Heights - River Oaks - Montrose Edition | April 2023

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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 APRIL 13MAY 9, 2023

New tenants coming to Houston Farmers Market METRO gets grant for Westheimer Road project

The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, built in 1866, is separated from the rest of historic Freedmen’s Town and is located in downtown Houston. A conservation ordinance will protect six neighborhoods, including Freedmen’s Town, from certain development. CONSIDERING CONSERVATION

Transportation

LEAH FOREMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Houston City Council approves new protections for historic neighborhoods

BY LEAH FOREMAN

change—such as gentrication through commercial and residential development as well due to extreme weather events, like Hurricane Harvey—which cause a loss of character, said Mayor Sylvester Turner at a Feb. 22 public hearing regarding the draft ordinance. CONTINUED ON 20

Houston ocials are aiming to protect historic city neighborhoods, many of which are Black communities, through a new conservation district ordinance. These neighborhoods, such as Independence Heights and Freedmen’s Town are the sites of recent

Residents question TEA at community meeting

More local input is coming to an ongoing federal study into how to alleviate ooding along Bualo Bayou, including the potential use of underground tunnels to carry stormwater. The Army Corps of Engineers—the federal agency carrying out the Buf- falo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study—announced Feb. 14 the Harris County Flood Control District would be stepping in to take the lead on the technical analysis of certain mitiga- tion concepts, including the tunnel. CONTINUED ON 22 Harris County to play larger role in federal Bualo Bayou study BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

IN NEED OF RELIEF The Army Corps of Engineers launched the Bualo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study following Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

End of 2026 New study completion timeline

$7.8 million Study cost

SOURCES: ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT COMMUNITY IMPACT

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An ongoing study by the Army Corps of Engineers seeks to nd ways to reduce ooding along Bualo Bayou during heavy storms.

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Jay McMahon SENIOR EDITOR Shawn Arrajj CITY HALL REPORTER Leah Foreman GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jatziri Garcia METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Schafler COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281-469-6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES hrmnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING hrmads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM JAY: Something we can all agree on is the city of Houston and Harris County have firsthand knowledge of flooding situations. One of our front-page stories this month reviews the ongoing study by the federal agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the larger role the Harris County Flood Control District will play in analyzing ways to reduce flooding along Buffalo Bayou, including the possible use of underground tunnels to carry stormwater. Jay McMahon, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM SHAWN: Our other front-page story this month takes a look at the city of Houston’s conservation district ordinance, which is being pitched for six specific Houston communities as a way to preserve historical character without financially burdening residents who live there. After weeks of debate, members of the Houston City Council approved the ordinance at an April 5 meeting. Also, for the latest on what is going on with the 2023 legislative session, check out our At the Capitol package on Page 13. Shawn Arrajj, SENIOR EDITOR

"Our story is just beginning. " - JOHN GARRETT, COMMUNITY IMPACT CEO & FOUNDER, AS QUOTED BY TEXAS MONTHLY

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

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said she also oers free one-on-one styling for customers and is located in a ground-oor space of apartment building The Vic at Interpose at 1111 Shepherd Drive, Ste. 700, Houston. 832-600-5150. www.thepinkswanshop.com 4 A specialty bakery for dogs, Three Dog Bakery , opened in the Heights His- toric District at 1141 E. 11th St., Houston, on Feb. 25. The bakery oers gourmet dog treats, food and toys. 832-830-8153. www.threedogbakeryhtx.com 5 Se7en opened March 14 at 3300 Kirby Drive, Ste. B, Houston. A concept from Seven Hospitality Group, Se7en oers an Asian Mediterranean menu crafted by Executive Chef Erhan Özkaya. The menu features items—such as hand rolls, and labneh and cucumber—as well as a wide selection of spirits. Se7en oers a list of 80 wines as well as cocktails that make nods to the seven deadly sins. 832-538-1427. www.se7enhouston.com COMING SOON 6 A second location of Duo , a hybrid tness and cafe concept, will open in the fall in the Autry Park mixed-use develop- ment. The new location of the business— run by the husband-and-wife duo of Marcus and Karman Lovely—will go on the rst level of the Hanover Parkview mid- rise apartment building at 3737 Cogdell St., Houston. The new 4,200-square-foot location will feature twice the space of the original, which opened in River Oaks in 2021, with room for two tness studios and a cafe that can accommodate 65 guests. The studio will include 12 reform- er Pilates machines and will oer a wide

