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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 12 APRIL 5 MAY 6, 2025
2025 Voter Guide
Funding community growth Bond election
West University places $15M bond on May ballot
BY MELISSA ENAJE
West University Place voters heading to the polls in May will approve or reject four propositions, including changing three charter amendments related to how the city government operates and a $15 million bond for the construction of a new community center, senior center, library and green space. If the bond passes, the annual tax bill will be about $143 starting in 2026.
The West University Library is used by residents of all ages for activities such as reading, learning and playing.
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Development: See the details on the new $2 billion expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center (Page 15)
Dining: Check out this ‘Day of the Dead’ inspired restaurant and bar that o ers fresh cuisine, handcrafted cocktails (Page 20)
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Impacts
• 7600 Beechnut St., Houston • www.memorialhermann.org/locations/tirr-southwest
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8 Learning Express Toys of Rice Village The toy shop sells educational items for every stage of child development, including baby dolls, activity tables, coloring sets, scooters and sports games. • Opened March 28 • 2401 Rice Boulevard, Houston • www.learningexpresshouston.com 9 Confessions Restaurant & Lounge This new restaurant and lounge in Upper Kirby offers Southern American cuisine with handcrafted cocktails, as well as shisha, a smoking device often referred to as hookah. • Opened April 1 • 3200 Kirby Drive, Ste. 2A, Houston • Instagram: confessionshou
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10 Marel Design Mobili The Brazil-based furniture manufacturer will debut its first Texas showroom in the Upper Kirby District. The brand creates custom cabinetry and furnishings with a chic South American aesthetic. • Opening in April • 3600 Kirby Drive, Ste. G, Houston • www.marelhouston.com 11 Pokeworks The Hawaiian-inspired eatery brings fresh flavors of poke with more than 50,000 ways to customize an order in a build-your-own bowl-style menu. • Opening in May 12 Parlor Doughnuts The doughnut shop will serve layered donuts with multiple flavors, including bourbon caramel, strawberry shortcake and raspberry pistachio, as well as coffee and breakfast items. • Opening December • 5150 Buffalo Speedway, Ste. 90, Houston • www.parlordoughnuts.com 13 The Chaucer A new 14-story development with 31 exclusive condominiums, seven standard floor plans and five penthouse suites will open in Rice Village in 2027. Condos range from $1.5 million to $4 million. • Opening 2027 • 919 Milam St., Houston • www.pokeworks.com
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corporate office in Downtown Houston. The sustainable energy company designs, manufactures and installs wind turbines. • Opened Feb. 24 • 609 Main St., Ste. 1900, Houston • www.vestas.com/en 5 La Tiendita Low-income residents can access fresh produce, canned goods and other community resources at this local food market. It is located inside the Bayland Community Center. • Opened Feb. 27 • 6400 Bissonnet St., Houston • www.tejanocenter.org 6 Camp The multi-faceted, interactive entertainment venue for kids opened at The Galleria. The store includes an immersive ‘Bluey’ experience, a retail space and a splatter room. • Opened Feb. 28 • 5085 Westheimer Road, Second Floor, Houston • www.camp.com 7 TIRR Memorial Hermann- Southwest The rehabilitation center opened a new inpatient unit that includes 18 private patient rooms, two state-of- the-art therapy gyms and a comprehensive Family Resource Center. • Opened March 19
Now open
1 Dave’s Crunch House This fast-food restaurant is kosher certified and serves American food such as blooming onions, southern fried chicken buckets, salads and Philly cheesesteaks with vegan cheese. • Opened early January • 5711 Bissonnet St., Bellaire • www.davescrunch.com 2 KWO Sushi The eatery offers traditional sushi rolls, small plates, dumplings and rice bowls. Created by wife-duo Fabi and Daniela Guevara, the concept is the newest addition to the POST Market, an international food hall in Downtown Houston. • Opened Feb. 1 • 401 Franklin St., Ste. 1360 Houston • www.posthtx.com/eat 3 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic The new 36,000-square-foot health clinic offers highly specialized medical care and functions as a cancer center with an on-site laboratory. • Opened Feb. 11
• 2360 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.chaucerhouston.com
In the news
14 Moody Center Complex The Rice University building will break ground in May. The 75,000-square-foot facility will serve as a dynamic hub for student activities with a cafe, coffeehouse and study area.
