Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | April 2026

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 12 APRIL 8MAY 6, 2026

Enrollment erosion

Houston ISD school closure recommendations 5-year enrollment changes per campus: Growing Declining

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT 1% to 9%

0% to -9% -10% to -19% -20% to -29% -30% to -39% -40% to -49% -50% to -59%

HISD to close 12 schools in face of student loss, maintenance costs

Burrus Elementary School

Betsy Ross Elementary School

BY WESLEY GARDNER & EMILY LINCKE

With almost 35,000 students leaving Houston ISD from the 2016-17 school year to the 2024-25 school year, enrollment losses have been a persistent problem, local stakeholders said. “When a school district loses … students, they’re also losing funds generated by the state education formulas,” said Toni Templeton, University of Houston senior research scientist, who co-authored a Jan. 15 report on the district’s enrollment loss. “Without funds generated from those formulas, you don’t have money to pay teachers … [or] money to keep the lights on.” Enrollment loss played a large part in why HISD leaders recommended the district’s board of managers close 12 schools in June, Superintendent Mike Miles said during the district’s Feb. 26 special meeting. The same day, HISD’s board of managers unanimously voted to close the schools—a choice district leaders said will save HISD between $14.6 million and $20 million. While it wasn’t mentioned during the Feb. 26 meeting, HISD’s budget for the 2025-26 school year included a $39.9 million shortfall when initially approved. “It’s a tough decision,” Miles said. “We recognize that, but we got to the point where the school facilities—to repair them is so much more expensive than replacing them at the end of the day. ... besides the enrollment problem.”

610

Fleming Middle School

McReynolds Middle School

Henderson Elementary School

Port Houston Elementary School

Franklin Elementary School

Cage Elementary School

Briscoe Elementary School

Middle College High School At Gulfton

610

Alcott Elementary School

288

Hobby Elementary

CONTINUED ON 14

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

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Correction: Volume 7, Issue 11 On page 16, the Poor Farm Ditch project from University Boulevard to Bellaire Boulevard will only provide capacity for a 50-year storm event, not a 100-year storm event.

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Impacts

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

MONTROSE BLVD.

9 HomeGoods The o-price retail brand is the newest tenant announced for Meyerland Plaza. The store oers a selection of brand-name home fashions, decor, furniture and seasonal items. Construction is set to start in November, with an estimated completion date in March 2027.

A S T .

W E S T H E I M E R R D .

D A

V E .

West University Place

• 290 Meyerland Plaza • www.homegoods.com

HERMANN PARK

Bellaire

10 Vital Care of Houston This pharmacy and infusion therapy center will provide in-oce and at-home infusion therapy. According to TDLR, renovation of the space inside Bellaire Park is set for completion by April 30. • 6565 W. Loop S., Ste. 320, Bellaire • www.vchouston.com 11 Hotworx The 24-hour infrared sauna and workout studio is poised to open a new location near Richmond Avenue. The studio oers sessions such as hot yoga, barre, cycling and Pilates. The project is slated to be under

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

D .

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

610

MEYERLAND PLAZA

BEECHNUT ST.

288

Meyerland

BRAYS BAYOU

S. POST OAK RD.

construction from April through July. • 2901 W. Loop S., Ste. 102, Bellaire • www.hotworx.net

5 Dynamic Sports Medicine With over a dozen locations in the Austin and Dallas areas, the chiropractic sports medicine practice opened the doors to its rst Houston location. Services oered include physical therapy, dry needling and spinal decompression. • Opened March 2 • 4032 Bellaire Blvd., Houston • www.dynamicsportsmedicine.com 6 Opera Gallery Houston Known for its modern and contemporary art collection, the major international art gallery opened a new location in Houston, alongside cities such as New York, London and Dubai. The gallery will present three to four curated exhibitions annually. • Opened March 20 • 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. A115, Houston • www.operagallery.com