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 The third Texas location of the luxury women’s fashion boutique Monkee’s opened March 17 in The Centre at River Oaks, 3019 Kirby Drive, Houston, oering a curated collection of fashion-forward clothing, shoes and accessories. The new location is owned and operated by Lisa and Scott West. Brands include S’edge, Nation, Olivia James and Dolce Cabo,

among others. Each Monkee’s boutique owner curates their store aesthetic and merchandise to reect their personal vision and local style. 281-974-2491. www.monkeesoouston.com 2 A second Houston location of Layne’s Chicken Fingers —which launched in College Station in 1994—opened at 3008 Ella Blvd., Houston, on Feb. 25. The new location features Houston’s only drive-thru tunnel. Oerings include

chicken ngers, chicken sandwiches and grilled cheese. 713-244-5299. www.layneschickenngers.com 3 After years of selling at pop-ups and stalls—including POST Houston and Rail- way Heights Market— The Pink Swan Shop opened in a brick-and-mortar store of its own after a grand opening March 11. The shop, a concept by Pareesha Gudipaty, sells jewelry—including permanent jewel- ry—as well as handmade items. Gudipaty

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2,908-square-foot space in Uptown Park, at 1121 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston. This location will be open this summer and will be the brand’s seventh location in the Houston metropolitan area. Sweet- green was founded in Washington, D.C., in 2007. Sweetgreen oers bowls, salads and plates. www.sweetgreen.com 12 Hi, Skin , a brand from Arizona, will bring its customized facial treatments to a 2,261-square-foot space in Uptown Park, at 1121 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, in late summer or early fall. This marks the brand’s rst brick-and-mortar loca- tion in Texas. In addition to this location, Hi, Skin is also opening a location at M-K-T in the Heights this summer. www.hiskin.care RELOCATIONS 13 Kraftsmen Bakery & Cafe , which has been in business since 2001, ceased its cafe operations at its Heights location, at 611 W. 22nd St., Houston, on March 12. Before Krasftmen relocates later this year to East Downtown, it will only oer baked goods and wholesale services. The bakery will remain open Tuesday-Sat- urday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Kraftsmen’s breads are served at more than 200 restaurants in the Houston, Galveston and Austin areas, including North Italia, Katz Deli and Roostar. 832-649-4307. www.kraftsmenbaking.com CLOSINGS 14 Heights eatery 1751 Sea & Bar , managed by Houston-based restaurant group Sambrooks Management, held its last meal service on March 4. Led by Executive Chef Matt Young, 1751 opened in 2019 at 191 Heights Blvd., Houston, and has been known for a menu focused on seafood and seasonal dishes. Young also left open the possibility of bringing the 1751 concept back at a later date. With the closure, Young will take on a corporate chef role with Sambrooks. 15 Heights tea shop and microblender Teasip served its last cup of tea at its brick-and-mortar location at 321 W. 19th St., Ste. A, Houston, on March 19. Com- pany ocials said the brand has scaled back, selling entirely from its website. www.teasip.com.