• 3102 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.kelsey-seybold.com
4 Vestas The global wind turbine manufacturer opened a new
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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
18 Chili’s Bar & Grill The American and Tex-Mex restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary in March. The menu includes burgers, chicken, fajitas, pasta and seafood. A nearby location is off of Southwest Freeway. • 3215 Southwest Freeway, Houston • www.chilis.com
• 6100 Main St., Houston • www.rice.edu
In the news
15 Jurassic Giants The Houston Zoo opened its newest exhibit in early March. The prehistoric display will feature 60 new dinosaurs with an interactive dig site. It will remain on site until Sept. 1. • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.houstonzoo.org 16 The Children’s Assessment Center The child advocacy center celebrated 30 years in February. The center provides professional, coordinated services for children who have been sexually abused. • 2500 Bolsover St., Houston • https://cachouston.org 17 Cicis Pizza The Texas-based pizza buffet is celebrating 40 years in service this year. The eatery has 23 locations across the Houston area, including the Bellaire Boulevard location, and offers classic pizza and specialty dishes. • 5901 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 5-6, Houston • www.cicis.com
Closings
19 Forever 21 The clothing store declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 16 and will begin to slow business while conducting liquidation sales at its stores, including the location at The Galleria Mall. • Closing TBD • 5085 Westheimer Road, Ste. B8020, Houston • www.forever21.com 20 Joann The national crafts and fabric store will shut down all of its locations, including the Meyerland Plaza location, due to a second bankruptcy filing in less than a year. • Closing TBD • 290 Meyerland Plaza, Houston • www.joann.com
21 Maximo The West University restaurant launched two new menus after reopening in January. Under the helm of Executive Chef Adrian Torres, a new brunch and tasting menu launched in March that includes items such as Eggs Benedict, cinnamon-sugar- coated waffles, a truffle soup and masa cornbread. • 6119 Edloe St., West University Place • www.maximo-htx.com
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Government
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & KEVIN VU
Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner died at 70 years old on March 5 in Washington, D.C. Turner was visiting the state capitol to watch President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress at the time, and according to a statement from his family, he was taken to the hospital after the address on March 4. He later died in his Washing- ton, D.C. home at 5:45 a.m. after “enduring health complications.” Looking back Turner was a native Houston resident and served his hometown as a public servant. He was born in Acres Homes in 1954, a historic neighborhood that was once considered to be the South’s largest unincorporated African American community, according to Visit Houston. He went on to receive his high school diploma from Klein High School, a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Houston and a doctorate from Harvard Law School. Turner then served in the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years, spent 21 years on the House Committee on Appropriations and six years as speaker pro tempore before serving as Houston’s Mayor, according to his campaign website. His nal role was serving as the Democratic chair for Texas’ 18th Congressional District. Turner was in his rst term as congressman after replacing former Houston icon Sheila Jackson Lee in November, who died from pancreatic cancer. Sylvester Turner dies, leaves lasting legacy in Houston
Gov. Greg Abbott said Turner left behind a “legacy of service” to all of Texas. “Congressman Turner was a man of character who served his fellow Texans for more than 36 years,” he said. In their own words After his death was announced in early March, several Houston and Harris County leaders shared their memories and thoughts on Turner’s life. Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis thanked Turner in a March 5 statement for all he gave to serve Houston and the state of Texas. “We, the people, are all better o because you chose to dedicate yourself to a life of public service,” Ellis said. “You also advanced the continuous struggle to make this nation as good as its promise of freedom and justice for all.” Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said Turner’s passing is a tremendous loss. “Sylvester Turner was a mentor, a friend and a partner in delivering progress,” Briones said. “He didn’t just serve—he united. He didn’t just lead—he inspired. He knew that real change doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when people come together, roll up their sleeves and do the hard work. And that’s exactly what we did.” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said he and Turner were a “tremendous in uence” on each other. “We’ve lost an outstanding public o cial,” he said. “No one will be able to step into Sylvester’s shoes and carry on his duties because there’s only one Sylvester Turner.” Final takeaways As of press time, Abbott had not called a special election to ll Turner’s empty seat in Congress. However, he missed the deadline to call for a May election. Abbott can now wait until November or hold an emergency election beforehand.
