Bay Area Edition | October 2025

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Bay Area Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4 OCT. 18NOV. 14, 2025

Businesses return to Hwy. 146 after construction

BY RACHEL LELAND

It’s been eight years since Mario Denis opened Playa Maya along the Hwy. 146 corridor in Kemah. The business, however, has since closed due in part to what Denis called "a series of hits," including the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, the widening of Hwy. 146. It was one of many along the corridor that closed or moved away due to such challenges. Despite this, now more than a year removed from the construction, businesses are returning. And a number of new ones, including Denis’ Pasta Margarita, are opening in an area seeing new economic activity. While the business still has its challenges, such as ongoing work to widen the nearby frontage road, Denis said he remains optimistic about his new restaurant, which is his second one in the area.

“It doesn’t matter how far or how bad it is to get into the shopping center,” Denis said. “It’s going to be worth the trip, right?”

GALVESTON BAY

518

146

CONTINUED ON 20

Also in this issue

Read about what Clear Creek ISD’s new tax rate means for homeowners Education

See what events are taking place in the Bay Area throughout the fall Community

Mario Denis is the owner of the new Pasta Margarita along Hwy. 146. Pasta Margarita is one of several new restaurants to open along the corridor since construction on the highway ended in 2024. (Rachel Leland/Community Impact)

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Atirikta Kumar Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Roo Moody Tomer Ronen Nichaela Shaheen Haley Velasco Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Jake Schlesinger Jesus Verastegui Ronald Winters Managing Editor James T. Norman Product Manager Martha Risinger Quality Desk Editor Sarah Hernandez Metro President Jason Culpepper

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Impacts

4 Prodigy 17 Dance Company The business runs a competitive company with auditions, teaching styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acro and pom, among other styles. • Opened Sept. 8 • 951 FM 646, Ste. A5, League City • www.prodigy17dance.com 5 Bombshell MedSpa The business offers an array of wellness and medical aesthetic services, including cosmetic injectables, laser hair removal, weight loss treatments, hair restoration, customized facials and medical-grade skincare products, among other services. • Opened in June • 303 E. Main St., Ste. 150, League City • www.bsbmedspa.com 6 Pasta Margarita The restaurant serves pasta, pizzas and salads inspired by Latin flavors. The menu offers pasta dishes like Cholula pasta and pasta diabla, as well as other dishes. • Opened July 15 • 1415 Hwy. 146, Ste. E, Kemah • www.pastamargarita.com 7 EōS Fitness The fitness center offers free weights, strength equipment, an indoor pool, group classes and personal training, among other amenities. • Opened Sept. 4 • 19801 Gulf Freeway, Ste. 1000, Webster • www.eosfitness.com 8 Pear + Pei The art and toy shop sells items such as paint pots, dolls, air-dry clay and stuffed plush animal toys, among other items. • Opened Sept. 20 • 501 E. Main St., Ste. 1, League City • pearandpei.myshopify.com 9 Kal’s Joint The business serves Greek menu items such as feta and olives, zucchini fries, gyro wraps, Greek salads and chicken parmesan sandwiches.

INTERSTATE 10 SERVICE RD.

146

W. FAIRMOUNT PKWY.

GORDON SPEER CHAMBERS PKWY.

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER

Seabrook

CLEAR LAKE

2351

Nassau Bay

146

GALVESTON BAY

BAYBROOK MALL DR.

518

528

SOUTH SHORE BLVD.

Webster

S. EGRET BAY BLVD.

ROYAL TERN WAY

646

League City

517

that allows guests to conveniently pick up digital orders without leaving their cars. • Opened Sept. 29 • 1010 W. Fairmont Parkway, La Porte • www.chipotle.com 3 Gemini Urgent Care The business is open seven days a week and offers onsite IVs, X-rays, sutures and physical examinations, along with other services. Patients can also receive testing for various illnesses, pediatric care and IV vitamin drip therapy. • Opened Aug. 13 • 1111 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood • www.geminiurgentcare.com

Now open

1 Velvet Quarter Restaurant & Sip Lounge The drink menu features an assortment of wines, including sparkling, white, red and rose. The restaurant also offers bottled, canned and domestic beers. Menu items include soups and salads with entrees including chicken piccata, steak frites and deconstructed beef wellington. • Opened Aug. 1 • 2234 E. NASA Parkway, Seabrook • www.velvetquarter.com 2 Chipotle The restaurant will also have a drive-thru pick-up lane

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• 1065 W. Bay Area Blvd., Ste. 240, Webster • www.tifachocolateandgelato.com