Now open

Relocations

1 Nara Sushi Serving as an all-you-can-eat sushi and hibachi restaurant, the new spot along Kirby Drive replaced the former Sushi King. The menu also oers raw and cooked sushi, sashimi rolls, bento boxes and fried rice. • Opened in February 2 Federal American Grill This restaurant’s menu oers items such as seafood, steaks, burgers and sandwiches, along with starters such as jumbo lump crab cakes, sticky ribs and true beef carpaccio. • Opened March 19 • 2400 Mid Lane, Ste. 100, Houston • https://thefederalgrill.com • 3401 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.narasushihouston.com 3 Miniso The popular Chinese retail store opened a new location in Rice Village. The store oers a collection of household and consumer goods, toys and cosmetics. • Opened Feb. 28 • 2501 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.miniso.com 4 Wildower Pediatric Dentistry Under the leadership of Dr. Lydia Brett, the new dental oce oers preventative services such as cleanings, dental sealants, exams and uoride treatments. • Opened in November • 5423 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.wildflowerpd.com

12 Blue Leaf Houston A gift shop that was established in 1998 is relocating from near Bissonnet Street to a bigger space near Upper Kirby. The shop displays items such as jewelry, clothing and home decor. • Relocated in late March • 3336 Richmond Ave., Ste. 100, Houston • www.blueleafhouston.com

In the news

13 The Health Museum Ocials with UT MD Anderson announced in March that a new exhibit called “The Journey to End Cancer: From Cause to Cure” is now open at The Health Museum. The exhibit brings cancer science to life through interactive, multimedia experiences. • Opened March 7 • 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston • www.thejourneytoendcancer.com 14 Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center Located in the Texas Medical Center, the hospital became the rst in the United States to use an innovative new imaging system to enhance precision and eciency in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Coming soon

7 Pudgy’s Fine Cookies Known for its decadent, thick cookies, the shop is preparing to open a new location in Meyerland. Van Teamer is the owner and operator of Pudgy’s. • Opening TBD

• 4798 Beechnut St., Houston • www.pudgysinecookies.com

8 Livewell Animal Hospital From wellness check-ups to emergency walk-ins, the hospital oers comprehensive veterinary medical services, as well as an on-site pharmacy and laboratories. • Opening April 9

• 1101 Bates Ave., Houston • www.commonspirit.org

Waymo As of Feb. 24, select Houston-area residents who have the ride-sharing app can take the rst public rides in fully autonomous vehicles. The company will continue

• 5201 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.livewellanimal.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

to invite new riders on a rolling basis throughout Houston in 2026. • www.waymo.com

Now open

What's next

Closings

15 The Raven Grill Owners of the restaurant announced on Facebook that the landlords did not renew the lease for The Raven, leading to its permanent closure after 28 years. However, Picnic will remain open as the owner moves forward with plans for the property. • Closed March 29 • 1916 Bissonnet St., Houston • www.theravengrill.com 16 Pie Tap After less than a year of being open, Houston’s only location of the pizza joint announced its closure in early March. A reason for closure was not provided. The spot sold artisan pizza, wings, desserts and cocktails. • Closed March 7 • 3748 Westheimer Road, Ste. 100, Houston • www.pie-tap.com

17 Marel Design Mobili Operating as the rst Texas showroom, the Brazil- based furniture company opened in Houston in February. The brand is known for its lacquered nishes and diverse color palette. The store also oers cabinetry and custom furnishings. • Opened Feb. 12 • 3600 Kirby Drive, Ste. G, Houston • www.marelhouston.com

18 Leemoo Health Bar Described as a trusted source for fresh-pressed juice and smoothies, the health bar provides food and beverages that are made from scratch and free of processed sugars, preservatives and articial avors. According to TDLR, construction on the

new West U spot will wrap up in July. • 2720 Bissonnet St., Ste. B, Houston • www.leemoohealthbar.com

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Government

Houston to improve park disparity through redistribution

The city of Houston wants to update how park funding is distributed throughout the city to ensure that parks in certain districts receive the money needed for critical needs, projects and development. The details Since 2007, the city has collected over $100 million for a Parks and Recreation Dedication fund across 21 park sectors. The funding has been used to acquire land and develop and improve park facilities to meet the needs of the city’s growing population, Parks and Recreation Department Director Kenneth Allen said during a March 3 meeting. “Structure imbalance exists between our park sectors, with 53.5% of total park dedication fund revenue generated just by ve out of 21 park sectors,” he said. “That’s pretty amazing.” Breaking it down The Parks and Recreation Department is rec- ommending that the city update its open space

Park sector disparity Five out of 21 park sectors have the majority of funding, with the River Oaks, Upper Kirby and Montrose neighborhoods receiving $21 million.