Sylvester Turner 1954-2025
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September 27, 1954: Born in Acres Homes, Texas 1973: Graduated from Klein High School 1976: Graduated from the University of Houston 1980: Received his J.D. degree from Harvard Law School 1983: Co-founded the Barnes & Turner Law Firm in Houston 1988: Elected to the Texas House of Representatives 2003: Became the speaker pro tempore in the Texas House 2015-2024: Served two terms as Mayor of Houston 2024: Selected as the U.S. Representative for the 18th Texas District March 5, 2025: Died in Washington, D.C.
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SOURCE: SYLVESTER TURNER CAMPGAIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Government
Bellaire’s downtown district to see changes Officials with Bellaire’s Planning and Zoning Com- mission on Feb. 13 discussed making amendments to the Urban Village-Downtown, or UV-D, zoning code to improve the city’s downtown area. The details Bellaire’s Development Services Director Travis Tanner said in a Feb. 20 email that the ongoing dis- cussions include looking at how the city can make the regulations work better using current trends. Gary Mitchell, the city’s planning consultant, said amendment considerations include: • Revisiting the maximum building height requirement • Including small-lot attached residential developments • Adding building setbacks to the front of buildings for more greenery and wider sidewalks
West U wastewater plant to see upgrades West University Place’s wastewater treat- ment facility will undergo various upgrades and service enhancements in the next two years after council members authorized $17 million in funding to advance Phase 1. What you need to know City Manager Dave Beach said Phase 1 of the project tackles flood water protection. According to agenda documents, funding upgrades will include: • Elevating the control building • Increasing power generator height • Reinforcing electrical infrastructure • Lift station replacement Construction is expected to start in April, with an approximate completion date in April 2027, Beach said.
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Currently, the UV-D zoning code requires a mini- mum building height requirement of 30 feet, but an amendment eliminating that requirement has been sent to City Council, Mitchell said. Tanner said Mitchell will have draft amendments prepared for further discussion in April. “People just want a destination that they can walk to and shop and eat, hang out and get ice cream,” said Jamie Perkins, the Planning and Zoning Commission chair.
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BY MELISSA ENAJE & KEVIN VU
Harris County seeks 5 additional district courts Harris County commissioners will move forward with a request to Texas lawmakers for the creation of five additional civil district courts by 2027 to address the county’s longstanding court backlog. The move comes after commissioners voted 3-1 in favor of the resolution during a Feb. 27 Commis- sioners Court meeting. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis dissented while Judge Lina Hidalgo abstained from the vote. How it works Should the additional courts receive legislative approval, county officials said they would plan to keep the courts located in the judicial complex in Downtown Houston. The provisional plan commissioners approved would be a two-year process, including:
$100M earmarked for at-risk programs At least $100 million in previously budgeted Harris County funds are being redirected toward certain grant-funded programs that could be impacted by federal funding freezes. Harris County commission- ers passed the motion unanimously during a Feb. 27 meeting. The plan The funding plan includes creating a strategic planning committee that will streamline a process for recommending at-risk federally funded programs. Should there be federal funding freezes, county commissioners also approved by a 3-1 vote a process in place to guide depart- ments to avoid layoffs of grant-funded employees unless approved by the Office of County Administration.