• Opened Aug. 19 • 13914 State Hwy. 3, Ste. 600, Webster • Facebook: Kal’s Joint

Now open

Coming soon

10 Margarita Jones The restaurant offers daily specials, as well as tacos, soups, enchiladas, seafood and other traditional dishes, among other items. • Opened Oct. 8

15 StretchLab The facility offers assisted stretching to improve range of motion and flexibility, and reduce pain and tension. The sessions are based on the client’s specific needs, focusing on problem areas or targeting certain muscle groups. • Opening TBD • 4550 W. League City Parkway, League City • www.stretchlab.com/location/magnoliacreek 16 Bojangles The fast food franchise is known for its Southern food selections, such as fried chicken, biscuits and tea. Its menu also features sandwiches and sides, including macaroni and cheese, green beans, mashed potatoes and coleslaw. • Opening fall 2025 • 1360 E. League City Parkway, League City • www.bojangles.com 17 Gauchos Do Sul Gauchos Do Sul serves unlimited cuts of steak, chicken, pork and lamb, as well as a salad bar and side dishes. • Opening in January • 415 Royal Tern Way, Webster • gauchosdosul.com 18 Sprouts Farmers Market The grocery store sells fresh produce, bulk foods, meat, poultry, seafood, deli, baked goods, dairy products, frozen foods, natural body care and household items. • Opening in 2027 • 1001 W. Bay Area Blvd., Webster • www.sprouts.com

• 1818 NASA Parkway, Seabrook • www.margaritajonestexmex.com

11 Ohana Ice Cream and Snacks The shop serves over 30 flavors of ice cream, as well as a variety of other snacks. • Opened Oct. 10

20 Jeff’s Bagel Run The Florida-based bagel chain serves coffee and an assortment of bagels, including asiago, blueberry, cinnamon sugar, garlic, poppy seed and sesame, among other bagel flavors, as well as spreads, including banana pudding, cake batter, strawberry and vegetable. • Opened Sept. 3 • 923 Bay Area Blvd., Houston • www.jeffsbagelrun.com

• 1823 E. Main St., League City • Facebook: Ohana Icecream

12 Hooky Entertainment Baytown The 73,000-square-foot venue will feature 10 theaters, including an IMAX auditorium, as well as a bowling alley with 14 lanes, an 8,000-square-foot arcade, two virtual dart bays, premium food and beverage offerings, and private event spaces. • Opened Oct. 3 13 Chuggie’s Dirty Soda Bar The business specializes in dirty sodas. Those include starting with a base of soda, adding in syrup, which comes in a variety of flavors, followed by cream. The business will offer a variety of sodas, as well as different syrup and cream flavors. • Opened Oct. 11 • 908 E. Main St., League City • Facebook: Chuggie’s Dirty Soda Bar • 10550 I-10 Service Road, Baytown • www.hookyentertainment.com 14 Tifa Chocolate & Gelato The business will feature about 24 house-made gelato flavors, including stracciatella, vanilla bean, dark chocolate, cookie butter, pineapple coconut sorbetto, strawberry balsamic, espresso chip and salted caramel, along with rotating seasonal flavors. • Opening in October

years, will relocate to a new location on League City Parkway in 2026. • Closing Sept. 30; relocating 2026 • 1340 League City Parkway, Ste. 300, League City • www.icryo.com

In the news

21 Temperature Solutions Heating & Air Conditioning Founded by Todd and Tracy Louvar, the business has served the Bay Area since 2005. The business celebrated its 20th anniversary in August. • 2217 Anders Lane, Kemah • www.temperature-solutions.com

Relocations

19 iCRYO The business, which has offered cryotherapy, IV therapy and body sculpting services in League City for over ten

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY HALEY VELASCO

Clear Creek ISD keeps tax rate flat, bills projected to decrease

Clear Creek ISD residents can anticipate seeing lower tax bills following the board’s approval of a tax rate of $0.969 per $100 valuation of a home for fiscal year 2025-26, which is the same rate as last year. The overview The adopted tax rate includes $0.699 for mainte- nance and operations, or M&O—which funds daily operations—and $0.27 for interest and sinking, or I&S—which pays bond debt. Both rates are the same as those in FY 2024- 25 for CCISD, meaning the rate will remain unchanged, according to district documents. The details

CCISD's tax rate history

Maintenance and operation tax rate

Interest and sinking tax rate

$1.50

$1.31

$1.2659

$1.1797

$1.1146

$0.9746

$0.969

$1.00

$0.50

FY 2019-20

FY 2023-24

FY 2024-25

FY 2025-26

FY 2022-23

FY 2020-21

FY 2021-22

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

member Jay Cunningham said at the meeting. “This board ... has made a conscious effort of taking care of taxpayer dollars.” What else? The approval came nearly a month after the dis- trict approved its budget with a projected shortfall of $12.5 million for FY 2025-26, Community Impact previously reported.

