 610 south- bound to I-69 southbound connector to a single lane, total closures of the I-69 northbound to Loop 610 connector, and potentially the I-69 southbound to Loop 610 northbound connector. “The good news is that 2021 will also bring the BY HUNTER MARROW
include the intersection at Newcastle Drive and the I-69 northbound frontage road, the intersection at South Rice Avenue and the I-69 southbound frontage road, and completing the remaining I-69 northbound frontage road between Westpark Drive and east of Newcastle Drive. These projects should be complete before the summer.
“Early on in the pandemic, we saw lighter tra c conditions, and thus we allowed the contractor to extend closure hours to get additional work done,” TxDOT spokesperson Danny Perez said. “For example, if the contractor had a nightly closure in place, they would typically have the closure in
opening of the new I-610 northbound to I-69 south- bound connector as well as the newly con gured I-69 southbound exit ramp to Chimney Rock Road,” Perez said.
OTHER PROJECTS TO FOLLOW IN 2021
N. BRAESWOOD BLVD.
CHIMNEY ROCK RD.
BRAYS BAYOU
BUFFALO SPEEDWAY
N. BRAESWOOD BLVD.
610
BUFFALO SPEEDWAY S. BRAESWOOD BLVD.
S. BRAESWOOD BLVD.
BRAYS BAYOU
610
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N
N
Chimney Rock Road/South Rice Avenue bridges Construction on new bridge spans over Brays Bayou at Chimney Rock Road and South Rice Avenue are set to begin by the end of January as part of Project Brays. Both bridges will be demolished, though not before two higher, longer and wider bridges are constructed—one for each roadway—between the existing bridges. Temporary lane closures are expected, though the existing bridges will maintain north and southbound pedestrian and vehicular tra c. Timeline: January-December Cost: $22 million for both bridges ($11 million each) Funding source: Harris County Flood Control District
Bu alo Speedway paving and drainage The Texas Department of Transportation has reviewed plans for a project that will bring drainage improvements and a road surface replacement to the 5300 block south of Bissonnet Street, the 6700 block north of West Holcombe Boulevard and to the West University Place Drainage Outfall south of that. The project was opened for bids in November. Once a contract is awarded, the contractor will begin work 60 days after. Timeline: October 2018-2023 Cost: $32.56 million Funding sources: city of West University Place, TxDOT, federal grants
Bu alo Speedway concrete panel replacement As part of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Street Rehabilitation Initiative, Houston Public Works has authorized work to replace the concrete panels on Bu alo Speedway, from South Braeswood Boulevard to Loop 610 West. The project contractor slated to replace the panels is Grava LLC. The panel replacement is a road-maintenance measure that does not involve redesigning road features, improving drainage or pedestrian facilities. Timeline: Dec. 15, 2020-March 15, 2021 Cost: $3 million Funding source: city of Houston
12
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EDUCATION
Houston ISD news to follow
2 0 2 1 S P E C I A L E D I T I O N
OTHER STORIES TO FOLLOW IN 2021
TOP EDUCATION STORY OF 2021
Enrollment decline clouds scal picture Houston ISD stands to lose as much as $90 million in attendance-based amended twice already, Lathan said, and another amendment is expected in February to deal with COVID-19 expenses. As of Nov. 2, HISD’s enrollment BY MATT DULIN
District set to roll out free rapid COVID-19 testing program As part of a statewide program, Houston ISD will begin o ering free COVID-19 rapid testing to students and sta in January. The BinaxNow swab test kits can be self-administered under supervision, and results are available within 15 minutes, according to the Texas Department of Emergency Management, which is overseeing the K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project. HISD will receive over 50,000 test kits monthly, according to TDEM data, which will allow it to test all sta members and some students. Tests are optional and may be given even when symptoms are not present. Students under age 18 have to obtain parental permission to be tested.