“We can’t continue to advertise that Harris County is an economic beacon without investing in a robust justice system where disputes are resolved timely and thoughtfully.” LAUREN REEDER, HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, 234TH CIVIL COURT
The cost Additional courts are estimated to cost the county at least $2.5 million-$3.5 million for each court, Engineering Department Executive Director Milton Rahman said. Looking back Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said county officials worked with state legislators in 2023 to secure six additional criminal district courts and a probate court to address the court backlog. While the 2025 motion called for nine additional courts, only five were approved.
• Adding three civil district courts in 2026 • Adding two civil district courts in 2027
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JUST FORE! YOU
A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT APRIL 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
WEEKENDER: A Big Time in Big Spring CRITTER: Gray Fox MADE IN TEXAS: A Recipe for Stunning Ceramics OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas FEATURE PREVIEW: The Texas Monthly Profile of Scottie Scheffler
Above: Hotel Settles, in Big Spring.
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CRITTER
Gray Fox
HOW CAN I IDENTIFY ONE? Look for a black stripe, typically run- ning down the length of the animal’s back. Gray foxes also have a “bright orange patch on the side of their face and neck,” says Amanda Veals Dutt, a postdoctoral scientist at Sul Ross State University. That distinguishes the species from the slightly larger, non-native red fox (which settlers near Waco introduced for hunting in the 1890s) and two smaller species: the swift fox, found in the Panhandle, and the kit fox, which roams West Texas. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT? It can thrive in a range of habitats, in part because it’ll eat almost anything —mice, small birds, insects—and it seems to enjoy living close to humans. Attacks on us (or dogs or cats) are rare, but rabbits and guinea pigs might make a tasty snack. And if you keep chickens? “They’re basically ice-cream cones running around,” says John Tomeček, a carnivore ecologist at Texas A&M University. ANY URBAN FOX TALES? In October 2021, in front of at least one hundred onlookers at the San Antonio River Walk, firefighters rescued a baby gray fox stranded on a window ledge about 25 feet off the ground. More re- cently, Bethany Snowden, a lieutenant with the city’s animal care services department, sent colleagues to scoop up a fox that had wandered into a court- house. “We enjoy saving urban wildlife,” she says, adding that both foxes were transferred to Wildlife Rescue and Re- habilitation, a local sanctuary. —Rose Cahalan
WEEKENDER
A “Big” Secret in West Texas With a grand hotel and a rich history that includes oil, rail, and Midnight Cowboy , this Permian Basin town holds some surprises. BY COURTNEY BOND
a diner-style room complete with red vinyl– topped chrome stools. At the south end of town, the four-hundred- acre Comanche Trail Park is home to Big Spring’s big spring. Well, what’s left of it. The railroad, the ranches, and all the other busi- nesses of civilization long ago drained the water table, but officials utilize what they call artificial outflow, making for a nice waterfall that spills into a reservoir. Continue your educational journey during lunch at Local’s, a onetime school building down the street from the park. After lunch, fill up on the town’s more modern history at the Heritage Museum of Big Spring. For supper, pop in at J Jayz Bar and Grill (across from the Train Car) for colorful cock- tails and the kind of food—burgers, quesadillas —needed to soak them up. Or head back to home base and enjoy a whiskey sour and chicken-fried steak from Settles Grill. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .
FRIDAY: If you did nothing else but spend a night at Hotel Settles, your visit would be worthwhile. A dust-colored brick building rising fifteen stories, its glowing red rooftop sign visible for miles, the crown jewel of Big Spring exemplifies the word “landmark.” Catty-corner to the hotel, across Runnels Street, is what appears to be downtown’s most popular restaurant, Devour. Inside a narrow space, patrons pair giant margaritas with hearty American fare that includes burgers, pork chops, and bacon-wrapped quail with green onions and hot honey. After dinner, make tracks two blocks north and one street over to the Train Car Cigar Bar. SATURDAY: The sign outside still says Dell’s Café, but this spare restaurant with the odd name of Neutral Ways serves fat egg-filled tacos and classic American breakfast plates in
The entrance to Comanche Trail Park.