district documents. While average market values rose from about $397,000 in 2024 to $406,000 in 2025, the average taxable value is expected to drop by more than $36,500 due in part to Proposition 13, which would raise the school district homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. The proposition will go before voters in November. “CCISD is still a great bargain out there,” board

83 percent of Texans take action after reading Community Impact—and 76% say our ads help them discover new products and services. This tax rate will mean a property tax bill of about $2,140 on an average home with a taxable value of $406,460 . This represents a decrease of approximately $350 compared to last year, when the average tax bill was $2,490, according to

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Transportation

Upcoming projects

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER

1 Package 8 asphalt work Project: This package will include Boden Street, Bern Street, Seventh Street and part of Austin Street. Update: Bidding is now expected to happen in 2026 as the city avoids bidding out projects during the holiday season. • Timeline: bid and construction coming in 2026 • Cost: estimated to cost around $1 million • Funding source: city’s reinvestment fund 2 League City Parkway and Walker Street intersection Project: includes a redesign of the intersection to add additional lanes and adjust drainage Update: permitting from Texas Department of Transpor- tation almost approved • Timeline: biddingto now come in 2026 • Cost: $2.1 million • Funding source: Galveston County’s 2018 bond 3 Main Street and Bay Area Boulevard intersection Project: This project includes adding and extending turn lanes and is meant to help with capacity.

LEAGUE CITY PKWY.

Seabrook

W. WALKER ST.

CLEAR LAKE

146

GALVESTON BAY

646

LAKESIDE DR.

BAYBROOK MALL DR.

Nassau Bay

Webster

270

COLUMBIA MEMORIAL PKWY.

518

528

SOUTH SHORE BLVD.

BAY RIDGE DR.

646

ST. CHRISTOPHER AVE.

TURNER ST.

BERNST.

COUNTRY LN.

W. LEAGUE CITY PKWY.

ABILENE ST.

517

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

6 Hobbs Road extension to FM 517 Project: This project includes constructing roughly 1,880 feet of a four-lane roadway. Initially, the two southbound lanes will be constructed, while the northbound lanes will be built at a later date. Update: Plans for the project are 90% completed with the city working to acquire property related to the project. • Timeline: Bidding could come in summer of 2026. • Cost: $10.34M • Funding source: $2M from Galveston County with rest coming from city

Update: City Council approved the project’s design con- tract in February, with the plan 30% reviewed as of May. • Timeline: bidding to come in 2026 and construction to start in 2027 • Cost: $500,000 • Funding source: city’s capital project funds 4 TxDOT intersection improvements Project: Intersections on the docket include A Hwy. 96 and FM 270, B Hwy. 96 and Columbia Memorial Parkway. The project will include work to extend turn lanes and rebuild traffic signals. Update: design contract approved in May • Timeline: bidding to come in 2026 and construction to start in 2027 • Cost: $2.68 million • Funding source: city funds design, TxDOT funds construction 5 Hwy. 3 and FM 518 intersection Project: Work is aimed at improving mobility for future traffic. Update: Staff has reviewed a traffic study. The project’s design is completed and the city is waiting for approvals from TxDOT. • Timeline: funding should be available in fiscal year 2025-26 • Cost: $5.3 million • Funding source: League City’s 2019 bond program

frontage road Update: the bid for the project was awarded in April • Timeline: construction is set to be done in 2026 • Cost: $1.4 million • Funding source: Galveston County bonds 9 FM 518 at Country Lane intersection improvements Project: includes replacing the area’s span wire traffic signals with signals on poles, as well as improving the pedestrian crossing bridge and making the area’s signals more resilient to storms Update: project awarded in August • Timeline: contract calls for 320 days to complete with work expected to wrap in summer 2026 • Cost: $504,000 • Funding source: city funds

Ongoing projects

7 Reconstruction of Butler Road and Turner Street

Project: The project is being carried out in two phases and involves roadway improvements and reconstructing the asphalt roadway, as well as waterline work. Update: Work is currently ongoing • Timeline: project expected to be done in July 2026 • Cost: $6.12 million • Funding source: city’s reinvestment fund 8 League City Parkway right-turn lane Project: includes adding an eastbound right-turn lane that stretches from around Butler Road to the I-45

Completed projects

10 Bayridge Parking Lot Project: includes building a new parking lot at the city’s old water plant site. Update: project is completed • Timeline: work began in the summer • Cost: $123,500 • Funding source: city park funds

