The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 DEC. 1, 2022 JAN. 11, 2023
New craft pita shop brings Lebanese avors
6
Developers of the Bellaire Triangle have plans to renovate the space, including a new open-air arcade. SHAWN ARRAJJ COMMUNITY IMPACT
Work progresses on Bu alo Speedway
RENDERING COURTESY BOUCHER DESIGN GROUP
Renovations coming to 60-year-old Bellaire center The heart of the city of Bellaire’s commercial district is about to receive major renovations designed to boost its appeal as a gathering space. BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & GEORGE WIEBE dedicated to parking. Now, developers are embarking on a multiphase renovation plan set to begin before the end of 2022 that will entail installing public art, restoring the center’s open-air arcade and exposing brick wall that was part of the original design.
Despite its moniker of the “City of Homes,” Bellaire has its own downtown area with a burgeoning dining scene on the city’s west side. The Bellaire Triangle—a section of the city situated between Chimney Rock Road, Bissonnet Street and Bellaire Boulevard—was developed in 1959 as one of the rst shopping centers in town. The property is owned by MC Management and Devel- opment, a real estate company founded in 1958 by the Meyer family who have a history of property develop- ment across southwest Houston. Like many of the city’s neighbors, Bellaire’s retail and o ce spaces are largely spread out with a signi cant area
Transportation updates
8
“We have approached this project with history in mind. The new design will expose many of the Triangle’s original architectural elements, including steel columns, brick parapet walls and bright accent colors, all of which were typical of the ’50s era,” MC Management Leasing Director Dan Meyer said in a statement. The triangle is home to more than two dozen busi- nesses across four buildings, including eight restaurants, two of which, Aya Sushi and CounterCommon, opened
HOLIDAY GUIDE 2022
CONTINUED ON 17
Holiday gift guide
15
Flood Control District, the Port of County adopts slimmer budgets after tax rate stando BY RACHEL CARLTON
FORCED TO ADOPT LOWER RATES Through their absences, Commissioners Tom Ramsey and Jack Cagle prevented Harris County from adopting the proposed tax rates. Instead, the no-new- revenue rates were adopted Oct. 25.
Headed into 2023, the new 4-1 Democratic majority on Harris County Commissioners Court will conduct county operations with a tighter budget than initially proposed after the two current Republican commissioners sat out tax rate votes, forcing the county to adopt four no-new-revenue tax rates. For six consecutive meetings in September and October, Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle refused to show. Their absences denied the court the four-member quorum necessary to hold a vote on a set of tax rates for the coun- ty’s general fund, the Harris County
Under this rate, the county’s tax revenue is capped to the same amount as the previous year plus revenue from new construction minus any increases in debt. By state law, without four members present, the Commissioners Court had to adopt this rate. NO NEW REVENUE RATE:
West University cookie shop aims for consistency
16
*PER $100 VALUATION **COMBINED DIFFERENCE IN MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS REVENUES BETWEEN COUNTY GENERAL FUND, FLOOD CONTROL AND HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET COMMUNITY IMPACT or $101 less than it would have been under proposed rate $1,273 Revenue di erence between adopted and proposed rates** $253.3M Overall approved no-new-revenue rate* $O.53058 Estimated annual tax bill on average Harris County homeowner, Overall county rate proposed by budget o ce* $O.57251
CONTINUED ON 18
HOUSTON METHODIST MORE THAN A HOSPITAL
One-Stop Access for All Your Health Care Needs
Houston Methodist in the Texas Medical Center is more than just a hospital. We offer a full spectrum of care, including: • Specialty physician offices, imaging and labs • Teams of experts using the newest technologies • Personalized care tailored to your unique needs • Six centers of excellence in cancer, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics and sports medicine, and transplant And, with enhanced safety measures in place, you can rest assured your safety is our priority.
OUTPATIENT CENTER
SMITH TOWER
HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL
SCURLOCK TOWER
To find a doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/more or call 713.790.3333.
SPECIALTY PHYSICIAN OFFICES, IMAGING AND LABS located in Scurlock and Smith Towers and Outpatient Center
2
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS.
A GIFT THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
CONNECT TO YOUR PURPOSE.
Local Art Is The Gift They’ll Always Remember Paintings - Photography - Jewelry - Pottery Glass - Textiles - Sculpture - Mixed Media Classes - Workshops - Special Shows
BELONG TO A COMMUNITY.
This holiday season, give the gift of a membership that means more. The Y is where individuals thrive, communities come together and whole-person health is achieved - for all.
There is no better time than NOW to try the YMCA! Use the code HOLIDAYINVITE22 and enjoy no fees until January 1.
Our Current Show Nov 22-Jan1 A Great Gift Source! We Sell Gift Certificates Too!
LEARN MORE: ymcahouston.org/join
239 W. San Antonio St, NBTX Mon-Sat 10am-5pm/Sun 12pm-5pm
YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.
When you have taken the time to find a law firm to help you plan your end of life decisions, make sure it’s a firm that can handle your case with the utmost care and professionalism. When your major asset to pass on to your family is your real estate, trust your estate plan to an attorney who has extensive real estate experience.
Call us for estate planning centered around your unique needs
Safeguard your estate and the future of your loved ones.
PROBATE • WILLS • GUARDIANSHIP • REAL ESTATE • ESTATE PLANNING
T: (713) 995-8200 | F: (713) 995-8894 kwiesenthal@keeverlaw.com www.keeverlaw.com
3
BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
A new era in orthopedics.