Sector 7: $7.2 million Sector 9: $7.1 million Sector 18: $7.1 million Sector 14: $21 million Sector 12: $10.9 million Other sectors

610

288

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ordinance to provide 30% or more of the park dedication fund revenue to be deployed citywide. The current ordinance only allows the funding to be distributed in the sector where it was collected. This would mean that when a developer is issued a permit for a project or receives a certicate of occupancy, they could pay a per-dwelling-unit

fee between $700 and $1,260. However, under the proposed ordinance, there could be some exceptions. What happens next? The Parks and Recreation Department will present the proposal to the city’s planning commission in April. Council is expected to vote on it in June.

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BY SARAH BRAGER, ROO MOODY & ARIEL WORTHY

West U tree ordinance updated in split 32 vote West University Place ocials voted 3-2 to accept revisions to the city’s tree ordinance during a March 9 City Council meeting. Recommendations made by the public works department and an urban forestry consultant included replacing tree measurements with diame- ter instead of circumference, clarifying the deni- tion of protected trees and strengthening penalties. What’s changing The ordinance changes the denition of “large tree” by dening it as a tree with a stump that has a diameter of 6 inches or more. Previous measure- ments were to be done by circumference. The ordinance also strengthened penalties for up to $2,000 in nes for violations such as removing, damaging or intentionally killing trees. Another update further denes public nuisances, which, under the current law, must be abated. The update

Upgrades underway at Bellaire library The Bellaire City Library has recently started tagging more than 80,000 library books with a radio frequency identication, or RFID, device. Why it matters Library Director Chris Arrowood said the benets of RFID tagging include reduced wait times, faster inventory checks and real-time information queries. Next steps As of March 9, library sta and volunteers from the Friends of the Bellaire Library have started the process and predict the tagging of all the books to take 3-4 months, Communica- tions Director Cheryl Bright said. Once 50% of books are tagged, self-checkout kiosks and security gates will be installed. Hermann Park

Tree ordinance changes

• Trees will now be measured by diameter, not circumference • Violations of trees are now seen as a misdemeanor • City can now remove limbs overhanging a public right-of-way

Large tree: Dened as a tree with a stump that has a diameter of 6 inches or more

SOURCE: CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACECOMMUNITY IMPACT

denes public nuisances as limbs that overhang any portion of a right-of-way. The new changes cannot deny landowners a per- mit to remove a tree from their private property, but a permit is still required to remove or replace a tree. Stay tuned A second reading of the ordinance will need to take place before it is ocially amended.

Hermann Park acquisition by Harris Health greenlit

City property Ben Taub Hospital Hospital expansion Proposed land

CAMBRIDGE ST.

Houston Zoo

Following an hours-long March 19 public hearing, Harris County commissioners unanimously approved the acquisition of 8.9 acres of Hermann Park for the expansion of Ben Taub Hospital. The long-awaited vote comes after months of contention about whether or not Harris Health should acquire the land by eminent domain, which grants local governments the legal power to use land for public use.

What you need to know Commissioners authorized the condemnation March 19 after Harris Health ocials conrmed that no “feasible alternative” exists for the $410 million expansion of Ben Taub’s campus. Ocials expect to have legal possession of the land within 6-9 months and break ground on the project in late 2027. The new facility is expected to incorporate some park elements.

LAMAR FLEMING ST.

SOURCES: © GOOGLE MAPS, HARRIS HEALTHCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

BY ROO MOODY

The special election will be held May 2, with the winner of the race filling the vacant role on City Council until January 2028. Polling will take place at the Bellaire Civic Center, 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire.

Candidates are in ballot order.

Bellaire City Council, Position 4

Gay M ayeux Occupation & experience: retired

Kevin Newman Occupation & experience: chief operating officer, Maverick Wrecker Design & Repair, COO, Bellaire Small Business

Todd Thurber Occupation & experience: civil engineer with 39 years of local government, roadway, drainage, and public

Shuba Grewal Occupation & experience: business professional, Bellaire parent

CFO / CPA, 40+ years financial executive, 7 years on City Council boards www.mayeux4bellaire.com

focused on community engagement, responsible budgeting, and practical problem- solving ShubaForBellaire@gmail.com

involvement experience www.bellairetodd.com

Association founder, longtime Bellaire resident, civic volunteer www.bkev.com

I want to help Bellaire residents continue improving our public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life. Most of my family lives, works, or grew up in the Bellaire community, so this is home. I am ready to give back to the city that has supported me throughout my life. Why are you running for City Council?