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Education

BY HALEY VELASCO

Clear Creek ISD trustees approve construction improvement projects Priority repairs for the Technology Learning Center and Victory Lakes Intermediate School were among the projects passed by Clear Creek ISD’s board of trustees at its Sept. 22 meeting. What you need to know Both priority repairs for the Technology Learning Center and Victory Lakes Intermediate School will be funded through the district’s 2023 bond. The Technology Learning Center will see worn flooring replaced and accessibility upgrades added, while Victory Lakes Intermediate will replace flooring, microphones, and sound systems in both gyms. Projects on both campuses are expected to wrap up by mid- to late July. CCISD approves class size waivers for 5 classes Clear Creek ISD’s board of trustees approved a class size waiver for five elementary classes at its Sept. 22 meeting. The overview The waiver—which allows these classes to remain above the cap—applies to classes that

San Jacinto College opens new biotechnology center San Jacinto College officially opened its doors to its new Center for Biotechnology at the college’s Generation Park campus on Sept. 30. About the program The facility will offer hands-on training in good manufacturing practices and simu- lated environments, according to a Sept. 30 news release from the college. The new center will also offer an associate’s degree in applied sciences in biomanufacturing technology, along with training options for postgraduates and industry professionals, according to the news release.

Project costs

Victory Lakes Intermediate School priority repairs: $ 5.38M Technology Learning Center priority repairs: $ 1.76M Ground equipment replacement: $ 600K

Total $7.7M

SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Trustees also approved a ground equipment replacement—paid through the district’s capital projects fund—which will include mowers, trac- tors, aerators and spraying equipment, according to board documents. The board approved two vendors for the replacement, including Houston-based con- sultant Professional Turf Products and Hous- ton-based tractor dealer Ewald Kubota.

Percentage of students in waiver-approved classrooms across five campuses 20%

exceeded the 22-student limit: • Armand Bayou Elementary, 2nd grade • Bay Elementary, 2nd grade • Ferguson Elementary, 1st grade • Goforth Elementary, kindergarten • North Pointe Elementary, 1st grade

16% 14% 10% 0 12% 18%

15.5% 15%

14.5% 14.6%

14.1%

13.1%

While only this year’s classes received waivers, Texas Education Agency data shows these grade levels have made up 11%-18% of enrollment in recent years, averaging about 14% in 2024-25, the most recent year with data.

School year

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Development

Government

BY JAMES T. NORMAN & HALEY VELASCO

BY RACHEL LELAND

Initial builders, pricing announced for Midline The homebuilder lineup and anticipated pricing for the first phase of the 1,000-acre community Midline have been announced by Harris Coun- ty-based homebuilder Brookfield Residential, according to a Sept. 15 news release from Midline. The gist Builders for the first phase of Midline include the following: • Brookfield Residential • Highland Homes

League City approves $2.8M in park upgrades League City City Council at its Sept. 23 meeting approved nearly $3 million in park upgrades at Lobit Park and Newport Park. What you need to know For Lobit Park, the work will include renovating the park’s baseball fields with new dugouts, fencing and lighting, according to city documents. New pickleball courts, as well as improvements to the pedestrian bridge and new sidewalks are also included in the work, documents show. Lastly, the city will extend water lines and carry out drainage upgrades. All told, the contract, which will go to Houston-based B&D Contractor, will total $2.35 million for the work, officials said. Meanwhile, for Newport Park, officials are planning to install a new trail system, as well as LED lights for the parking lot, documents show. Regraded practice fields, a new volleyball court

Lilac Field in final permit stage

League City to cover irrigation work After some debate and a 5-2 vote on Sept. 23, League City will cover the cost of putting in irrigation infrastructure in the Hidden Lakes neighborhood’s green space. The details The city will fully reimburse the $12,616 cost to install irrigation infrastructure in the Hidden Lakes neighborhood. Construction will include four irrigation meters, according to agenda documents.

Lobit Park

NEWPORT BLVD.

646

Lilac Field, a new mixed-use development set to break ground soon on League City’s east side, is in the final permitting stage with the city and is planning for a groundbreak- ing ceremony toward the end of the year, officials said. The gist The project, which is being carried out by Alexander Grene Development, will total

Newport Park

Midline

and playground improvements, which include adding a new shaded structure, are planned as well, officials said. Documents show the contract, which went to Houston-based A-Group, will total $435,000. Remember this? Community Impact previously reported the parks were part of a number of recreational upgrades the city had planned for 2025. Looking ahead Work at both parks is slated to be completed in 2026, according to agenda documents.

528

25 acres and border Kemah and League City, Community Impact previously reported. It will include retail and dining, among other attractions.

146

• Perry Homes • Toll Brothers

Lilac Field

homesites in six lot sizes with prices ranging from the $300,000s to over $800,000, officials said. What else? Officials are also planning to begin work in the spring on its amenity center, The Midline Club.