A trusted name in health care and a legendary name on the court are coming together to advance orthopedic care for you.
memorialhermann.org/ortho-rockets
4
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
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: As we enter the holiday season and move closer to 2023, I am so thankful for our dedicated readers of our monthly publication and our daily newsletter as well as those who visit communityimpact.com for our daily news in your neighborhood. We have truly adopted a “phygital” (physical meets digital) approach to delivering our readers news that matters in a hyperlocal, unbiased way daily online and through our monthly publication delivered to your mailbox. I also am thankful to our advertisers who trust and support our efforts to deliver their message to you as well on our platforms. Lastly but certainly not the least, I am thankful to my local team and the Community Impact family. It is truly a team effort in every way, shape and form across all of our markets throughout Texas. We hope you, our readers, continue to trust us as your source for news in your community. Our front-page story this month takes a look at the upcoming renovations to one of the first shopping centers in the Bellaire area, the Bellaire Triangle. A multiphase renovation plan set to begin before the end of the year, the new design will bring back elements that will reintroduce some of the 1950s-style architecture initially laid out by property owner MC Management and Development as well as a reconfiguration to the open-air arcade walkway. Jay McMahon, General Manager
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Jay McMahon SENIOR EDITOR Shawn Arrajj
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jatziri Garcia METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Schafler COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury 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 bmwnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING bmwads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter PODCAST communityimpact.com/podcast 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
WHAT CAN YOU SUPPORT?
If you love Community Impact, consider supporting us by becoming a CI Patron. Thanks to your giving, here are three big accomplishments our organization achieved this year to continue our mission of providing trusted news and local information that everyone gets.
communityimpact.com
@impactnewshtxmetro
MORE LOCAL TALENT: We created several new editorial positions to focus on our local content niche, including additional reporters for the newspaper and more multiplatform journalists for our daily newsletter and website.
NEW LEADERSHIP: We hired a new Chief Financial Officer, Kelly Outlaw, who joined us from Habitat for Humanity. Her favorite saying is "I add faith and humanity to the spreadsheet." You can trust that every dollar you give, along with our advertiser support, is reinvested with integrity and a people-first approach.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS: We launched podcasts in our Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metros with host Olivia Aldridge and created an additional digital offering for our advertisers called CI Storytelling.
@impactnews_bmw
linkedin.com/company/communityimpact
@communityimpacthouston
We've teamed up to bring you more of the stories you care about.
Proudly printed by
© 2022 Community Impact Co. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.
GIVE TODAY WWW.COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM/PATRON
WOMACK TRIAL LAWYERS Sydney M. Womack • Attorney • Meyerland Resident 2022 Super Lawyer Rising Star • 2021 Top Lawyer Car Accidents • Trucking Accident • Work Injury Wills & Estate • Probate www.WomackTrialLawyers.com Se Habla Español (713) 322-9993
5
BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon or expanding
COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ
1
W E S T H E I M E R R D .
2
4
R I C H
1
HERMANN PARK FANNIN ST.
UNIVERSITY BLVD.
Craft Pita
59
COURTESY REBEKAH FLORES
7
W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.
5
5
90
610
BUFFALO SPEEDWAY
288
BEECHNUT ST.
3
6
BRAYS BAYOU
TM; © 2022 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MAP NOT TO SCALE N
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
COURTESY KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC
NOW OPEN 1 The second location of the Houston-based Craft Pita opened Nov. 19 in Plaza in the Park, 5172 Buffalo Speedway, Ste. C, Houston. Founded in 2019 by Rafael Nasr, a chef and first-gen- eration Lebanese American, the Mediter- ranean restaurant offers modern takes on Lebanese classics. New additions include chicken and beef kebabs, a sampler plate, a chicken shawarma-style pita and a beef gyro-style pita, and an expanded Lebanese wine list. The 2,500-square- foot space also features green space and seating on an outdoor patio. 832-767-1725. www.craftpita.com 2 American Technologies Network , a Florida-based high-tech optics store, an- nounced Nov. 15 the opening of its third Texas retail store, a new outpost at The Galleria mall, 5015 Westheimer Road, Ste. A1192, Houston. Products on sale include night vision and thermal imaging smart optics, which customers access through what company founder Marc
NAME CHANGES 6 An RDA Pro Mart at 9323 Stella Link Road, Houston, was converted into a location of the national beauty supply chain SalonCentric in early November. The store maintains the same owners. The wholesale store provides hair, skin and makeup products. 713-667-3783. 7 In partnership with Panda Express, Texas Children’s Hospital unveiled two new facilities as part of a 10-year, $5.9 million commitment from the restaurant chain to bolster the hospital’s exercise and rehabilitation program. The Panda Cares Center of Hope Cardiac Cath- eterization Labs is now open on the 20th floor of the Lester and Sue Smith Legacy Tower in the Texas Medical Center, 6651 Main St., Houston. The Panda Cares Center of Hope Therapy Gym opened on the 24th floor of the tower. 832-824-1000. www.texaschildrens.org www.saloncentric.com EXPANSIONS