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MADE IN TEXAS
From Wheel to Table Restaurants around the country are turning to this Dallas ceramist for artful dinnerware.
BY AMANDA ALBEE
OUT THERE
was born. He attended St. Mark’s School of Texas, where he fell in love with his ceramics classes. At Southern Methodist University, he fulfilled an elective requirement with a ce- ramics course, in which he learned how to use awood-firedkiln,adays-longprocessthatem- ploys ashes to create one-of-a-kind textures and colors. Ortega turned his hobby into a side business while working in the corporate world. In 2018, when he received an order for more than nine hundred pieces to stock Beverley’s Bistro & Bar, on Fitzhugh Avenue, Marcello Andres Ceramics became a full-time enterprise. Ortega opened his current location, which also serves as an event space, two years later. Ortegafulfillsordersforrestaurantsaround the state and beyond: Tatemó, an intimate Mexican tasting menu spot, in Houston; Texas- centric Isidore, in San Antonio’s new Pull- man Market; and Juniper, an Italian bistro in East Austin. Ortega sees his art as having “a conversation with clay.” Fortunately for us, there are lingering —and beautiful—questions to answer.
YOU WON’T FIND “Do Not Touch” signs in Marcello Andres Ortega’s studio and retail space, housed in a Quonset hut just south of downtown Dallas. The ceramics artist encour- ages visitors to the showroom to feel and hold his plates, bowls, and copitas—small cups used for drinking mezcal, sherry, and other spirits. Formed out of Texas clay and natural minerals and fused in fire in one of the workshop’s five kilns, the appeal of the dinnerware extends be- yond the tactile. The primary palette of creams, taupes, and dark grays invites you to appreciate whatsitsatopeachdish:forexample,anorderof avocado toast’s shock of green against the neu- tral canvas of a plate. “The food is the art,” says Ortega of the earth tones he prefers for dishes. Ortega traces his love of dinnerware to the nightly sit-down family meals of his childhood, a ritual important to his Chilean- born parents, who moved to Dallas before he
Meanwhile, In Texas At a feedlot in Carrizo Springs, a man witnessed a group of cattle pin a coyote against a fence before it es- caped unharmed. An American Airlines flight was evac- uated and delayed for nearly five hours at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport after a passenger alerted cabin crew to a Wi-Fi hot spot titled “there is a bomb on the flight.” Upon discovering an unconventional hunting blind made from a portable toilet, Henderson County game wardens used a hidden camera to catch a man who was using it to hunt deer on private property without the owner’s consent. More than one hundred canisters of nitrous oxide were discovered in the car of a Houston dentist who had sped through town, ignored commands to pull over, led police on a brief chase, and, finally, stopped and allegedly ad- mitted to inhaling the laughing gas as he was driving. Port Arthur authorities announced that a man is under investigation for child endangerment after he posted a video on social media in which he used a baby dressed in winter clothing to wipe snow off his car’s windshield. A man in Travis County told police he “won’t press charges” and just wants his dog back after he was approached near his home by a man who shot him in the foot, grabbed his French bulldog, and fled in a car. —Meher Yeda
Marcello Andres Ortega throwing a sculpture in his studio on February 4, 2025.
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Scottie Scheffler at Royal Oaks Country Club.