I’m running because Bellaire is a special community, and I want to help protect and strengthen it. As a resident and parent, I care deeply about our neighborhoods, infrastructure, and responsible leadership that keeps Bellaire safe, well-managed, and a great place to live.

As your Bellaire neighbor for more than 35 years, I feel a deep responsibility to give back to the community that has given so much to my family. I want to bring strong financial leadership, thoughtful planning, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while preserving what makes Bellaire special.

I am running to ensure Bellaire remains the “City of Homes” by prioritizing fiscal responsibility, transparency, and responsive government. I want to protect our unique residential character and high quality of life for future generations, ensuring that city leadership remains focused on the needs and concerns of all local residents.

What professional or community experience best prepares you to serve on City Council?

As a civil engineer, I manage public infrastructure projects and have built relationships with local and state partners that Bellaire will need to deliver projects on time and within budget. I also serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Simply put, I can hit the ground running on City Council.

My professional background in business and recruiting requires evaluating complex situations, communicating with diverse groups, and finding practical solutions. As a Bellaire resident and parent, I’m engaged in the community and understand the issues families and homeowners care about most.

In my career as a financial executive in publicly traded companies, I developed strategic plans and managed budgets. These skills will help me drive more effective spending of your taxpayer dollars. I also serve as Chair of the Culture & Arts Board and previously served on the Parks & Recreation Board.

As a Bellaire High School graduate and resident since 1997, I have deep roots here. My experience as a local business owner and Vice Chair of the BLIFE Board, combined with professional fiscal management skills, ensures I can effectively collaborate with residents and city leadership to deliver transparent, practical results.

What is the most urgent issue you see Bellaire facing today, and how would you work to solve the issue?

Maintaining our high quality of life while responsibly managing the costs of our aging infrastructure, parks, and public facilities, all while funding exceptional public safety. My approach is to ensure new development and businesses deliver real economic value to help Bellaire offset potential revenue impacts from state property tax relief.

Flooding and aging infrastructure remain major concerns, but public safety is also critical. Recent break-ins in nearby West University highlight the need to stay vigilant. Bellaire should continue investing in drainage improvements while supporting strong policing, neighborhood awareness, and regional cooperation to keep our community safe.

Bellaire’s aging infrastructure requires ongoing attention. The city must identify infrastructure needs, prioritize them based on the strategic plan, and incorporate them into the annual budget. With disciplined planning and responsible investment, we can maintain reliable infrastructure while continuing to support the city’s broader community priorities.

Our most urgent issue is a lack of cohesive, long-term infrastructure planning. I would solve this by prioritizing a transparent, data-driven roadmap that balances immediate repairs with future needs. By engaging residents in the planning process, we ensure tax dollars are spent efficiently on projects that truly benefit our neighborhoods.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For the full candidate Q&A, go to www.communityimpact.com

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Transportation

Development

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

New 14-patio home project to break ground in May near TMC

Upcoming projects in Bellaire, Houston to improve roadways

A new construction project near Amos Street is aiming to bring a high-end place for residents and doctors to stay in a gated community near the Texas Medical Center. About the project Project manager Patti Prasher said the commu- nity, called Diran at Amos Homes, will consist of 14 identical patio homes at about 3,600 square feet with a 3-bedroom layout and en-suite bathrooms. Other amenities will include:

GULFTON ST.

Upcoming project

288

610

BELLAIRE BLVD.

610

BRAYS BAYOU

SCOTT ST.

S. RICE AVE.

Diran at Amos Homes will have six consecutive lots with 14 patio homes.

EVERGREEN ST.