Midline is a residential project with multiple parks and more than a dozen miles of trails. The project plans for 2,800 single-family homes, according to the release. The initial phase of Midline will have over 270

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Community

BY ROO MOODY

Fall Guide

October

November

Murder & Mayhem Walkabout Spend an hour-and-a-half walking through League City’s historic district while hearing about the city’s most notorious crimes. Reservations are required, and same- day booking is not accepted. • Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25, Nov. 1 • $15 (admission) • 210 N. Kansas Ave., League City • www.leaguecityhistory.org/walkabout-murder-mayhem Halloween Bash Families are invited to the League City Community Center for a night of dancing, food and costumes.

• Oct. 18, 5-7 p.m. • $10 (admission) • 400 S. Kansas Ave., League City • www.leaguecitytx.gov

Halloween Bingo Night Hosted at the Clear Lake City Recreation Center, the game night will feature two sessions of bingo games, each with five games, along with music, costumes and prizes.

ABNC’s Annual Fall Festival The Armand Bayou Nature Center is celebrating fall with a festival featuring live music, games and wagon rides.

• Nov. 8-9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • $14 (adults), $10 (children/seniors) • 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena • www.abnc.org/fall-festival

• Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m. • $15 (per session) • 16511 Diana Lane, Houston • www.clcca.org/halloween_bingo_night

haunted DJ, spooky crafts, a costume contest and a creepy food-eating contest. • Oct. 31, 2-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah • www.kemahboardwalk.com/boo-on-the-boardwalk

• Nov. 1, 2-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah • www.kemahboardwalk.com/day-of-the-dead The Velvet Stocking Local artisans can sell homemade, original pieces at this long-running Christmas bazaar. • Nov. 13-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) Nutcracker in the Park The day of festivities at League Park includes an outdoor market, ballet lessons, free ornament giveaways and the annual tree lighting ceremony. • Nov. 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • 512 Second St., League City • www.leaguecitytx.gov/4101/Nutcracker-in-the-Park December 64th Annual Christmas Boat Parade Featuring more than 60 brightly decorated boats, individuals can watch the parade pass by Kemah Boardwalk as the group sails toward Galveston Bay. • Dec. 13, starting around 7-8 p.m. • $22.99-$49.99 (admission) • 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah • www.kemahboardwalk.com/events • 311 Pennsylvania Ave., Webster • https://www.velvetstocking.com

Halloween in the Hangar Lonestar Flight Museum is hosting this night full of candy, pumpkins, parachutes and planes for children and adults of all ages. Children 10 and under wearing costumes can join for free. • Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (members), $18 (adults), $12 (children) • 11551 Aerospace Ave., Houston • www.lonestarflight.org Hallo-Wine Wine Walk Walk through League City’s historic district in a festive costume while sampling wines and small bites from participating shops and boutiques. • Oct. 25, noon-4 p.m. • $25 (per ticket)

November

South Shore Harbour Nutcracker Market This nutcracker market will feature a diverse range of products as well as photo opportunities with Santa Claus and the Nutcracker Ballerina. • Nov.1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • $5 (admission) • 2500 South Shore Blvd., League City • www.southernstyleevent.com Strawberry Hill Trade Days Shop for gifts, home decor and custom woodwork, along with other goodies. • Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 240 Park Ave., Ste. 2, League City • www.facebook.com/StrawberryHillUpcyclingBoutique Día de los Muertos Attendees can celebrate the life of loved ones. Activities include a fire spinner, themed crafts, a stilt walker and a mariachi band.

• 240 Park Ave., Ste. 4, League City • Facebook: The Chandlery Candle Bar

Clear Lake Fall Festival The fall festival in Clear Lake offers a number of family activities, including trunk-or-treating, a petting zoo, hay rides and a haunted house, along with other festivities.

• Oct. 25, 5-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • 16511 Diana Lane, Houston • www.clcca.org/fall_festival_2025

Halloween at Kemah Boardwalk Celebrate Halloween at Kemah Boardwalk with a

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Business

BY ROO MOODY

The boutique recently announced the addition of a new permanent jewelry studio inside the shop.

MaKenzie Layne is open ve days a week from Tuesday to Saturday.

PHOTOS BY ROO MOODYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Local boutique inspires condence through clothes

MaKenzie Layne started as an online store in 2021. Norton opened a physical space a year later.

roasted coee and candles. The boutique also features a hat bar and a permanent jewelry station. “For some ... condence is not having a question when they go into their closet; they know [they’re] going to love everything in there,” she said. Looking ahead As a woman-owned small business, Norton said she feels like she can show more individuality in her shop. She also said she believes small busi- nesses are the heart of a community and supports schools, nonprots and other local businesses when they need donations or more support. “We also truly believe that everybody has a story, and we’re telling that story through our style, and that story evolves over time,” she said.