Palm Beach Gardens home, and ended his own life. As they learned of Murray’s death, some players spoke to reporters and others declined. Sixteen-year pro Peter Malnati wanted to talk. He also was not a big star, but he was aable, articulate, and thoughtful—and he happened to be the contestant who had played with Mur- ray the afternoon before. Malnati struggled to collect his thoughts on national television. The full weight and measure of the singular stresses of the game seemed to wobble him at a tender moment. “This is going to be really hard,” Malnati said, his voice shuddering. “We all want to beat each other.Andthensomethinglikethishappensand you realize that we’re all just humans.” There would be a service for Murray in early June, before the Memorial Tournament, at Muirfield Village Golf Club, near Columbus, Ohio. Brad Payne, who serves as a chaplain on the PGA Tour, helped organize it. He had coun- seled Murray through his personal struggles— anxiety, alcohol abuse—and had talked with him about the pervasive sense of loneliness and dread he just couldn’t seem to shake, even as he achieved remarkable success, rising into the top fiftyintheworldafterwinninginHawaiiatthe beginning of 2024. Before the service, Payne also counseled the players who were sched- uled to speak, a group that included Scottie Scheer,thenumberoneplayerintheworld. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .
ON A FRIDAY afternoon last May, late in the second round of the PGA Tour stop in Fort Worth, Grayson Murray pocketed his ball and toldocialshefeltunwell.Hewithdrewfrom the competition, cleared out his locker, and aimed his courtesy vehicle toward the airport. Few spectators noticed. Murray was thirty years old and had won twice on the tour, which is two more times than most professional golfers ever win, but he was not the kind of incandescent star who drew massive galleries and heavy media attention. He had two holes left to play when he hit the last shot of his life. The next day, word filtered through the old, pecan-lined fairways of Colonial Country Club that Murray had flown to Florida, gone to his
FEATURE PREVIEW
Great Scottie! Shhhhhhh. Quiet Please. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s most dominant golfer, is approaching the toughest part of the course. BY KEVIN ROBBINS
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Development
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
George R. Brown Convention Center unveils expansion details
More details
Additional phases will include renovating the existing GRB building and creating a pedestrian promenade that will connect the future East Downtown Cap Park project over Hwy. 69 with Discovery Green. According to the EaDo Houston website, the 30-acre cap park project will create green spaces above I-45 and Hwy. 69 that could include pedes- trian-friendly sidewalks, retail and entertainment spaces, or hike-and-bike trails.
• A multipurpose hall • An atrium flex hall • The largest ballroom in Texas • Dedicated ground level spaces for retail and restaurants • A central atrium with natural light The expansion is also anticipated to include a 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza that will connect the convention center to the Toyota Center, as well as a southward extension of the Avenida Plaza that will connect Discovery Green to George R. Brown’s new Central Plaza, according to the release.
Houston o cials unveiled a new master plan March 6 that is intended to transform Downtown Houston and its East End into a more walkable convention and entertainment district. The $2 billion multiphase plan will be one of the largest development projects in Houston in nearly 50 years, according to a news release by public relations rm Dancie Perugini Ware. The rst phase will include a 700,000-square- foot expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center. According to the release, the new building is intended to feature additions such as: • Two exhibition halls
George R. Brown Convention Center 1 Daikin Park 2 Shell Energy Stadium 3
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Before you go
The $2 billion project will be paid through the state’s portion of incremental hotel occupancy tax gathered by Houston First, which manages the venue. Construction on the rst phase of the project will begin this year with an opening date in May 2028. The full campus transformation is anticipated to be complete by 2038.
Design elements of the new convention center are inspired by Houston’s bayous and native prairie landscape.
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15
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
Education
Transportation
BY WESLEY GARDENER
BY MELISSA ENAJE & KEVIN VU
Houston ISD moves closer to a balanced budget Houston ISD is getting nearer to producing a bal- anced budget by the 2026-27 school year, officials announced during a Feb. 27 budget workshop. The details Balancing a budget: FY2025-26 Revenue source increases ($87M) $44M: Potential basic allotment
HISD to consider campus closures
New pedestrian mobility enhancements installed New pedestrian signage was installed across West University Place’s frequently used intersections aimed at enhancing pedestrian visibility and safety. The overview Throughout February, West U Public Works crews and contractors installed signage at the following locations: • Weslayan Street and University Boulevard • Buffalo Speedway and University Boulevard
City removes ‘no right turn on red’ signage Bellaire City Council approved an ordinance removing the intersection of Bellaire Boule- vard and Newcastle Drive on the “no turn on red” section of the city’s code of ordinances during a March 17 City Council meeting. What we know Traffic Manager Colby Wright said Quiddity Engineering conducted a traffic study on the intersection on Feb. 1 and found that: • A total of 26 vehicle collisions occurred between 2020 and 2024 • More than 168 pedestrian crossings occurred every hour between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday City Attorney Alan Petrov said staff will install “turning vehicles yield to pedestrians” signs at the intersection at a later date.