S. BRAESWOOD BLVD.

RENDERING COURTESY DIRAN AT AMOS HOMES

Bissonnet Street Reconstruction Project: This project will help with right-of-way acquisition and reconstruction of existing roadways with concrete paving, curbs, sidewalks, street lighting and underground utilities from Kirby Drive to Edloe Street. Update: Houston City Council approved the Upper Kirby TIRZ capital improvement project budget in late February to move forward with the project. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $35.4 million • Funding source: Upper Kirby TIRZ

Trac Signal Improvement Project Project: The city of Bellaire project will include the installation of closed-circuit cameras and loop detector sensors at 14 existing trac signals, as well as build a new trac management center. Update: As of Feb. 17, the city is processing a local match payment of $421,715 to the Texas Department of Transportation so construction can begin once the payment is complete. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $2.1 million • Funding sources: H-GAC, city of Bellaire

TMC Transit Center Project: The Metropolitan Authority of Harris County is investing $17 million to support the Texas Medical Center and install four new elevators and escalators, rehabilitate the pedestrian skybridge, create new walkways and install electric bus chargers. Update: Ocials announced the launch of the new project in March. • Timeline: March 2026-TBD • Cost: $17 million • Funding source: METRO

development in the area,” Okediran said. Opportunity zones, according to the Internal Revenue Service, are an economic development tool that allows people to invest in distressed areas to spur economic growth and job creation in low-income communities. Looking ahead The project is expected to break ground in May and take approximately 12 months to build, with a move-in date slated for mid-2027.

Why now? Prasher said the owner of Diran, Samuel Okediran, and his ancée, Angela Nwankwo, who just completed her residency, wanted to create a unique place for medical center employees and other locals to have a place to live nearby. “Our primary reasons for choosing this location are its proximity to the [Texas] Medical Center, the opportunity to invest within an opportunity zone and our broader vision for community

• A second oor with a powder room • A balcony o the main living area • Two-car garage • Amazon lockers on-site

The new community will be located approxi- mately one mile from the MD Anderson Cancer Center and other nearby hospitals, Prasher said.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486

HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722

WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144

Enrollment erosion From the cover

Facility Condition Index of schools closing A campus’ FCI score is calculated by dividing the total cost of repairs by the cost of replacing the facility, which can result in scores greater than 100.

The cost

What’s happening

Besides enrollment loss, Miles said one of the biggest factors in the district’s decision was the increasing cost of maintenance at most of the schools proposed for closure. He estimated that the cost of rebuilding an ele- mentary school would be around $75 million , while the cost to renovate an elementary school would be around $40 million. Of the 12 campuses scheduled to close, nine are elementary schools. In November 2024, roughly 58% of voters voted against the district’s $4.4 billion bond program, which would have provided funds for school renovations, safety improvements and security upgrades, according to Harris County Elections. HISD used the Facility Condition Index to compare the condition of its facilities as of this year. A score of 65% or more typically means the building should be replaced. Nine of the 12 closing campuses received FCI scores of 65% or higher, with two campuses that will receive students of the closing schools also scoring above 65%.

Enrollment loss has been steady at HISD for years, according to a Jan. 15 report released by the University of Houston’s Institute for Education Policy Research & Evaluation. However, a growing number of students have been leaving the district since the state took over the district in June 2023, the report shows. From the 2022-23 to the 2024-25 school year, the district lost roughly 13,200 students, or about 7% of its total population. Courtney Isaak Pichon, CEO of area education nonprot Good Reason Houston, said the decline is not a problem unique to HISD. “Most large urban districts are seeing that major decline in enrollment, and our districts aren’t even necessarily on the top of those lists,” Isaak Pichon said. Isaak Pichon pointed to several factors she believes are contributing to the decline, including demographic shifts, immigration enforcement, expanding school choice and lingering fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alcott Briscoe Burrus Cage Franklin Henderson Hobby Port Houston Betsy Ross

52%

50%

76%

82%

87% 86%

82% 83%

90%

Fleming

105%

McReynolds

75%

Gulfton Middle

N/A Buildings with a score of 65% or higher typically need to be replaced.

College

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Houston ISD student enrollment Houston ISD has seen a growing decline in student enrollment over the last decade.

Another viewpoint

of learning, stability and pride. Closing it would not just shutter a school ... it erases a tangible piece of our history.” Deysy Arellano, a Port Houston Elementary parent, expressed concern about the distance some children will need to walk to their new campus. “We walked the route our children will be expected to take for the other campus,” Arellano said. “It took us 30 minutes. Do you expect a child to walk 30 minutes?”