Taylor Norton said she grew up as a “girly girl” who was interested in fashion—but had no intentions of owning a boutique. However, once she entered the retail scene, she fell in love with it. “I say all the time, it takes a very special breed, but once you are in it and you love it, it just never leaves your blood,” Norton said. About the business Norton opened MaKenzie Layne ve years ago in League City, and she’s on a mission to inspire condence in others through their closet. Available online or in-store, the boutique oers a selection of clothing, shoes, jewelry and accesso- ries, along with other unique items such as locally

1830 W. Main St., League City www.makenzielayneboutique.com

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Businesses return to Hwy. 146 after construction From the cover

Openings since Hwy. 146 project ended in 2024

The impact

Now open

1 Taco Bell Opened December 2024

The $214 million Texas Department of Transportation project, which began in 2019, aimed to widen the highway from six to 12 lanes and add an expressway bridge, addressing growing traffic congestion. However, the project led to dozens of businesses closing or relocating along and near the corridor. As a result, local officials are seeking to regain their reputation as an attractive beachside destination. “I think Kemah historically has been ‘Austin meets Key West,’” Kemah City Administrator Cesar Garcia said. “I think … we’ve come to realize that is our identity, and for us to own that and to market that.” Now, an economic resurgence is slowly returning to the corridor. Stephen Ross, owner of Volcano Room in Seabrook, has a similar story to Denis and Pasta Margarita. Ross is planning to open up his second restaurant in the area, named Coconut Grove, in October, and said he is encouraged by the uptick in traffic volume since the highway reopened. “Everyone seems to be driving [along Hwy. 146] again, which is encouraging, since we’re about to open,” Ross said. Coconut Grove is not an outlier. Since Hwy. 146 reopened in spring 2024, at least eight new restaurants have reopened along the corridor.

2 La Taco Station Opened July 2024

Hwy. 146 underwent construction in 2019 and reopened in the spring of 2024.

3 Tormenta Coffee Opened September 2024 4 Pizza King Kemah Opened May 2025 5 Aliberto's Mexican Food Opened June 2025

146

Seabrook

CLEAR LAKE

6 Pasta Margarita Opened August 2024 7 Lupe Tortilla Opened March 2025

GALVESTON BAY

Kemah

Coming soon

8 Coconut Grove Coming soon in 2025

518

Incentive offered

9 Tookie's Hamburgers Relocated during construction

SOURCES: GOOGLE/FACEBOOK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

2 0 2 5 2025

Digging deeper

In July, Kemah City Council unanimously approved a $200,000 loan to help expand Tookie’s if it would remain in Kemah. Tookie’s ultimately declined Seabrook’s offer to relocate, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.

2 0 2 5 2025 due to eminent domain declared during the Hwy. 146 expansion, according to previous reporting by Community Impact. Then, in June, the Seabrook Economic Devel- opment Corp. voted to offer Tookie’s a total of $600,000 in incentives to move back to Seabrook.

2 0 2 5 2025 Both Kemah and Seabrook are looking to bring in new businesses to open or relocate to their communities—an ambition that sometimes leads to the two cities competing for the same businesses. Tookie’s Hamburgers, which first opened in Seabrook in 1975, was forced to relocate to Kemah 2 0 2 5 2025

D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 5 DECEMBER 6, 2025 C h e c k - i n b e g i n s 7 : 3 0 A M Check-in begins 7:30 AM 8 : 0 0 A M 8:00 AM D O L Y E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R DOLYE CONVENTION CENTER T E X A S C I T Y , T X TEXAS CITY, TX 1 Mile Walk Registration: $25 Adults $15 Children 12 & under 1 M i l e W a l k R e g i s t r a t i o n : $ 2 5 A d u l t s $ 1 5 C h i l d r e n 1 2 & u n d e r Includes Walker’s Kit: Jingle Bell Walk Medal CASA Cup Certificate of Completion 1 raffle ticket (additional tickets $5) I n c l u d e s W a l k e r ’ s K i t : J i g l e B e l l W a l k M e d a l C A S A C u p C e r t i f i c a t e o f C o m p l e t i o n 1 r a f f l e t i c k e t ( a d d i t i o n a l t i c k e t s $ 5 ) d u l t s ,

Complete a 1 mile walk and support our critical mission!