DUO

COURTESY ALEX MONTOYA

variety of reformer Pilates classes as well as a “spin theater.” www.duohouston.com 7 Berg Hospitality Group’s latest concept Buttermilk Baby , a modern take on the soda fountain, is coming to M-K-T Heights, 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston, in September. Buttermilk Baby will oer an ice cream bar from the Carvel brand, the rst of its kind in Texas. www.thebuttermilkbaby.com 8 Amazing Spaces will add another location to the Inner Loop at 3120 South- west Freeway, Houston, in late spring or early summer. The new location will oer climate-controlled self-storage and ame- nities, such as delivery acceptance and wine storage. Customers can also sign up for a waitlist to rent units. 713-230-8180. www.amazingspaces.com 9 Natuzzi , a luxury Italian furniture designer, is coming this summer to a 6,393-square-foot showroom in Uptown Park, at 1121 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston. This will be the brand’s rst freestanding showroom in Houston and joins 14 other locations in the Houston metropolitan area that are all housed in other retailers, such as Dillard’s. www.natuzzi.com/us/en 10 Austin-based health food brand JuiceLand will serve cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies and other spe- cialties in a 700-square-foot space this summer in Uptown Park, at 1121 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston. Uptown Park will be JuiceLand’s fth Houston location and joins 33 other locations throughout the state. www.juiceland.com 11 The national health-conscious and sustainable food counter concept Sweetgreen will soon call home a

The Houston Farmers Market on Airline Drive has recently expanded its oerings, with new food and entertainment spaces opening later this year.

COURTESY MICHAEL CRAFT

FEATURED IMPACT IN THE NEWS Patrons of The Houston Farmers Market can expect to see something new as early as late spring, according to a March 8 news release on behalf of MLB Capital Partners, a Houston-based commercial real estate investment group. “With a dynamic mix of curated local businesses, inspiring activations and engaging programming, we are cultivating a sense of community our visitors have come to love and appreciate,” MLB Capital Partners Principal Todd Mason said. After a series of pop-ups at the farmers market at 2520 Airline Drive, Houston, it was announced that Shop Local Market will call a permanent 4,000-square-foot space in the Strack building at The Houston Farmers Market home this spring. This space will allow Shop Local Market to “curate a marketplace for more than 30 small- scale, local creatives and entrepreneurs to sell their products and launch their brands,” according to the release. The announcement also notes MLB Capital Partners recently completed construction on an 1,872-square-foot glasshouse located in the open-air pavilion overlooking the Houston Farmers Market greenspace, set for

completion later this spring, which could host a cafe or restaurant. Six indoor pickleball courts are under construction and slated for completion in early May, and construction was recently completed on a new stage, making a permanent venue at the farmers market for live music and performances. Construction is also underway for a second location of Henderson & Kane General Store, which is set to open later in 2023. There is also a brand-new interactive art mural at the farmers market by Houston-based visual artist Alex Roman Jr., also known as DonkeeBoy. The Houston Farmers Market is open daily from 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m. www.thehoustonfarmersmarket.com

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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2023

TODO LIST

April events

COMPILED BY LEAH FOREMAN

HEAR LIVE MUSIC AT JAZZY SUNDAYS DISCOVERY GREEN

SEE ‘TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD’ HOBBY CENTER

APRIL 16, 23 & 30

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Through a grant from the Kinder Foundation, three city parks are hosting a weekly free jazz series called Jazzy Sundays. For April, this series will be hosted at Discovery Green, and each concert will feature a dierent lineup of

Steven and the Zydeco Futures, among others. Seating is available. 2-10 p.m. $10 (free for children under 8). Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Ave., Houston. www.houstonzydecofest.com 29 STROLL IN THE HEIGHTS PUP PROMENADE Hosted by the Houston Heights Association, the event returns for its second year in the Heights. Registration includes entry to three challenges for dogs and dog owners to complete as well as a post-promenade photo opportunity, among other perks. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $10- $35. Greenwood King Properties, 1801 Heights Blvd., Houston. 713-861-4002. www.houstonheights.org At the Hobby Center’s Sarom Hall, there will be six nightly o-Broadway productions based on Harper Lee’s classic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” 7:30 p.m. (April 25-27, 30); 8 p.m. (April 28-29); 2 p.m. (April 29-30). Tickets start at $40 (not including fees). 800 Bagby St., Houston. 713-315-2525. www.thehobbycenter.org

jazz musicians. 5-7 p.m. Free. 1500 McKinney St., Houston. www.discoverygreen.com