Vayn called “a more hands-on experi- ence.” The store is also be staffed with trained professionals who can teach customers about the technology. 281-640-2078. www.atncorp.com 3 A grand opening took place Nov. 4 for a new Meyerland location of Academy Sports + Outdoors at 8715 West Loop S., Houston. The 50,000-square-foot store offers sports equipment; camping and water gear; outdoor furniture; and clothing from brands such as Nike, Yeti, Adidas, Under Armour and Academy’s private-label brands. The store also provides grill and bicycle assembly ser- vices, scope mounting, bore sighting, line winding, propane exchange, and hunting and fishing licenses. 832-591-5445. www.academy.com/meyerland 4 Agenda Houston celebrated its Kirby Drive debut Nov. 11 at 3300 Kirby Drive, Unit 4A, Houston, on the first floor of the Arrive Upper Kirby development. Agenda continues to operate out of its location in The Galleria mall, but it no longer sells sneakers at the location after Galleria officials formed an exclusive agreement
with another retailer. The new Upper Kir- by store also offers denim wear, hoodies and outerwear, shirts, backpacks, hats and accessories. The shop is owned by Baytown native Ken Haggerty. 281-990-3229. www.agendahouston.com COMING SOON 5 Officials with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic announced Nov. 7 plans to build a 26,000-square-foot clinic at 3003 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston, near the group’s flagship Berthelsen Main Cam- pus. It is slated to open in spring 2023. The new office will initially serve as temporary space for staff and physicians from the Berthelsen campus while con- struction takes place on a renovation and expansion project through 2024. After that, the West University Clinic will offer space for up to 13 providers, including primary care for both adult and pediatric patients and specialists in dermatology. On-site services will include a laboratory, X-rays, ultrasounds and pharmacy access. www.kelsey-seybold.com
TEST FOR THEM ALL IN ONE SWAB FLU A, FLU B, RSV, & COVID�19 SYMPTOMS ALL LOOK THE SAME. TIS THE SEASON....FOR COLDS AND FLU
2280 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030 713-357-7391 www.ascentemc.com WALK IN OR REGISTER ONLINE
Emergency evaluations for Covid-19, RSV, and Flu available 24/7
Corner of Holcombe & Almeda
6
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
December events
COMPILED BY RENEE FARMER
DECEMBER 03 HEAR CAROLS ON THE GREEN Houston Grand Opera will host Transforming the Human Spirit through Song, the company’s annual Carols on the Green sing-along at Discovery Green. The evening features holiday songs in English and Spanish led by soloists from the company’s original mariachi opera. 7 p.m. Free. Discovery Green Hess Deck, 1500 McKinney St., Houston. 713-546-0200. www.houstongrandopera.org 08 ENJOY A STRING QUARTET’S FINAL SHOW The Emerson String Quartet comes to Houston for its farewell tour. The show features works by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Brahms. 7:30 p.m. $20-$95. Stude Concert Hall, 6100 Main St., Houston. 713-348-5400. www.chambermusichouston.org 11 HEAR SOME HOLIDAY MUSIC Join the city of West University Place for its annual Christmas concert. Enjoy a performance by the Houston Concert Band under the direction of Chuck Throckmorton. 2-3 p.m. Free. West University Community Center, 6104 Auden St., West University Place. 713-662-5895. www.westutx.gov 17 RUN A CHRISTMAS RACE Run in Houston’s 12K of Christmas with options to do a 12K, a 6K, or a Kid’s K and family walk. All participants receive a chip-timed race, Houston’s 12K of Christmas nisher medal and a T-shirt. Guests can enjoy appearances by St. Nick and his elves, Christmas carolers, live music, hot cocoa, cookies and Karbach Brewing Co. beer. 7:30 a.m. $20+. Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St., Houston. 713-366-2565. www.houstonrunningco.com
DEC. 01 JAN. 08
SEE THE ZOO LIGHTS HOUSTON ZOO
DEC. 09 30
EXPLORE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE BAYOU BEND COLLECTION AND GARDENS
Celebrate the holidays with the Houston Zoo Lights. Experience the Holiday Grove, 33-foot tall color-changing holiday trees, a canopy of glowing owers and butter ies in the hanging pollinator garden, and s’mores stations. Take a photo with Santa in his workshop at Twiga Café until Dec. 23. Tickets are required for children age 2 and older. 5:30-10:30 p.m. $19.45+. Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-533-6500. www.houstonzoo.org
Have an immersive Christmas experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens’ Christmas Village. Wander through a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate. Enjoy carolers, animated projections and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. The event will be closed Dec. 24-25. 5:30-9 p.m. (Sun.-Thu.), 5:30-10 p.m. (Fri., Sat. and Dec. 22). $10-$15. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive, Houston. 713-639-7300. www.mfah.org
Find more or submit Bellaire, Meyerland and West University area 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.
7
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Work on Buffalo Speedway project advances The east side intersection of Pittsburg Street at Buffalo Speedway
COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & HANNAH NORTON
TxDOT aims to stop daily deaths on Texas roadways On Oct. 20, the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation launched its #EndTheStreakTX campaign, which was created to raise aware- ness about traffic deaths and the dangerous practices that can lead to crashes. TxDOT is seeking to cut traffic fatalities in half by 2035 and bring them to zero by 2050. The agency has asked drivers across the state to do their part by following traffic laws, keeping an eye out for hazards, making safe decisions behind the wheel and working to keep other people safe. The top contributing factors in fatal crashes are distracted driv- ing, speeding, not wearing a seat belt, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and drowsi- ness, TxDOT Commissioner Laura Ryan said during an Oct. 20 news conference.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
closed Nov. 8 as crews continued work on a long-term project to improve paving and drainage along a segment of Buffalo Speedway that runs through the city of West University Place. As of press time Nov. 28, the intersection is expected to reopen around early December, depending on weather conditions, city officials said. During the closure, crews will work on excavating the road prior to putting down new pavement as part of Phase 3 of the project. Meanwhile, several other previ- ously closed sections of the road were reopened in November. The east side of the intersection of Duke Street and Buffalo Speedway reopened Nov. 8; the east side of the intersection of Carnegie Street and Buffalo Speedway reopened Nov. 9; and the east side of the intersection of University Boulevard and Buffalo Speedway reopened Nov. 11. The overall Buffalo Speedway
BUFFALO SPEEDWAY
UNIVERSITY BLVD.