Education Agency can move forward with replacing the Houston ISD board of trustees, an action rst blocked by a Travis County judge in January 2020. In April, a state appeals court ordered the injunction to remain in place, and in December, that court ruled that the Travis County injunction was properly imposed. The TEA has a case before the Supreme Court over the matter and plans to le an additional appeal. District of Innovation process underway Houston ISD continues to work on developing its formal District of Innovation plan. A committee of 15 people, including one for each of the nine trustee districts and ve superintendent appointees, was formed in October to draft the plan. The district wants to use the status to set an earlier school start date, o er exibility around the minimum attendance rules for class credit, and allow for the hiring career and technical education teachers under di erent certi cation requirements. The plan will be subject to review by the HISD District Advisory Committee, followed by public comment for 30 days, prior to a board of trustees vote.
funding from the state if it cannot bring enrollment numbers back to pre-COVID-19 levels, which poses a challenge for the next budget plan- ning cycle, interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan told trustees Dec. 10. A provisional policy from the Texas Education Agency to disregard atten- dance for funding calculations was set to expire Dec. 31. Lathan said the district could absorb budget losses this year without deep cuts. “We’re using our savings account, just like you would do at home. That’s what’s getting us through this school year,” Lathan said, referring to the district’s fund balance, which had $655 million in unrestricted funds at the end of scal year 2019-20. “As we prepare for 2021-22, we have to prepare for those cuts.” The FY 2020-21 budget has been
was 197,059, about 10,000 fewer than the projected 207,000. About 4,000 fewer prekindergarten students were enrolled as parents opted out amid the pandemic, Lathan said.
HISD’S ENROLLMENT SUFFERS A SETBACK
After COVID-19, Houston ISD experienced a 5% drop in enrollment, eroding any ground gained in 2019-20.
rapid test kits per month for HISD 50,000+
Projected 207,809
0 160K 180K 200K 220K SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Trustees await Texas Supreme Court ruling on state takeover The Texas Supreme Court could ultimately decide whether Texas
Actual 197,059
Shop in the shade. See the city in bloom.
From family-owned eateries and design boutiques to innovative brands and pop-up shops, there’s always something new to discover in Rice Village. Take in the oak-lined avenues and fresh-faced storefronts then, pause. Our shaded patios and ever-blooming city blocks promise a moment of repose. This is where community and commerce bloom—and where we hope you’ll join us in growing together.
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JANUARY 2021
Houston’s premier luxury Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care community in the heart of Rice Village!
14
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
DEVELOPMENT
Project updates to know in 2021
COMPILED BY HUNTER MARROW
2 0 2 1 S P E C I A L E D I T I O N
TOP DEVELOPMENT STORIES OF 2021
Ion on track to nish construction
527
Southside Commons awaits its anchor The anchor for Southside Com- mons—the bowling alley, arcade, event space, bar and restaurant Palace Social—is slated for a spring opening, when it will join an array of tenants lling the development. This includes casual farm-to-table restaurant Dish Society, which opened Dec. 17; optometrist clinic Eyetheory, which is expected to open in the spring; and men’s grooming and wellness space Tread- well, which is expected to open in the second quarter of 2021. Construction on the rst phase of The Ion, a 270,000-square-foot, six-story facility that will support businesses and serve as a hub for entrepreneurs, incubators, accelera- tors, corporations and the academic community, is eyeing a completion date in the rst quarter. “We’re excited we’re right on sched- ule and on track,” said SamDike, the manager of strategic initiatives for Rice Management Co., which is overseeing the $110 million e ort. The facility, located at the former Sears building at 4201 Main St., Hous- ton, is expected to serve as the hub for a more than 16-acre Innovation District, which aims to combine com- mercial development with housing, public spaces and new infrastructure
to support start-ups. In December, Rice Management Co. announced Microsoft would be joining The Ion as a tenant. The tech company said it will invest in workforce devel- opment through monthly executive forum and virtual symposiums, and will support accelerators for advanced manufacturing, digital skills, and smart and resilient city innovation. There are two other tenants scheduled to move into the new building. Chevron Technology Ventures was the rst program partner to sign a lease with The Ion. Chevron’s corporate venture capital armwill pursue innovative business solutions and externally developed technologies that have the potential to bene t the oil and gas rm.