COURTESY DISCOVERY GREEN

COURTESY JULIETA CERVANTES

APRIL 15 SEE CORGIS RACE, RAISE FUNDS FOR ANIMAL SHELTER Kirby Ice House in partnership with Tito’s Vodka and Karbach Brewing Co. will host its corgi racing event, beneting Houston BARC Foundation, which helps support pets at the city of Houston’s animal shelter. Noon-5 p.m. Free (admission). Kirby Ice House, 3333 Eastside St., Houston. 713-524-2750. www.houstonbarcfoundation.org 17 THROUGH APRIL 19 CELEBRATE EARTH DAY An Earth Day speaker series will lead up to the Earth Day HTX festival at Houston

City Hall. The festival will include food, interactive booths, demonstrations and hands-on activities. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston. www.houstontx.gov 27 & 29 SUPPORT LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL’S 63RD ANNUAL FFA LIVESTOCK SHOW AND AUCTION Lamar High School will host its judging show and auction on April 27 on the front lawn of the school. On April 29, there will be a pre-auction reception at Adair Kitchen. Buyers are encouraged to pre-register to bid on the students’ steers, pigs, lambs, goats, rabbits, and chickens and can contribute to the buyers

pool, which benets all participating students. 5 p.m. (judging show, April 27), 4 p.m. (reception, April 29). Free (April 27 events), $55 (April 29 reception). Lamar High School, 3325 Westheimer Road, Houston (judging show), Adair Kitchen, 5176 Bualo Speedway, Houston (reception). https://lamar.anow.org 29 STOP BY THE HOUSTON ZYDECO FEST The Houston Zydeco Fest returns to Emancipation Park at what ocials claim is the largest zydeco festival in Texas. The festival will oer a night of dancing and singing with live music from Squeezebox Bandits, Marcus Ardoin, Nooney & The Zydeco Floaters, and Lil

Find more or submit Heights, River Oaks and Montrose 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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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES METRO awarded $5M grant for Westheimer BOOST corridor project

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ONGOING PROJECTS

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The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County will receive $5 million in federal grants to make improve- ments to its Westheimer Road corridor bus route. The funding will help METRO implement its BOOST corridor treatment—which stands for “bus operations optimized systems treatment”—along the Westheimer’s Route 82, a bus route that connects downtown Houston with Uptown, Greenway, Westchase and West Oaks. BOOST corridors involve installing and improving sidewalks; accessibility upgrades; installing new bus shelters and lighting; providing digital real- time bus arrival information at stops; and making improvements to traffic signals for better timing with buses, according to METRO. In addition to the Westheimer corridor, METRO has identified another 17 corridors throughout its bus system for its BOOST improvements. Details on the specifics of the Westheimer project are still being

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Shepherd/Durham paving improvements

Work will wrap up this spring on a pav- ing and drainage project on Shepherd and Durham drives. Once completed, the streets will feature new concrete paving with storm drainage, bike lanes, curbs, sidewalks, driveways, street lighting and underground utility lines. As part of the project, improve- ments are also being made to Dickson, Feagan, Lillian, Rose, Floyd, Blossom and Gibson streets between Shepherd and Durham. Timeline: summer 2021-spring 2023 Cost: $12 million Funding source: city of Houston

determined, but METRO Chairman Sanjay Ramabhadran said the agency plans to spend about $30 million. The grant funding comes from the U.S. Congress’ Community Project Funding program, which allows lawmakers to request funding for up to 15 projects each year. U.S. Rep Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston, included the Westheimer project among her requests for the 2022-23 fiscal year application process. METRO is also seeking $33.8 million

in federal grants from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustain- ability and Equity program to upgrade shops, shelters and signage along Westheimer Road, METRO officials announced at a Feb. 16 finance and audit committee meeting. “The project is ultimately customer focused with improving the experi- ence of speed, reliability and access improvements,” said Albert Lyne, METRO’s deputy chief strategy officer, at the meeting.

