2 0 2 2 A N N U A L C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E
A 16-year journey The Texas Department of Transportation’s planned $20 million improvements for FM 1960 in the Willowbrook area have been in the works for the last 16 years. Planning, seeking public input, land acquisitions and delays have all been a part of the process, and TxDOT ocials hope to begin construction in August. 2006: TxDOT identies trac issues along FM 1960 in the Willowbrook area. 2005
The Bond & Brown Law Firm, PLLC Invites You To attend a Free Estate Planning Workshop on
Wills, Trusts, & Nursing Home Asset Protection Discover How to Protect Your Assets And Provide for Your Loved Ones At the workshop we will discuss several issues including: • The advantages and disadvantages of Wills and Living Trusts • Why putting property in children’s names may be a mistake • Protecting your children’s inheritance from their future ex-spouses, lawsuits, and other claims • Preserving your estate for your kids if your surviving spouse gets remarried • How you can qualify and use Medicaid to pay for nursing home expenses which are over $5,700 per month locally Attend a workshop and receive a FREE no obligation private consultation with Attorney Christopher Brown or Attorney Faith Parten to answer any questions about setting up your estate plan. Dates, Times, & Locations
2009: A plan for improvements to FM 1960 is presented to the public. The idea includes an overpass detouring cars from the railroad crossing, and community feedback is negative. 2011: TxDOT formulates the current plan for the area’s roadway, scrapping the overpass idea. 2017: Funding is received for the project, and TxDOT’s land acquisitions begin. 2018: Bidding is scheduled to begin for the project, but the project is pushed back. 2020: The TxDOT project is postponed due to land acquisition delays. 2021: Utility relocations and adjustments still need to be made, so the project is delayed for the third time. June 2022: The bidding process is scheduled to begin. August 2022: Construction on the project is scheduled to begin.
2010
2015
2020
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
be relocated in order for the project to be let in June,” Perez said. “These pri- vate utility relocations are outside of TxDOT’s control, and if not relocated prior to the letting date, the June date may have to be rescheduled.” Thee ects In 2017, the owners of Shannon's Fine Jewelry, formerly located on FM 1960, began receiving letters from TxDOT about the planned project, said Deborah Deshazos, who worked as a senior salesperson for the store at the time. The road in front of the store was going to be expanded, meaning the business’s front door would need to be relocated. The store’s owners looked into how much making the needed adjustments would cost, Deshazos said, but it did not seem nancially feasible. “So the next thing that we employ- ees knew was [the owner] made an announcement that he was going to … sell the business because of TxDOT because he ... just didn’t want to have to put the money into it to recongure the building or to make a move and that he was ready to retire,” she said. After purchasing the business in 2018, Deshazos and her husband relocated the business—now Shannon Jewelers—to a new storefront in the Grand Parkway Marketplace. Today, Deshazos said although the couple misses their former clients, they have no intention of moving back to
FM 1960 due to safety concerns. “We absolutely miss our clientele over there,” Deshazos said. “It was a great place to be, and we had clients for 39 years over there.” However, TxDOT ocials said they do not anticipate the project will aect businesses in the area besides the rou- tine disturbances construction will bring to trac. “We are taking right of way for this project, but it isn’t requiring busi- nesses to move from their current location,” Perez said. “There may be some periodic impacts during con- struction in terms of lane closures, but we will do our best to limit any impacts to the surrounding busi- nesses during construction.” In the long run, Lieb said he believes the project could keep community members shopping in the Willow- brook area. “People make decisions based on cost and convenience,” he said. “And if accessing those retail stores becomes too inconvenient as a result of trac congestion, people will nd alternatives.” TxDOT ocials hope to minimize trac disruptions during the proj- ect by keeping the normal number of trac lanes open to the public, Perez said.
ONLINE Wednesday, February 2nd 1:00 pm ZOOM Call Marie in Our Office (281) 448-4100 to Receive Your ZOOM Invitation
Willowbrook/Champions Tuesday, February 1st
at 10:00 am IN PERSON
The Bond & Brown Law Firm, PLLC 9720 Cypresswood Drive, Ste 241 Houston, Texas 77070 (Near 249, in the same parking lot as Perry’s Steakhouse)
Robert D. Bond Christopher Brown
Faith Parten
Call (281) 448-4100 To Reserve Your Seats or Receive Your ZOOM Invitation PROBATE - MEDICAID QUALIFICATION - TRUST ADMINISTRATION HAS A LOVED ONE PASSED AWAY? IS A FAMILY MEMBER FACING A LONG TERM STAY IN A NURSING HOME? Our experienced attorneys provide a full range of probate, elder law, and estate administration services. With our help, this time of transition can often be handled through flat fees making the process quicker and easier. To schedule your FREE Initial Consultation call (281) 448-4100 www.BondBrown.com
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
23
SPRING KLEIN EDITION • JANUARY 2022
Powered by FlippingBook