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The Ion will o er 270,000 square feet dedicated to supporting startups.
The second tenant is Dallas-based Common Desk, which will manage a 58,000-square-foot coworking facility on the building’s second oor and boasts exible memberships for di erent types of professionals.
“Expect that to be in high demand,” Dike said. “That’s the entire second oor of the building. We’re excited about that.” The Ion is conversation with other potential tenants, he said.
Groundbreaking date set for ERJCC renovation
BELLAIRE BLVD. NEWCASTLE DR.
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The project also includes demolition of the Velva G. and H. Fred Levine Jewish Federation Building—located on the ERJCC property—to make way for a new building for the Jewish Federation that will be built on the north end of the community center property on the old building’s existing footprint.
The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center will mark Jan. 31 as the o cial groundbreaking day for an upcoming renovation and expansion project. The day will include morning family activities including spray painting and chalking designated areas that will be part of the expansion’s tear down. The formal ceremony will start at 2 p.m. and will be live-streamed. The $50 million project was rst announced in February. Construction will consist of a new 126,000 square- foot, three-story facility, with 27,000 square feet of renovations to the existing center.
More tenants are opening in 2021.
“We’re excited,” said Christie Amezquita with the leasing agency SHOP Cos. “We’ll be 100% leased at that point.” Second- oor tenants include Houston Methodist, The Center for ENT and Greater Houston Orthodontics.
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CHIMNEY ROCK RD.
HILLCROFT AVE.
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Evelyn’s Park Phase 2 is underway Construction has o cially kicked o on a project that will add several new enhance- ments to Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire. Evelyn’s Park Conservancy, the group that manages moveable seating, an inter- active splash pad and two new interactive playgrounds. add a solar-powered shade structure for small gatherings, a large covered pavilion with
610
BELLAIRE BLVD.
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NEWCASTLE DR.
conservancy’s plan—will take place over the next six months. The park will remain open throughout. B&D Contractors has been tapped to implement the plans created by SWA, the landscape architecture rm that designed Phase 1.
These updates were based on park user feedback and surveys conducted in Bellaire. Construction on the project—Phase 2 of the
the park, hosted a ground- breaking ceremony Dec. 13 to commemorate the start of the project, which will
Evelyn’s Park is under construction to add several new enhancements.
15
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JANUARY 2021
Start the New Year HEALTHIER
Safe, convenient primary care— at a location near you.
The Heights
10
At Houston Methodist, we provide personalized care for you and your family, including physicals, immunizations and preventive care. Many of our practices: • Provide in-person and virtual visits with online scheduling • Offer same-day sick visits • Are conveniently located close to work or home • Accept most major insurance plans
610
45
West University
59
Bellaire
Texas Medical Center
Southside Place
And, with enhanced safety measures in place, you can rest assured your safety is our priority.
houstonmethodist.org/pcg 713.394.6724
16
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TOP STORY
2 0 2 1 S P E C I A L E D I T I O N
Because of limited initial availability, federal, state and local health o cials will prioritize certain groups to receive the vaccine rst. Front of the line
Priority populations
1 2 3 4
Through December: The rst doses will be o ered to health care workers and volunteers. Individuals with health risk factors and essential workers will be prioritized next.
Health care workers and vulnerable populations are being prioritized in Phase 1 of the vaccine rollout. Here are the estimates of how many people fall into those categories in the public health region that includes Harris County.
January-July: The general public will gain access as supply increases and once essential workers have had access. Children under age 16 will likely be last in line.
Counties in the local public health region
Walker
Emergency medical services sta : 16,509
163,834 Health care workers:
Montgomery
Hardin
July onward: O cials have said that everyone who chooses to be vaccinated will have access. Public health professionals will network with hard-to-reach areas.