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF APRIL 5. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT HRMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

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EDUCATION

Community members air grievances to Texas education ocials amid HISD takeover

BY MELISSA ENAJE

“Houston ISD operates some of the highest performing schools in the state of Texas. But district proce- dures have also allowed it to operate schools where the support provided to students is not adequate,” TEA Commissioner Mike Morath wrote in a March 15 letter to the HISD board. “While the current board of trustees has made progress, systemic problems in Houston ISD continue to impact district students.” In his presentation March 21, Delgado went over the process for applying for the state-appointed board of manager positions, which TEA ocials said they hope to have in place by June 1. The last portion of the presentation was geared toward questions from the audience. Meyerland parent Ronda Harrison is the mother of a 14-year-old who attends Women’s Preparatory Acad- emy in Houston’s Third Ward. She said she was leaving the town hall more

Parents, teachers and members of the Houston ISD community are speaking out against a planned state takeover announced by the Texas Education Agency on March 15. At a community meeting hosted by the TEA March 21 at Westbury High School, attendees engaged in a contentious back-and-forth that ended with state ocials abandoning their presentation on the upcoming takeover. As Alejandro Delgado, the TEA’s deputy commissioner of oper- ations, spoke to audience members, he was interrupted by bursts from an animated crowd shouting “Makeover not takeover” and “What is the hidden agenda?” The meeting was hosted six days after the TEA initially announced its plans to take over Houston ISD and install state-appointed board manag- ers in place of HISD’s elected school board ocials.

Parents, teachers and community leaders attended the Texas Education Agency’s rst community meeting March 21 at Westbury High School. (Melissa Enaje/Community Impact)

confused than when she entered. “We came wanting answers,” Harrison said. “We didn’t get them, and so now there’s more frustration, anger, distrust because our questions were not answered; our concerns were ignored.” The deadline for individuals to apply for board of managers was April 6. As of the March 21 meeting, Delgado said 138 applicants had applied for the board. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, DHouston, also spoke at the meeting.

Lee—who represents Texas’ 18th Congressional District, which includes parts of Houston’s inner loop—asked the TEA to give the district more time before the state takeover. “We can rene the plan,” Lee said. “You can tell us what are the under- performing schools; some of them are elementary schools. That gives us a greater opportunity.” Once in place, the board of manag- ers will assume school board duties, including setting budgets and district policies.

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AT THE CAPITOL

News from the 88th legislative session

QUOTE OF NOTE

Senate unveils bills to reform the power grid after failures in 2021

FOCUS ON THE GRID

“I WILL WORK TO SAFEGUARD HONEST AND ACCURATE ELECTIONS IN ALL 254 COUNTIES ACROSS OUR GREAT STATE WHILE CONTINUING TO SUPPORT BUSINESS OWNERS BY ENSURING THAT GOVERNMENT MOVES AT THE SPEED OF TEXAS BUSINESS,

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and a group of Texas senators created a nine-bill plan to improve the state power grid. Some details on the top bills in the package include:

BY HANNAH NORTON

used in times of crisis, he said. SB 6 would also establish a low- cost loan program to “maintain, restore and keep in operation current dispatchable generation here in Texas,” Schwertner said. Dispatchable power comes from sources such as natural gas and coal, and both Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott said supporting those sources is a top priority. Schwertner also highlighted SB 7, which would “level the playing field” between dispatchable and renewable power by providing incentives for companies to create new dispatch- able energy. SBs 6 and 7 were filed by Schwert- ner and Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, the chair and vice chair of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee. Schwertner said senators were working closely with the Texas House to pass the reform package.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and a biparti- san group of Texas senators shared the details of a nine-bill plan to improve the reliability of Texas’ power grid. The March 9 announcement came about two years after Winter Storm Uri devastated Texas and revealed issues with the state’s power grid in 2021, which lawmakers and energy regulators are still working to fix. The first bill in the package, Senate Bill 6, would create the Texas Energy Insurance Program. Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, said the program would add 10,000 megawatts of energy—enough to power 7.5 million homes—to the state power supply. Schwertner said the program would provide backup power for the state, similar to the generators people buy for their homes. Texas needs its own backup generator that can be CHIPPING AWAY If approved, the Texas Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science Act would help expand the production of semiconductor chips statewide. The bills would create a consortium, which would consist of:

Senate Bill 6

• Add 10,000 megawatts of energy to the state power supply • Create backup power for the state in times of crisis or severe weather • Provide low-cost loans to help communities generate power from natural gas and coal The Texas Energy Insurance Program

NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.”