N
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF NOV. 21. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT BMWNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. walks, driveways, street lighting and underground utilities. It will cover the stretch of University between Kirby Drive and Main Street. It will also feature shared bike lanes and 10-foot- wide sidewalks. Timeline: summer 2023-TBD Cost: $7.1 million Funding source: city of Houston University Boulevard paving and drainage Work is expected to begin around summer 2023 on a major paving and drainage project along University Boulevard near Rice Village and Rice University. The project will involve constructing new concrete pavement with storm drainage, curbs, side-
DUKE ST.
X
PITTSBURG ST.
The east side intersection of Pittsburg Street at Buffalo Speedway was closed Nov. 8 through early December.
CARNEGIE ST.
CASON ST.
BELLAIRE BLVD.
N
project involves making improve- ments between Wroxton Road and Gramercy Street at a cost of $23 million, which is funded in part by the city and in part by the Texas Department of Transportation and federal grants. Construction is expected to wrap up in early 2023.
Spine experts to help bring you back.
When it comes to back pain, every patient is unique. At St. Luke’s Health Hospital in The Woodlands, we specialize in advanced treatments for a variety of conditions with both surgical and non-surgical options. And even though every diagnosis is different, you’ll find our specialists have the whole spine covered—from back to back.
Visit StLukesHealth.org/Spine to make an appointment and start your treatment today.
8
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
ELECTION RESULTS
2022 VOTER GUIDE
A number of state, county and congressional races were on ballots for Bellaire-, Meyerland- and West University- area voters during Nov. 8 midterm elections. RESULTS BREAKDOWN
Bonds pass; Democratic candidates earn wins in local races
BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & RACHEL CARLTON
an even more inclusive, vibrant place where every- one has a fair shot.” In addition to participating in bimonthly Com- missioners Court meetings, Briones will also serve the Precinct 4 community, which changed after a redistricting e ort took place in 2021. Under the new map, Precinct 4 covers the western part of Harris County, including Gulfton, Sharpstown, and parts of southwest Houston and Meyerland. It stretches as far as Katy and Waller to the west to River Oaks and parts of the Heights in Houston’s Inner Loop. Cagle, prior to his defeat, launched an e ort to bring new soccer pitches to Burnett Bayland Park in Gulfton. Other Commissioners Court duties include planning road, bridge and infrastructure work in the areas they represent. With the concession by del Moral Mealer and the wins by Garcia and Briones, the Democrats will to expand their current 3-2 majority to 4-1 on Commis- sioners Court with Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey left as the sole Republican. Local representation In other races covering parts of the Bellaire, Meyerland and West University area, results largely favored Democratic candidates as well. Incumbent U.S. Reps. Lizzie Fletcher and Al Green kept their seats in the 7th and 9th Congres- sional districts, respectively. Fletcher took 63.8% of the votes against her opponent Republican Johnny Teague. After redistricting, the 7th District was redrawn to an area that was considered much safer for Democrats by political analysts, covering southwest Houston— including Bellaire and West University Place—as well as parts of Fort Bend County. “This campaign is and always has been a coali- tion of people from across our diverse and dynamic district who want to ensure that our community’s core values—inclusion, innovation, and collabora- tion—result in progress, equality and opportunity for all Americans,” Fletcher said in a statement. Democrat John Whitmire won his re-election bid in the race for Texas Senate District 15, earning 65.3% of all votes against Republican George Brian Vachris. In the Texas House, Ann Johnson won her re-election bid in the race for District 134, which represents western parts of Houston’s Inner Loop and southwest Houston. Johnson earned 61.5% of the votes, beating Republican Ryan McConnico and Libertarian Carol Unsicker, who earned 37.2% and 1.3% of the votes, respectively. Other local seats featured Democratic candidates who ran unopposed, including Democrat Shawn Theirry, who will keep her Texas House District 146 seat, and Democrat Borris Miles, who will keep his Texas Senate District 13 seat. County investigation Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called for an investigation into Harris County on Nov. 14 to look into what he
Republican candidates took home wins across all of the top statewide elections in Texas during Nov. 8 midterms, but local races continued to trend in favor of Democratic candidates, including congressional, state and county representatives in the Bellaire, Meyerland and West University areas. Additionally, city of Houston voters Nov. 8 approved all seven of the city’s bond referendums on the ballot, which will provide roughly $478 mil- lion in bond authority to the city to address needs that range from public safety facility improvements to a new animal shelter. “Funding for such items ... police [and] re vehicles, parks libraries, solid waste and the new animal shelter, ... all of those items are moving forward,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in Nov. 9 public comments. Meanwhile, Harris County voters also approved three bond referendums for the county totaling $1.2 billion for roads, parks and public safety. County control The makeup of the Harris County Commissioners Court will shift more in favor of the Democrats after three races on the ballot all went in their favor. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo narrowly won her re-election campaign over Republican chal- lenger Alexandra del Moral Mealer. Hidalgo nished with 50.8% of the vote to del Moral Mealer’s 49.2%. According to certi ed results, Hidalgo won both the early vote by around 2,000 votes, the mail vote by over 12,000 votes and the Election Day vote by around 3,000 votes. In a Q&A with Community Impact prior to the election, Hidalgo said the role of county govern- ment has changed under her leadership and that she wanted to keep the county moving forward. “Before I was elected, county government ew under the radar, dodged tough decisions and operated reactively, not proactively,” Hidalgo said in a statement. “I’ve steered Harris County through a winter storm, chemical res, oods, hurricanes and COVID[-19]. I did it while making bold changes to how our government operates—from record law enforcement funding, to early childhood education, smarter ood control and everything in between.” O cials results also gave victories to Democratic candidate Lesley Briones in the race for Precinct 4 on the court and incumbent Democrat Adrian Garcia for Precinct 2. The win from Briones represents the only ip on the court after she beat Republican Commissioner Jack Cagle, who earned 48.3% to Briones’ 51.7%. In a statement, Briones said she was grateful to the voters for placing con dence in her and thanked Cagle—who has held the position since 2011—for his service. “Now, the campaign is over, and I look forward to representing each and every individual in Precinct 4,” Briones said. “I will strive to make Harris County