D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 5 DECEMBER 6, 2025 C h e c k - i n b e g i n s 7 : 3 0 A M Check-in begins 7:30 AM 8 : 0 0 A M 8:00 AM D O L Y E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R DOLYE CONVENTION CENTER T E X A S C I T Y , T X TEXAS CITY, TX 1 M i l e W a l k R e g i s t r a t i o n : $ 2 5 A d u l t s $ 1 5 C h i l d r e n 1 2 & u n d e r 1 Mile Walk Registration: $25 Adults $15 Children 12 & under I n c l u d e s W a l k e r ’ s K i t : J i n g l e B e l l W a l k M e d a l C A S A C u p C e r t i f i c a t e o f C o m p l e t i o n 1 r a f f l e t i c k e t ( a d d i t i o n a l t i c k e t s $ 5 ) Includes Walker’s Kit: Jingle Bell Walk Medal CASA Cup Certificate of Completion 1 raffle ticket (additional tickets $5)

Complete a 1 mile walk and support our critical mission!

D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 5 DECEMBER 6, 2025 C h e c k - i n b e g i n s 7 : 3 0 A M Check-in begins 7:30 AM N E N T I N E N T E DOLYE CONVENTION CENTER T E I T , T TEXAS CITY, TX 8 : 0 0 A M 8:00 AM 8 : 0 0 A M D O L Y E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R DOLYE CONVENTION CENTER T E X A S C I T Y , T X TEXAS CITY, TX 1 M i l e W a l k R e g i s t r a t i o n : $ 2 5 A d u l t s $ 1 5 C h i l d r e n 1 2 & u n d e r 1 Mile Walk Registration: $25 Adults $15 Children 12 & under I n c l u d e s W a l k e r ’ s K i t : J i n g l e B e l l W a l k M e d a l C A S A C u p C e r t i f i c a t e o f C o m p l e t i o n Includes Walker’s Kit: Jingle Bell Walk Medal CASA Cup Certificate of Completion 1 raffle ticket (additional tickets $5) Includes Walker’s Kit: Jingle Bell Walk Medal CASA Cup Certificate of Completion 1 raffle ticket (additional tickets $5) 1 r a f f l e t i c k e t ( a d d i t i o n a l t i c k e t s $ 5 ) I n c l u d e s W a l k e r ’ s K i t : J i n g l e B e l l W a l k M e d a l C A S A C u p C e r t i f i c a t e o f C o m p l e t i o n 1 r a f l e t i c k e t ( a d i t i o n a l t i c k e t s $ 5 ) L E 1 1 Mile Walk Registration: $25 Adults $15 Children 12 & under i l e a l k e g i s t r a t i o n : $ 2 5 $ 1 5 h i l d r e n 1 2 u n d e r c - i g i s : Check-in begins 7:30 AM

Complete a 1 mile walk and support our critical mission! Complete a 1 mile walk and support our critical mission!

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I n c l u d e s W a l k e r ’ s K i t : J i n g l e B e l l W a l k M e d a l C A S A C u p C e r t i f i c a t e o f C o m p l e t i o n 1 r a f f l e t i c k e t ( a d d i t i o n a l t i c k e t s $ 5 ) Includes Walker’s Kit: Jingle Bell Walk Medal CASA Cup Certificate of Completion 1 raffle ticket (additional tickets $5)

F a m i l y & P e t F r i e n d l y Family & Pet Friendly P i c t u r e s w i t h S a n t a ! Pictures with Santa!

H o t C o c o a B a r & S n a c k s Hot Cocoa Bar & Snacks

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F a m i l y & P e t F r i e n d l y Family & Pet Friendly Pictures with Santa!

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H o t C o c o a B a r & S n a c k s Hot Cocoa Bar & Snacks Hot Cocoa Bar & Snacks P i c t u r e s w i t h S a n t a ! Pictures with Santa!

Family & Pet Friendly F a m i l y & P e t F r i e n d l y Family & Pet Friendly i t h S a n t a ! Pictures with Santa! P i c t u r e s w i t h S a n t a ! Pictures with Santa! P i c t u r e s

R a f f l e G i v e a w a y s ! Raffle Giveaways!

CASAgalveston.org/jinglebellwalk R a f f l e G i v e a w a y s ! Raffle Giveaways! R a f l e G i v e a a y s ! Raffle Giveaways! C A S A g a l v e s t o n . o r g / j i n g l e b e l l w a l k CASAgalveston.org/jinglebellwalk

C A S A g a l v e s t o n . o r g / j i n g l e b e l l w a l k CASAgalveston.org/jinglebellwalk

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY RACHEL LELAND

By the numbers

One more thing

In addition to attracting new businesses to the area, the city of Kemah is also investing in beautifying the area along Hwy. 146—a move that aligns with city leaders’ previous statements to reestablish the city as a destination for tourists. In August, the city approved the Kemah Beacon Project—a landmark sculpture that will be built in Joanne Blackledge Memorial Park in collaboration with the University of Houston’s Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, according to agenda documents. The city hopes the sculpture will serve as a landmark for Kemah, similar to a

Hwy. 146 trac impact

Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and construction impacted traffic volume in the area.