Orange
Liberty
Austin
Je erson
Harris
Chambers
Nursing home residents: 23,848
Acute care hospital sta : 99,088 People over age 65: 949,259
Colorado
Fort Bend
Galveston
October onward: Outreach to areas that may not have received a vaccine will continue, and vaccine creators may consider plans for future coronaviruses.
N
Wharton
Brazoria
People with underlying conditions:
Matagorda
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
2,476,882
Vaccine candidates An FDA panel recommended P zer’s vaccine Dec. 10 and Moderna’s Dec. 17 for emergency use authorization. This paved the way for the vaccines to be distributed. Two other companies that have used di erent methods to develop vaccines have also entered Phase 3 trials.
long immunity could last. Early data suggests that around 70% of the population will have to be vaccinated for the pandemic to be controlled, Weatherhead said. “As [vaccine] production ramps up, it’s going to be important that the general public gets these vaccines to protect everybody, to protect those that can’t get the vaccine or those who may not have developed the strongest immune response,” she said. “It’s really going to be a com- munity e ort.” The hope is that the majority of health care workers and long-term care sta and residents will be vac- cinated in the next few months, at which point more members of the public will get access. Before each new population becomes eligible, everyone in the previous phasemust have been given the opportunity to get vaccinated. Houston Health Department Director Stephen Williams said his team will look for gaps in local dis- tribution. The department adminis- tered almost 2,000 doses Jan. 2-3. “We will serve as a safety net pro- vider, based on allotment and avail- ability,” he said. “We will use the same principles and strategies that we used for testing ... to ensure there is su cient vaccine uptake in vul- nerable communities especially.” By the spring, Weatherhead said she expects more vaccine options
CONTINUED FROM 1
long-term care facilities. As early as Dec. 28, people with underlying con- ditions or those over age 65 began to gain eligibility, according to the Department of State Health Services. Greater capacity is expected to come in 2021. According to Paul Klotman, the president, CEO and executive dean of the Baylor College of Medicine, two other vaccines to watch in early 2021 include a John- son & Johnson vaccine and an Astra- Zeneca vaccine currently in the nal phases of testing. Even with the new options, more questions remain, including to what extent they will actually limit the spread of the virus. The P zer vac- cine was still undergoing data analy- sis fromits trials as ofmid-December. “Apersonwho is vaccinated, hope- fully, will not get severely ill, but that doesn’t mean they can’t spread it to someone else,” said Dr. Jill Weather- head, an infectious disease and trop- ical medicine expert with the Baylor College of Medicine. “We just don’t have that data yet.” Little is also known about how long a person is immune after they are infected with the coronavirus, Weatherhead said. Because of this, she said, waiting for herd immunity to develop through natural infection would result in millions of deaths without providing a picture of how
E cacy rate
Company
Age group Doses needed Storage
Ultra-cold frozen; lasts 5 days refrigerated
21 days apart 2DOSES
PFIZER BIONTECH
95%
16 and up
28 days apart 2DOSES Frozen; lasts 30 days
refrigerated 94.1%
MODERNA
18 and up
28 days apart 2DOSES
ASTRAZENECA OXFORD
70.4% Refrigerated
18 and up
JANSSEN JOHNSON& JOHNSON
Frozen; lasts 3 months refrigerated
TBD
1 DOSE
18 and up
will become available, but which vac- cine each person takes will be dictated by what is available in the community. Certain groups, such as pregnant women and those with underlying medical con- ditions, should follow recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Once more data is gath- ered, vaccines will also become available to children. Because more remains to be studied about the vaccine, Weatherhead said, it will remain crucial even for the vacci- nated to continue wearing a mask and practice social distancing. When it comes to masks and social
distancing, Weatherhead said it is di cult to put a timeline down as to when those measures will no longer be needed. “This is something that has never been done before, and it’s going to be a moving target,” she said. “That’s why it’s so criti- cal that everybody gets on board and does their part and gets their vaccine if it’s been okayed by their physician or health care provider.” Shawn Arrajj and Hunter Marrow con- tributed to this report.
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • JANUARY 2021
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