Incumbent Republican
Winner
Democrat
Libertarian
R
D
L
CONGRESSIONAL
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, 7TH DISTRICT
63.8% Lizzie Fletcher 36.2% Johnny Teague
D
R
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, 9TH DISTRICT
76.7% Al Green
D
23.3% Jimmy I. Leon
R
TEXAS SENATE
DISTRICT 15
65.3% John Whitmire 34.7% George Brian Vachris
R
D
TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DISTRICT 134
61.5% Ann Johnson 37.2% Ryan McConnico 1.3% Carol Unsicker
D
R L
HARRIS COUNTY HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE
50.8% Lina Hidalgo
D
49.2% Alexandra del Moral Mealer
R
PRECINCT 4 COMMISSIONER
51.7% Lesley Briones 48.3% R. Jack Cagle
D
R
SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, HARRIS COUNTY ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR COMMUNITY IMPACT
called “widespread problems with Harris County’s elections.” In the announcement, Abbott speci cally cited insu cient paper ballots in precincts with high numbers of Republican voters and sta ng problems. In a Nov. 14 letter, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg requested assistance from the Texas Rangers to investigate allegations of irregularities in the elections. Under the state’s election code, Ogg’s o ce is required to conduct an investigation if it receives a davits from two or more registered voters alleging criminal conduct. Harris County Elections Administrator Cli ord Tatum has acknowledged issues, including polling locations that opened late and what he said was a need for a better communications system to relay problems and track when they are resolved.
9
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
CITY & SCHOOLS
News from the city of Houston & Houston ISD
COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & LEAH FOREMAN
NUMBER TO KNOW from the Environmental Protection Agency to invest in 25 new low- emissions school buses, including 15 electric buses $6.2M A grant Houston ISD received HIGHLIGHTS HOUSTON ISD The Houston ISD Police Department announced Nov. 15 the introduction of a new system to collect tips from students, families and community stakeholders related to criminal activity or threats on school campuses. Called the Axon Citizen for Communities, the online portal allows users to upload videos, pictures and documents that will be used by police o cials. HOUSTON In a Nov. 9 meeting, Houston City Council approved two Texas Enterprise Zones, which allow communities to partner with the state for job and economic growth. Macquarie Holdings will receive a $29 million investment over the next three years for a 13,000-square-foot expansion of the company’s space on Dallas Street. Men’s Warehouse will receive $15 million over the next ve years with $13.5 million going to a distribution center at 10485 W. Bellfort Blvd., Houston. HOUSTON Construction began Nov. 14 on the new $16 million Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library at 5505 Belrose Drive, Houston. Once open in 2023, the library will feature areas for children, teens and adults as well as a meeting room; a conference room; computers; and a TechLink area equipped with video, music and multimedia technology. WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE Water rates are slated to increase for users in the city of West University Place on Jan. 1 with new rates re ected on February bills for residents. Rates will increase roughly 6% for water use, 3% for sewer and 3.5% for solid waste. For the rst 3,000 gallons, the rate per 1,000 gallons will go up from $4.40 to $4.66 for regular meters. Houston ISD will meet at 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at 4400 W. 18th St., Houston. Meetings are streamed at www.houstonisd.org. West University Place City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at 3800 University Blvd., Houston. Meetings are available via teleconference. Find details at www.westutx.gov. Houston City Council will meet for public comment at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and regular business at 9 a.m. Dec. 7 at City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston. MEETINGS WE COVER
City of Houston moves forward with intentions to purchase Ru no Tract
HOUSTON The city of Houston is moving ahead with a long-dis- cussed plan of turning land belong- ing half to the city of Bellaire and half to the city of West University Place into a ood detention zone. The zone, which involves land known as the Ru no Tract, is being pitched as a way to bene t parts of southwest Houston and curb the threat of ooding with the next severe weather event. The Houston City Council voted in favor of a resolution at its Nov. 2 meeting for the city to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with West University Place for acquiring its portion of the land—approxi- mately 70.87 acres along the south- ern bank of Keegan’s Bayou and east of I-69. If the purchase and sale agreement is settled between both cities, the land title would be transferred over to Houston. “Once we reach an agreement
with [West University Place], then we will move quickly to close on the property,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said during the Nov. 2 council meeting. Next, the city will submit a Title IX land mining application to the Texas Commission on Environ- mental Quality, Houston Chief Recovery O cer Stephen Costello said. The land was at one point used as a land ll, and its matter will need to be relocated. More recently, the area was a golf course and then open green space. It could take three to nine months for the TCEQ to review the city’s application and move the land ll, Costello said. The city intends to purchase the plot of land before the end of 2022. “I’m just glad Houston is looking to purchase this land,” said David Beach, West University Place city manager. “My hope is ... that Houston can continue working towards improving ood relief for its residents.” The next steps on the Bellaire side include conducting appraisals to assess the land value. Bellaire City Manager Sharon Citino said the city is still in the beginning stages of this process. The Bellaire property is desig- nated as park land. If both cities move forward in the agreement, it will need to be voted on in Bellaire for that status to be changed. School in 1997. He later became an associate principal at the district’s Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center before joining as Waltrip’s principal in 2018. Niggli will take the place of Bellaire High School Principal Michael McDonough, who resigned in October and has announced his intent to retire in January. McDonough was temporarily reassigned in May after the district opened an ongoing investigation at the school, though the district has declined to provide additional details about the investigation. McDonough was rst named
Houston o cials signed a training agreement Nov. 10.