216,098

Before HISD’s board of managers voted to close the 12 schools during the Feb. 26 meeting, parents, students and elected trustees urged the district to vote against closing schools or to at least delay the decision. Community member Billy Williams expressed concerns about closing Burrus Elementary. “Burrus is not just a building, it is a living land- mark,” Williams said. “For generations, it has been the heart of our historic Black neighborhood. A place

168,812

School year

Greater Houston area school district enrollment loss

The distance from closing schools to relocated campuses varies between less than a mile and three miles. School distance

*THESE SCHOOLS WILL BE CO-LOCATED AND OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY IN THE NEW CAMPUS NOTE: THE DRIVE AND WALK TIMES WERE CALCULATED THROUGH THE USE OF GOOGLE MAPS AT 3 P.M. ON A TUESDAY.

From the 2020-21 to the 2024-25 school year, Aldine ISD lost the highest percentage of its students in the region, followed by HISD in second and Alief ISD in third.

Distance in miles

Walk time in minutes

Drive time in minutes

Closing schools

New schools students will attend

Alcott Elementary Briscoe Elementary Burrus Elementary Franklin Elementary

Mading Elementary Carrillo Elementary Kennedy Elementary Gallegos Elementary Bruce Elementary Pleasantville Elementary Roosevelt Elementary

0.9 1.6 2.0 0.7 2.0 1.3 3.3 1.9 0.5 1.9 2.2

4 7 7 3 6 5

29 38

Henderson Elementary Port Houston Elementary

40 23 66 41 12 42 43 38

0% -5%

Betsy Ross Elementary

Clemente Martinez Elementary

6 4

-10% -15% -20%

Cage Elementary* Hobby Elementary* Fleming Middle* McReynolds Middle*

Lantrip Elementary Lawson Middle School

7 7

Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men

2.1

*NOTE: TOTAL IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SOURCES: HOUSTON ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: HOUSTON ISD, GOOGLE MAPS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY WESLEY GARDNER & EMILY LINCKE

Next steps

One more thing

Also of note

Feb. 12: HISD leaders announce proposed school closures Feb. 17-25: Meetings are held with family and staff at the closing campuses Feb. 26: Board of managers votes to close schools April 8: Applicants part of Phase 1 for HISD’s school of choice program will receive placement information Mid-April: HISD to announce staffing decisions for closing campuses April-June: Legacy committees will implement plans for preserving the closing campuses’ history and traditions Early June: A community event for the closing of schools will be held June 4: Campuses close Prior to Aug. 10: Facility repairs are slated to be complete at campuses receiving students from the closed campuses

Isaak Pichon said education savings accounts could also result in further enrollment loss. The $1 billion program, which Texas lawmakers approved in 2025, is designed to expand educational options by offering $2,000 to homeschooled students, $10,474 for private school tuition and related expenses, and up to $30,000 for students with disabilities. “There certainly is going to be an impact from ESAs, but we’ll have to wait to know more,” Isaak Pichon said. As of March 9, roughly 8,900 HISD students had submitted applications to be included in the program—the most by any district statewide, according to Texas Education Agency data. With funding capped at $1 billion for the 2026-27 school year, between 90,000 and 100,000 students will likely be accepted, accord- ing to the Texas Comptroller’s Office. Approxi- mately 156,000 applications statewide had been submitted as of March 6.

For the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years, shuttles will be available multiple times per morning and afternoon to take students from their former campus to their new campus, HISD leaders said in February. Contracted staff at the closing schools, who have done well in evaluations, will not lose their positions based on the closures, HISD Chief of Staff Monica Zdrojewski said. Staffing decisions will be made by April 17, and employees can pursue a transfer to another campus if they prefer a different position. For enrollment loss at large, Isaak Pichon said she believes HISD and other affected districts should use this moment as an opportunity. “In an era where there are more options for families than ever,” she said. “School systems really need to make sure they’re offering students a safe, rigorous, relevant learning environment that’s going to actually prepare them to lead meaningful lives beyond high school graduation.”

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Events

BY ROO MOODY

Bellaire Book Sale The Friends Of The Bellaire Library is holding its spring book sale, selling books in clean condition that include recent releases, rare and collectible books and book sets. • April 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • $2 (hardback books), $1 (paperback books) • Bellaire Fire Station, 5101 Jessamine St., Bellaire • www.fotbl.org/book-sales Bellaire Arts & Crafts Festival Shop unique products from local artisans and enjoy live music and food at the family-friendly, community event. The festival is organized by the Bellaire Culture and Arts Board. • April 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Paseo Park, 5000 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.bellairetx.gov/1744/Bellaire-Arts-Crafts-Festival March for Babies The fundraiser at TMC Helix Park includes a charitable walk that benets March of Dimes, a nonprot advocating for the health of moms and babies.