Trac volume in Kemah and Seabrook Hwy. 146 and Nasa Parkway

Hwy. 146 and Marina Bay Drive

37,204

10K 20K 30K 40K

27,719

29,921

CLEAR LAKE

GALVESTON BAY

146

22,429

14,895

13,862

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

2018

RINA BAY DR.

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

lighthouse, that can reflect the city’s waterfront identity and brand.

Seabrook and Kemah sales tax revenue

Kemah

Seabrook

146

Managing the impact

Hwy. 146 construction start/finish

MARINA BAY DR.

$3,975,469

$3,285,650

$4M $3M $2M

In Seabrook’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget, the city proposed reestablishing its “Shop Local” program with special initiatives to help revitalize businesses that were struggling following the closure of Hwy. 146. Both Seabrook and Kemah experienced a slight dip in sales tax revenue throughout the project’s timeline. However, city leaders remain optimistic about recaptur- ing those losses. “Through the end of August, we’ve actually hit a record number of sales tax that we had not hit before in the city,” Garcia said. Garcia also alluded to upcoming efforts to launch a strategic plan for the city, aiming to unify and guide future development and maintain Kemah’s appeal as a family-friendly destination. “People want to come back to Kemah,” Garcia said. “People feel safe coming to Kemah.”

$1,954,712

$2,435,225

Fiscal year

Seabrook economic development investment 2018-19 $718,029

2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22

$621,135

$352,612

$500,000

$700,000

$1,031,025

$2,172,810

RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF KEMAH /COMMUNITY IMPACT

$1,933,990

SOURCE: CITIES OF KEMAH AND SEABROOK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Fall Just Got More Affordable

6640 South Shore Blvd., Suite 100 League City, TX 77573 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org

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State

BY HANNAH NORTON

What to know about Texas’ new congressional districts

Gov. Greg Abbott signed Texas’ new congres- sional map into law Aug. 29, declaring in a video posted to social media that “Texas is now more red in the United States Congress.” Under Texas’ current congressional boundaries, Republicans hold 25 of the state’s 38 congressional seats. State lawmakers have said the new map will help Republicans gain up to ve more seats during the 2026 midterm elections. The details State lawmakers kicked o the redistricting eort this summer, after President Donald Trump asked Texas and other GOP-led states to redraw their congressional maps to help Republicans maintain a narrow majority in the U.S. House. Texas’ new map redraws 37 of the state’s 38 con- gressional districts. Rep. Todd Hunter, a Corpus Christi Republican who led the redistricting plan, said the “primary changes” were focused on ve districts: TX-09, TX-28, TX-32, TX-34 and TX-35. “Each of these newly drawn districts now trend Republican,” Hunter told state House lawmakers Aug. 20. “While there’s no guarantee of electoral success, Republicans will now have an opportu- nity to potentially win these ... new districts.” The debate After Republicans unveiled the map in late July, House Democrats held a two-week walkout that stalled, but did not stop, the map’s passage. Democratic lawmakers have said the new congressional map will “dilute” minorities’ voting power by dividing historically Black and Hispanic communities into multiple congressional districts. “Texans and Americans all across the country are watching,” Rep. Chris Turner, DGrand Prairie, 15

Current Houston district map New district map

Montgomery 8

Montgomery

Harris

Fort Bend 22

Fort Bend

14 N

NOTE: NUMBERS INDICATE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCILCOMMUNITY IMPACT

GULF OF AMERICA

senators approved the map Aug. 23, the League of United Latin American Citizens and a group of Texas residents led a lawsuit asking that the map be blocked from becoming law. A panel of federal judges scheduled an Oct. 1-10 hearing in El Paso. The same panel is separately considering legal challenges to Texas’ current congressional maps, which were approved in 2021. “We have high condence that the courts will actually nd these maps to be illegal,” Rep. Gene Wu, DHouston, told reporters Aug. 18. “The ques- tion is more about the timing of it and whether or not there’s enough time left.”

said on the House oor Aug. 20. “They know this map before us is a calculated maneuver to diminish the voices of the very communities that power Texas.” Republicans have maintained that the map was drafted to benet GOP congressional candidates and that race was not considered when the new lines were drawn. What’s next Texas’ new congressional map is set to take eect in early December, although it will be discussed in court two months earlier. After state

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