COURTESY HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
City, college ink re ghter training agreement HOUSTON The city of Houston and Houston Community College announced a three-year agreement Nov. 10 to train Houston re ght- ers in emergency medical services. “Every employee trained is one more skilled rst responder able to help our community mitigate the impact of an event that threatens our citizens or property,” HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado said. The agreement will make use of HCC’s Resiliency Center of Excel- lence, a $30 million investment unveiled in April at the system’s Northeast Campus. The center was launched with the goal of helping Houston better pre- pare for the next big ooding event while also o ering training for other hazards, including freezes, res, chemical hazards and pandemics. Training includes disaster simulation, Community Emer- gency Response Team programs, rescue safety, safe debris removal and business continuity during disasters, among others.
69
KEEGANS BAYOU
N
Michael Niggli named new principal of Bellaire High School HOUSTON ISD Waltrip High School Principal Michael Niggli was named the new principal of Bellaire High School in October less than two weeks after o cials with Houston ISD hosted an Oct. 17 community meeting to gather feedback amid a search process. Niggli rst joined HISD as an English teacher at Austin High
principal of Bel- laire High School in 2012. Prior to being named principal at Bellaire High School, Niggli
went through an interview process that included interviews with the district’s area superintendent, a community interview panel and Superintendent Millard House II, according to a pre- sentation on the search process made at the Oct. 17 meeting. A start date for Niggli has not been announced. Michael Niggli
Meetings are streamed at www.houstontx.gov/htv.
10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
11
BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
VISIT SPECSONLINE.COM FOR OUR 60 + HOUSTON AREA LOCATIONS! BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486 HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722 WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2022
HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFT GUIDE
COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & LEAH FOREMAN
No matter who is left on holiday shopping lists, the Houston area has a number of local shops and businesses with gift ideas for people of all interests. This list is not comprehensive.
For a customized gift 1 Republic Boot Co. provides boots that can be intricately customized down to the ne detail, made at a boot shop on-site. The shop also sells hats and other leather goods. 1133 E. 11th St., Houston 832 767 6586 www.republicbootcompany.com For the host 2 Emerson Sloan o ers various party supplies from balloons to party favors and has items sorted by season and by holiday. 2438 Rice Blvd., Houston 713 497 5876 www.emersonsloan.com For the sweet tooth 3 Moeller’s Bakery o ers a selection of sweet treats and breads that can make great gifts as well. Shoppers can choose from cakes, cookie sets and cookie decorating kits. 4201 Bellaire Blvd., Houston 713 667 0983 www.moellersbakery.com For the tness enthusiast 4 Yoga Tres in Bellaire o ers yoga and tness class packages that can be given as gifts for people of all skill levels. 5427 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire 832 804 6354 www.yogatres.com For the outdoorsy 5 Wandering Star Adventure Emporium is a go-to for the outdoorsy folks with men’s and women’s apparel, headwear and gear. 1504 Yale St., Houston 832 618 1148 www.wanderingstaroutdoor.com For the local shopper 6 The Whimsy Artisan, located in the Heights, is ideal for those who enjoy shopping locally and supporting local artists, including decorative items and accessories across a wide range of styles. 123 W. 18th St., Ste. E, Houston 281 773 1295 www.thewhimsyartisan.com For the child (or child at heart) 7 Mis t Toys is home to large collections of toys from a variety of fandoms, including
1
Republic Boot Co.
SHAWN ARRAJJ COMMUNITY IMPACT
JC Woods opened Anvil Cards in 2017 on Bissonnet Street in Houston.
7
SUPPORT LOCAL CARD ARTISTS Anvil Cards
di erent holiday cards in December. In his designs, Woods said he likes to stay on the right side of “fun” and “kitsch.” 2356 Bissonnet St., Houston 832-433-7837 www.anvilcards.com
For the animal lover 11 Rocky and Maggie’s Pet Boutique has bowls and feeders, toys and other items for dogs, cats and sh. The shop o ers catnip and dognip in addition to grooming and pet-sitting services. 2929 Weslayan St., Ste. 103, Houston 713 492 0656 www.rockyandmaggies.com For the witch 12 Thorn & Moon sells handmade Wiccan and occult supplies for every witch’s needs, such as jewelry, ritual and altar tools as well as books and tarot. 113 E. 24th St., Houston 713 393 7956 www.thornandmoon.com For the art lover 13 The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston gift shop o ers a collection of apparel and accessories, prints and stationery, and co ee table books, among other items. The shop With hundreds of greeting card designs, some of which are made in-house, and gifts from local artists, Anvil Cards is great for those who cherish the art of writing and receiving cards by hand. In addition to featuring work from local artists, the store contains work exclusively from independent card shops and studios across the U.S. Owner JC Woods, who opened the Bissonnet Street shop in 2017 and has created more than 300 cards of his own, said the shop generally specializes in Birthday and Thank You cards, but brought in around 80-100
Mis t Toys
SHAWN ARRAJJ COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOUTH BLVD.