April

Spring Fling Festival The family event includes outdoor nature activities such as prairie and pond explorations, as well as interactions with the nature center’s ambassador animals. • April 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire • www.naturediscoverycenter.org Nutcracker Spring Market After a four-year hiatus, the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is bringing back its spring market, featuring more than 150 vendors and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Bellaire Trolley Run Held at Bellaire Town Square, the 30th Annual Bellaire Trolley Run will include a wheelchair division, stroller race, one-mile youth race and a 5K run. All participants in the trolley run will receive a medal at the end of the race. • April 11, 7:30 a.m. • $28-$40 (entry fee) • Bellaire Town Square, 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire • www.bellairetx.gov/835/Bellaire-Trolley-Run

• April 17-19, times vary • $20 (general admission) • NRG Center, 1 Fannin St., Houston • www.houstonballet.org

Centennial Celebration Gala The West University Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization is holding a centennial celebration gala at McGovern Centennial Gardens. • April 18, 7 p.m. • $500 (individual ticket) • 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston • www.westupto.org

• April 26, 9 a.m. • Donations vary • 1885 Old Spanish Trail, Houston • www.marchforbabies.org

A safe way to keep you and your baby healthy If you’re pregnant or planning to be, ask your healthcare professional if you should be taking low dose aspirin to help reduce your risk of preeclampsia.

marchofdimes.org/lowdosebigbenefits

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY ROO MOODY

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo hit record 2.7M attendees in 2025

Measuring the impact

The 2025 report also measured the Rodeo’s eco- nomic impact as well as other information, such as pony rides and chicks hatched. Statistics include:

largest educational contributors in the country, with $14 million given in scholarships in 2025. “Each year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo leaves a lasting impact, but the 2025 Rodeo season reached new heights,” HLSR President Chris Boleman said. “The numbers speak for themselves and reect the pride our great city of Houston—and 36,000 volunteers—have in our mission.”

Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has hosted events to promote Western heritage. A newly released impact report from 2025 shows that last year broke several standing records, including an attendance record of 2.7 million guests over 23 days. The Rodeo also continues to be one of the

• $326 million of direct economic impact was generated in the Greater Houston area • $597 million of produced total economic activity • $630 million of total educational support has been given since 1932

• Nearly 18,000 young cowboys and cowgirls rode the pony rides • 961 chicks hatched in the Poultry Exhibit • Approximately 540,000 prizes were won at the carnival games

Numbers on the rise The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo saw a record number of more than 2.7 million attendees in 2025. 2022 2.4M 2023 2.4M 2024 2.5M 2025 2.7M

Who it aects

In 2025, the Rodeo also announced a new type of donation that provided $500,000 in aid for ood recovery eorts in the Texas Hill Country after the July 4 ash oods. “As the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo, we understand the responsibility we have to stand with our neighbors in times of crisis,” Boleman said in the report. Kerr County Stock Show: $150K Back in the Saddle: $100K Texas Department of Agriculture Star Fund: $150K Breakdown of HLSR donations to the Texas Hill Country The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo donated $500,000 to aid ood recovery eorts in the Texas Hill Country after the July 4, 2025, ash oods.

SOURCE: HLSR COMMUNITY IMPACT

Texas FFA: $50K Kerr County 4-H: $50K

Total $500K

RodeoHouston awarded $2.5 million to contestants in 2025.

COURTESY HLSR

SOURCE: HLSRCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Dining

BY ROO MOODY

Southern avors meet Houston’s nightlife at Confessions Sterling Lewis, the restaurateur behind Confes- sions, said he wants to change how the world sees the restaurant industry. The gist Lewis started Confessions, which is his rst restaurant, in April 2025, and it quickly gained pop- ularity throughout the year, attracting guests such as Shaquille O’Neal, 50 Cent and GloRilla, he said. “I wanted to create something where we primar- ily focus on hospitality,” he said. “How we treat guests, making guests feel like family, and then everything else will follow.” What’s special about it? Decorated with modern art, brightly colored seating and sparkling chandeliers, Confessions blends Southern air with nightlife. At Confessions, guests can enjoy a traditional dining environment until around 9 or 10 p.m., when a “DJ starts curating moments and experiences.” His thoughts Lewis rst entered the hospitality industry when he began promoting events and passing out yers at 17 years old. Confessions’ success feels like a dream come true, and he said that sometimes he feels he is still dreaming. “I failed so many times, so many times I wanted to give up, but having faith in God and knowing exactly what I wanted to do and who I wanted to become, and wanting to take care of my family got me to where I am today,” he said.