FORMER STATE SEN. JANE NELSON AFTER SHE WAS CONFIRMED AS TEXAS’ 115TH SECRETARY OF STATE

Senate Bill 2012

• Prevent power companies from charging high prices for energy • Create legislative committee to oversee grid reliability Protecting Texans from price gouging

UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS

Senate Bill 2013

BORRIS MILES Houston Democrat Elected: 2017

SOURCE: TEXAS SENATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT • Increase security of Texas power grid • Protect grid from cyber and physical attacks Strengthening grid infrastructure

Senate Bill 190 Legislation filed by Miles seeks to toughen penalties against “bandit signs,” which are signs posted illegally in a restricted area, often for advertising purposes. SB 190 would also allow the business featured in the sign to be subject to fines. As of April 5, the bill had passed the Senate and was received by the House of Representatives.

Lawmakers appointed to special Texas House committee on firearms

Plans underway to boost semiconductor creation

BY HANNAH NORTON

Two Texas lawmakers have filed bills to create the Texas Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act, which is aimed at expanding the state’s development and research in the semiconductor industry. Similar to the federal CHIPS and Science Act, the Texas CHIPS Act would provide funding and support for semiconductor research, manufacturing and workforce development. Gov. Greg Abbott announced his support for the proposals at a March 15 news conference with Senate Finance Committee Chair Joan Huffman and House Appropriations Committee Chair Greg Bonnen, who authored Senate Bill 2288 and House Bill 5174, respectively. The bills are identical. In recent years, major semicon- ductor companies have moved or expanded to Texas, including

JOHN WHITMIRE Houston Democrat Elected: 1983

A new Texas House committee will handle all proposed legislation related to guns and firearm safety during the legislative session. The House Select Committee on Community Safety includes 13 representatives from across Texas. Two members previously served on the Robb Elementary Shooting Investigative Committee, which was created in June at the request of Gov. Greg Abbott. Some members appointed to the committee represent communities that have been impacted by mass shootings in recent years, according to a March news release. Bills related to the possession, use, sale and transfer of firearms and ammunition will be referred to the select committee alongside bills about gun-related criminal offenses. The committee held its first meeting March 21.

Academic officials from 18 Texas universities, community colleges and technical colleges Three members appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott Two members appointed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Additionally: The bills would create the Texas Semicon- ductor Innovation Fund Two members appointed by House Speaker Dade Phelan

Senate Bill 736 Whitmire’s bill, if passed, would force city officials in Houston to conduct an arbitration process with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association with the goal of producing a one- year contract between the two entities. Contract talks between the city and its firefighters have been at an impasse since 2017. The process would consist of three arbitrators—one selected by the city of Houston, one selected by the firefighters and one agreed upon by both groups. As of April 5, the bill was passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives. Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Samsung in Central Texas and Texas Instruments in North Texas. State leaders have said they hope to maintain that trend and make Texas an international leader in the semiconductor industry through the Texas CHIPS Act.

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2023

CITY & COUNTY

News from Harris County & Houston

HIGHLIGHTS HOUSTON Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a new $18 million effort March 29 to combat illegal dumping in the city that will play out over the next three years. The initiative, dubbed “One Clean Houston,” will involve cleaning up illegal dumpsites faster, bolstering enforcement efforts, improving the city’s depository sites and better educating the community on how to dispose of heavy trash. To address staffing shortages in the city’s Solid Waste Department, Turner said the city is increasing the hiring bonus for new truck drivers from $3,000 to $5,000. The city will also hire six new code enforcement officers. Harris County Commissioners Court will meet for its regular meeting at 10 a.m. April 25 at 1001 Preston St., Ste. 934, Houston. Meetings are streamed live at www.harriscountytx.gov. Houston City Council will meet for public comment at 2 p.m. April 18 and regular business at 9 a.m. April 19 at City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston. Meetings are streamed at www.houstontx.gov/htv. MEETINGS WE COVER