“Star Wars” gures from the 1970s, rst-gen- eration Transformers and rare toys from classic horror franchises. Vintage toys are the specialty here. Montrose: 2402 Montrose Blvd., Houston Heights: 1802 Yale St., Houston 832 524 8700 www.mis ttoystx.com 8 Tomfoolery in Meyerland features storybooks, puzzles, dolls and knick-knacks spanning decades from classic mainstays, such as the yo-yo and spinning top, to new fads, such as the dget spinner. 4844 Beechnut St., Houston 832 879 2461 www.tomfoolerytoys.com For the super fan 9 Bedrock City Comic Co., one of Hous- ton’s top hobby shops, specializes in comics and graphic novels while also being home to fandom accessories, trading cards and gaming equipment. 4602 Washington Ave., Houston 713 862 0100 www.bedrockcity.com For the writer 10 Dromgoole’s o ers a variety of gift ideas from fountain pens to paper and inks. The family-owned ink destination is a one- stop shop for writers and illustrators. 2515 Rice Blvd., Houston 713 526 4651 www.dromgooles.com
BISSONNET ST.
N
is free to the public, and museum members receive a discount. 5601 Main St., Houston 713 639 7360 www.mfah.org/visit/museum-shop For the eccentrics 14 The Blue Hand over the years has evolved from plants and baskets to a wide range of cultural items, unusual musical instruments, lucky charms and decorative crosses from around the world. 2323 University Blvd., Houston 713 666 2583 www.facebook.com/thebluehandhouston For the Anglophile 15 British Isles specializes in everything United Kingdom. The distinct Rice Village-ar- ea store o ers tea sets, miniature decor items, stationery and select food items, including Christmas cookies. 2366 Rice Blvd., Houston 713 522 6868 www.britishislesonline.com
15
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
BUSINESS FEATURE Michael’s Cookie Jar West University shop shares love through cookies M ichael Savino, the name- sake of Michael’s Cookie Jar, brings his training as a professional pastry chef to an untradi- tional product: cookies. Savino graduated from the Culinary BY RENEE FARMER
cutout cookies, logo cookies and seasonal cookies. It also provides special orders, cookie bu ets and party trays. Specialty cookies include French palmiers, Peruvian alfajores, Mexican wedding cookies and Italian g cookies at Christmas, which Salvino said demonstrates the abilities of the shop’s pastry-school educated team. “We make various ethnic cookies as traditional as we can as a little nod to let the world know we’re all really pastry chefs,” he said. “We all went to school for this, and we know how to do anything we want, but we chose to work with cookies.” Savino’s choice to not rotate avors is intentional. He likes how cookies represent stability, comfort and homeyness, so he wants customers to be able to come in and know their favorite cookie is waiting for them. “We’re here to be very predictable, which I think is good in an uncertain world,” Savino said. Savino said he concentrates the shop’s charitable e orts on helping children, includ- Meals Houston and support for Hous- ton’s transgender youth. The shop also serves as a book drop-o location for Books Between Kids, an organization that provides books to at-risk children. “I love what I do; I love being part of the community; and we plan on being here forever,” Savino said. “West U has been great to us.” ing parent-teacher organizations, Kids’
Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, in 1994. Originally from Rochester, New York, Savino was drawn to Dallas in 1995 by a job with the Four Seasons Hotel. After working for the Four Seasons for 13 years, Savino decided it was time to do his own thing. Savino took his talents to cookies for practical reasons, he said. With a distaste for decorating, cakes were o the table. Cookies worked well with Houston’s climate, since they do not need refrigeration and do not spoil. They are also easier to handle than some of their other pastry coun-
Michael Savino, a professional pastry chef, owns Michael’s Cookie Jar. (Photos by Renee Farmer/Community Impact)
FIND THE PERFECT FLAVOR
• M&M • To ee pecan • Chocolate chip pecan
• Lemon chew • Peanut butter • Snickerdoodle • Chocolate chunk • Vanilla sugar • Oatmeal raisin • Ginger molasses • Double chocolate chunk • White chocolate macadamia
The shop’s professional pastry chefs create specialty cookies to demonstrate their abilities.
terparts. Plus, everyone likes them, he said. “I’ve never
“I LOVE WHAT I DO; I LOVE BEING PART OF THE COMMUNITY; AND WE PLAN ON BEING HERE FOREVER.” MICHAEL SAVINO, OWNER OF MICHAEL’S COOKIE JAR
4 cookies:
Michael’s Cookie Jar 5330 Weslayan St., Houston 713-771-8603, ext. 0 www.michaelscookiejar.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sun.
$10 $14 $27
heard someone say, ‘I don’t like cookies,’” Savino said. The main prod- uct at Michael’s Cookie Jar is
6 cookies:
12 cookies:
59
the oven-fresh cookie, a soft-baked homestyle cookie sold in 12 avors. These made-from-scratch cookies use real butter, freshly cracked eggs and natural avors. Chocolate chip cookies sell the most, followed by M&M, snick- erdoodle and to ee pecan cookies. The West University shop, which opened in 2006, sells decorated
24 cookies:
$53
NEWCASTLE DR.