Menu items at Confessions include an 8-oz Filet Mignon Oscar Style, Spicy Peach Wings and Blueberry Wings.

PHOTOS COURTESY ERIC TAYLORCONFESSIONS

In the future, Lewis said he wants to expand his hospitality approach globally.

HMONDAVE.

3200 Kirby Drive, Ste. 2A, Houston www.confessionstx.com

Confessions oers birthday celebrations for every customer and custom menus for private experiences.

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Dining

BY ARIEL WORTHY

Outdoor Dining

With spring bringing milder temperatures and longer days to Houston, many local establishments are opening their patios to diners looking to spend more time outdoors. Here are six places to visit for outdoor dining around Bellaire, Meyerland and West U.

Houston

Bellaire

Houston

Tiny’s No. 5 The second location of Tiny Boxwoods in West University Place offers an outdoor patio to enjoy its menu, including the Afternoons in West U menu, which includes crab cakes, French fries and a meat and cheese board. Its cocktail menu includes signature drinks like the Friend of the Owner margarita and the G & T5 gin and tonic. • 3636 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.tinyboxwoods.com/location/tinys-no-5

Rossa Room Grab a scoop of ice cream at Gelato Rossa, then go behind the hidden door to Rossa Room, a cocktail bar with a private dining space and patio. Open in the evenings, the patio is an extension of the speakeasy-style bar. Its cocktail menu comes with signature drinks, including the Amethyst Martini, Smoked Quiote and Occhi Lavanda. • 4564 Bissonnet St., Bellaire • www.therossaroom.com

Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette Enjoy fresh oysters on the patio at Liberty Kitchen, as well as lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and happy hour. The restaurant also offers “Evening Royale,” which it calls reverse happy hour, lasting from 4 p.m. to close on Sundays and Mondays.

• 5212 Morningside Drive, Houston • www.libertykitchenoysterette.com

Bellaire

West University Place

Houston

Betsy’s at Evelyn’s Park Betsy’s is located at the edge of Evelyn’s Park, a family-friendly area that allows space for children to safely run around and enjoy menu items such as chicken sandwiches, tacos, pizza and fried pickles. Happy hours throughout the week include half-off bottles of wine and $1 off cocktails and beer. • 4400 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.betsysbellaire.com

Maximo Reviewed by the Michelin Guide and a 2026 James Beard Semi-finalist, Maximo offers elevated Tex- Mex food, including Bluefin Tuna Tostada, Wagyu Carne Asada and Matagorda Pearl Oysters. The brunch menu includes eggs Benedict served on masa cornbread with short rib and mole. • 6119 Edloe St., West University Place • www.maximo-htx.com

Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar Loro is an Asian smokehouse and bar that merges Asian and Texas cuisine. Menu items include Crispy Thai Pork Ribs, Crunchy Cabbage Salad and appetizers such as Wonton Chips and Dip. Loro is also known for its boozy slushies, including a frozen espresso martini and a mango sake slushy. • 5333 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.loroeats.com

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Real estate

In February, 82 total homes were sold across the five ZIP codes that cover Bellaire, Meyerland and West University Place. Most homes were sold for more than $1 million. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

February 2025

February 2026

+33.33%

-21.74%

+16.67%

+45.45%

+41.67%

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

77005

77401

77030

Median home sales price

77025

610

February

2025

2026

$1,575,000 $559,500 $203,000 $440,000 $1,267,500

$1,684,750 $517,500 $193,700 $445,000 $1,060,000

77096

77005

288

77025

Homes sold by price point

77030

77096

February 2026

77401

$1,000,000+

$750,001-$1,000,000

Average days on market +29.2%

$500,001-$750,000

+51.32%

+9.09%

-15.33%

-39.47%

$250,001-$500,000

<$250,001

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CB&A REALTORS 832-678-4770 • WWW.CBAREALTORS.COM

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

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