Harris County supports bill creating 6 new district courts HARRIS COUNTY The creation of six new district courts was supported by Harris County commissioners March 14, after a Texas legislator proposed the additional courts as a solution for the county’s court case backlog. BY EMILY LINCKE BACKLOG BREAKDOWN Harris County’s court case backlog continues to be a challenge. According to Judge Latosha Lewis Payne, who presides over Harris County’s 55th Civil District Court: 122,000

Harris County commissioners approve $7.4M for jail staff bonuses, body cameras

City OKs extension of Downtown sidewalk cafe program

DETENTION DILEMMA The Harris County Jail is experiencing issues retaining staff. According to a March 14 presentation from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:

BY EMILY LINCKE

assurance; and • The hiring of a third-party expert to improve retention efforts for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Quote of note: “We hope this helps convince some [employees] to stay around longer to stabilize our workforce until the commissioners court is able to implement more significant pay raises that we all agree are needed,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. What’s next?: On March 14, commissioners also heard a presen- tation from Harris County Public Health on needs at the jail, such as: • Expanded virtual care for cardiology and neurology, which were expected to be implemented in March; • Adding a mobile computed tomography scan unit, which is to be implemented this fall;

HARRIS COUNTY Employee retention bonuses and new body cameras for detention officers are key components of the $7.4 million initiative approved by Harris County commissioners March 14. The details: The $7.4 million package—to be funded by the county’s general fund and American Rescue Plan Act money—was approved unanimously and will pay for: • $2,000 retention incentives for all detention officers at a total cost of about $3 million; • The purchase of new body cameras, which will include a panic button, to be worn by detention officers; • The creation of new leadership positions for the jail, such as jail population specialists and a director of health care quality

One-third of the county’s detention staff leave their jobs annually. 150 detention officer positions were unfilled as of March 14. 100 sheriff’s office deputy positions assigned to the jail were vacant as of March 14. $19.75 per hour is the rate being paid to Harris County detention officers.

BY LEAH FOREMAN

68% of the county’s pending cases are family,

HOUSTON City Council members approved on March 22 the extension of an ordinance that closes Main Street to vehicle traffic in Downtown Houston between Rusk and Commerce streets. In doing so, restaurants and bars are able to serve patrons outdoors as part of the city’s More Space: Main Street program. As of late March, five businesses are enrolled in program. All participants noted benefits from the program, such as an increase in revenue as well as customer and employee retention, according to the agenda item. Businesses that apply to be a part of the program and use their sidewalk space to serve customers must design their space in accordance to the city’s design guide and receive appropriate permissions or permits from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

cases were pending in Harris County as of March 14.

How we got here: State Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, filed House Bill 130 in November to create six additional district courts for Harris County. The bill will be considered in the ongoing 88th Texas Legislature, which ends May 29. As of March 16, HB 130 had not yet been considered by legislators, according to the Texas Legislature Online. The cost: County officials estimate creating six new district courts will cost: • $16.9 million annually; plus • An additional $30 million or $140 million to create the courts, depending on if the county opts to renovate facilities or build new ones, respectively. Some of this cost would be funded through the county’s interest and sinking tax rate. The details: If approved by legislators, the courts would be created and implemented over two years, according to Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. All four commissioners approved a resolution supporting

juvenile or civil court cases, while 32% are criminal felony cases.

Johnson’s bill, while Judge Lina Hidalgo abstained from the vote, citing funding concerns. The big picture: On March 14, commissioners approved additional backlog-related measures, such as: • Directing the county’s intergovernmental and global affairs department to work on obtaining state funding for the additional six courts; and • Instructing the county’s Office of Justice and Safety as well as the Office of County Administration to draft a proposal on best courtroom practices for lowering the backlog of cases and reducing costs for the county. 65 new courts — 39 criminal courts, 19 civil courts and seven family courts—would be needed to fully address the county’s need. SOURCES: JUDGE LATOSHA LEWIS PAYNE, HARRIS COUNTY 55TH CIVIL DISTRICT COURT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: SHERIFF ED GONZALEZ, HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• New facilities, such as a medical unit—which would include almost 200 patient beds—a central clinic and a dental clinic, which will be considered in the fiscal year 2024 budget cycle; and • Funding for more medical officers and additional substance use help, which will be considered in the FY 2024 budget cycle.