N
Gifting Headquarters
YOUR PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
DEDICATED HEALTHCARE CHAMPIONS FOR ALL With one million of our residents uninsured, Harris Health System proudly serves as your public healthcare safety net, providing high-quality primary, specialty, acute and trauma care. Thank you for your support.
WholeEarthProvision.com @WholeEarthProv 2501 Post Oak Blvd • 2934 S. Shepherd
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
MC Management and Development plans to renovate property east of Chimney Rock Road and along Mapleridge Street, one of the city of Bellaire’s most condensed retail areas with around 30 tenants. MAPPING THE TRIANGLE
Area being renovated Bellaire triangle
Several aspects of the proposed renovations carry di erent permit- ting requirements that will have to be approved by the city, Friedberg said, adding that he looks forward to public discussion and input. Amanda Hale—owner of Yoga Tres in the Bellaire Triangle, which opened in 2021—said developers with MC Management came by prior to the renovation announcement to solicit business owner feedback. Hale said she is excited about the potential the renovations will have to bring new life into the center. “That space has been needing it for a while, and I’m grateful they are trying to get it together,” Hale said. “I know it will help boost our busi- ness even more, allowing that whole block to look more updated.” Future outlooks Lindsey McKean, a commercial broker with Shop Companies, said interest in the open spaces at the site has been “astronomical” since the renovations were announced. “We specialize in retaining, rein- vigorating and really just trying to make this project more relevant in the Bellaire trade area,” she said. “We have had a lot of activity since the day we stepped foot on this project.” McKean said her team is target- ing more restaurant choices to go along with those already at the site, including Blood Brothers BBQ and Aya Sushi. They are also looking to bring on a few service-type users to ll voids, she said. “You’ll probably see something really cool dessert-wise that will acti- vate the green space there—some- thing for kids and families,” she said. The construction will be phased to minimize impact to tenants, McKean con rmed. Some tenants are likely to be moved as part of the process to suites that t their needs better, she said. Other tenants whose leases are up in the next two to three years may leave as a result of rent adjustments,
CONTINUED FROM 1
BELLAIRE BLVD.
in 2022. The center features four buildings spread out over four acres and pro- viding about 70,000 square feet of space in total, according to informa- tion from MC Management. O cials tasked with leasing the site said they are hopeful the renovations will assist in lling the remaining vacant spots— which include a pair of 4,000-square- foot spaces—and that interest in the site has already seen an increase since the plans were announced. Changes in store In August, MC Management announced its partnership with Shop Companies, a Dallas-based real estate rm that will manage new leases on the Triangle property. Starting in late 2022, the Bellaire Triangle will undergo its largest structural renovation since its ini- tial development, according to Shop o cials. Among the largest changes to the shopping center is the recon gura- tion of the open-air arcade, a walk- way between the Triangle’s two largest buildings leading between Bellaire Boulevard and Bissonnet Street. The arcade will provide additional seating for diners with the goal of encouraging patrons to spend time walking around the gallery of shops, o cials said. Developers are also installing new lights to help keep the area active during the evening hours. Bellaire Mayor Andrew Friedberg said the project targets an area he and many longtime Bellaire resi- dents spent time at as children. “Like many of our residents, I’m very excited to see the center updated and upgraded, and have really been enjoying several of the new tenants that have come in recently, along with the existing ten- ants that have been part of our com- munity for years,” Friedberg said.
N
Area being renovated
Occupied
Unoccupied
BELLAIRE BLVD.
CounterCommon Beerworks
Dandelion Cafe
Yoga Tres
1
2
Comerica Bank
1 An existing pathway provides some seating for patrons between two buildings. 2 An area between buildings with parking spaces and a car lane will become an open-air arcade.
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
SOURCES: SHOP COMPANIES, MC MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
but conversations on what that could look like are in the early stages, McKean said. Several properties at the Bellaire Triangle listed as of late November on LoopNet, the commercial real estate listing services company, show rental rates generally around $38-$40 per square foot per year with one smaller suite listed at $23 per square foot per year. The average asking rent for retail space in Houston’s Inner Loop was around $30.14 per square foot, according to the second quarter retail market report released by Part- ners Realty, the real estate company. Other activity in Bellaire’s
commercial area is also in the works. O cials with the Houston Method- ist Hospital System have pitched the development of a new medical o ce building that would take the place of a former Randall’s across Bissonnet Street at 5130 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire. Architects working on the project presented some design options to the city’s Planning & Zoning Commis- sion in September that ranged from a concept that was as tall as four sto- ries at some points to a concept with two stories of medial o ce building on top of one story of parking. As the city deliberates the application, o cials said pub- lic input will be crucial in decid- ing how to move forward. Meanwhile, as the city hammers out the details at the Triangle, Fried- berg said he was excited for what the future holds. “I appreciate the Meyers’ reinvest- ment in the center and their partner- ship in continuing to advance our commercial revitalization e orts,” he said.
“LIKE MANY OF OUR RESIDENTS, I’M VERY EXCITED TO SEE THE CENTER UPDATED AND UPGRADED.” ANDREW FRIEDBERG, MAYOR, CITY OF BELLAIRE
“WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF ACTIVITY SINCE THE DAY WE STEPPED FOOT ON THIS PROJECT.” LINDSEY MCKEAN, COMMERCIAL BROKER, SHOP COMPANIES
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
17
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12-13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24Powered by FlippingBook