HOUSTON SUPERSTORE 2410 Smith Street (713) 526-8787

WESTCOTT AND MEMORIAL 5818 Memorial Dr (713) 861-4161

SHEPHERD 1900 S Shepherd (713) 529-4849

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2023

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BUSINESS FEATURE Basket Books & Art Shop converges art, literature in Montrose B asket Books & Art is an indie bookstore and art gallery that caters to the nexus between

BY LEAH FOREMAN

B. Toklas, who were American writers, art collectors and members of the avant garde movement. “We are really prioritizing the unusual, kind of what you might not encounter in mainstream media, small presses, literature and translation, the sort of presses that have a very directed and small, very focused out- put, and make beautiful books that are of exceptional, high-quality writing,” Hughes said. Aside from Basket’s ground-level bookstore, it also boasts a gallery space on its second oor and features artists’ work inside the bookstore. They do

literature and art. Nestled in the former location of Picture Plus Design and Framing Stu- dio in Montrose at 115 Hyde Park Blvd., Houston, the bookstore is surrounded by art installations axed to the build- ing’s exterior. One piece is “Big Alex,” a work by Houston artist David Adickes that is an 1,800-pound sculpture of an old telephone with Alexander Graham Bell’s face carved into it, on the building’s roof. Sculptures by late artist George Sugarman also ank the shop’s entrances. Owners Laura Hughes and Edwin Smalling Books & Art last May. Previously, Hughes worked in literature, and Smalling was a painter, they said. The couple said they wanted to create a space where they could work together, raise their 3-year-old, and create a hub for artists and literary-in- clined people to exchange ideas. The shop’s name is another nod to their goal of serving both the literary and artistic communities in Houston: Basket was the name of a poodle who belonged to Gertrude Stein and Alice embody this con- vergence of forms through their respective experi- ences before they started Basket

Rows of books cover a table in Basket Books & Art. The shop is an independently owned bookstore and art gallery.

LEAH FOREMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BOOKMARKED Basket Books & Art owners Laura Hughes and Edwin Smalling enjoy reading. They both gravitate toward books of what Hughes describes as “hybrid” genre, blending myriad genres into one cohesive piece.

not represent artists like some galleries do; they just showcase the work, they said. “The goal, ultimately, is to make a space where we can bring together work that perhaps has no other specic home, make interesting and idiosyncratic shows of work that might be, you know, challenging in some way or another, that might not easily be

What they are reading: “The Hundreds” by Lauren Berlant and Kathleen Stewart: “The

“WE ARE REALLY PRIORITIZING THE UNUSUAL, KIND OF WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT ENCOUNTER IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA, SMALL PRESSES, LITERATURE AND TRANSLATION.” LAURA HUGHES, COOWNER

Laura Hughes and Edwin Smalling opened Basket Books & Art last May.

Basket Books & Art 115 Hyde Park Blvd., Houston 281-846-6017 www.basket-books.com Hours: Tue.-Sat. noon-6 p.m., closed Sun.-Mon. hundreds” refers to the word limit of each passage. The book is about “contemporary life, what it means to live in this world now, reecting on society and its transformations,” Hughes said. The book club: The shop has a book club consisting of 10 active members. The last featured book was “Testo Junkie” by Paul B. Preciado, and the next book the group will read is “Times Square Red, Times Square Blue” by Samuel R. Delany.

LEAH FOREMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

"Big Alex," a sculpture by local artist David Adickes is axed to the roof of Basket Books and Art's building.

classiable,” Smalling said. In addition to art exhibitions, Basket has hosted poetry readings and launched its rst lm screening in March. Hughes and Smalling said they are working on potential plans to celebrate the shop’s one-year anniver- sary in May. “We don’t have a solid plan for a year yet, but we will certainly have some kind of celebration,” Smalling said.

SHAWN ARRAJJCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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