New pedestrian signage
BISSONNET ST.
BUFFALO SPEEDWAY
Houston ISD board managers will likely consider the closure of an undisclosed number of campuses that would go into effect beginning in the 2026-27 school year, officials announced Feb. 27. What we know Superintendent Mike Miles said the closures are being considered due to the dis- trict’s declining student population, which has dropped by more than 30,000 students in the last decade. Miles said he believed the district was effectively subsidizing schools with fewer than 300 students. Miles said the budgetary impact of closing a small school within the district could save between $1.5 million to $2 million annually.
HISD Superintendent Mike Miles said the district is projecting roughly $2.1 billion in expenditures while taking in around $2.07 billion in revenue for the 2025-26 school year. While the projected budget would still contain a roughly $33 million budget shortfall, Miles said the district is making gains toward a balanced budget. A closer look Miles noted officials calculated the current pro- jected expenditures and revenues for the 2025-26 school year budget conservatively. Per budget projections, the district is estimated to bring in roughly $243.5 million in additional revenue while losing $67 million next year due to a projected 8,000 student decline in enrollment. However, he said around $47.2 million would be
$3M: Potential teacher salary $30M: Other financing sources $10M: Security grants
N
SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Cost-cutting measures ($103.7M) $57M: Expenditures for recapture costs $30M: Cuts to department budgets $16.7M: One-time expenditures
stopping at crosswalks and vehicles running red lights at the five intersections. City Manager Dave Beach said additional mobil- ity enhancements made in the last few months include traffic signal timing and paver repairs. Going forward West U officials are also working with a local traffic engineering firm to explore options and solutions for creating a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers, according to a city announcement.
• Weslayan Street and Rice Boulevard • Rice Boulevard and Buffalo Speedway • Sunset Boulevard and Buffalo Speedway
SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
saved in funding that would have been spent if those students stayed in the district. What’s next? Board managers will be required to approve the district’s budget before June 30.
West U officials first discussed pedestrian mobil- ity and safety concerns during a November City Council meeting when residents expressed safety concerns about driver behavior that included not
BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486
HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722
WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144
Election
BY MELISSA ENAJE
Voter Guide
2025
Dates to know
Where to vote
April 22: First day of early voting April 22: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 29: Last day of early voting May 3: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail
West University Place residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations.
NOTE: CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR A SEAT ON WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE’S CITY COUNCIL WILL NOT COMPETE FOR A SPECIFIC POSITION BUT WILL BE PLACED ACCORDING TO WHOEVER RECEIVES THE TOP FOUR HIGHEST VOTES.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
West University Place City Council
KEY : *Incumbent
Nicholas Stuart Occupation & experience: approximately 25-year nancial services professional, currently a managing director on the energy investment banking team … 832-880-2283
Clay Brett* Occupation & experience: attorney (Partner, Baker Botts); former principal
John Bertini Occupation & experience: urologist, member of seven board of directors, chairman of four, served on West University Place City Council, 2000 713-666-7632
John Barnes Occupation & experience: two-term council member; 22-year resident; 28-year
investor; one-term, City Council; one- term, ZBA https://claybrettforwestu.com
real estate attorney; president, Sentinel Club; eight- year Challenger volunteer https://johnbarnesforwestu.com
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
Our city needs three things: (1) leadership that prioritizes kids and seniors in West U, including improved pedestrian safety; (2) sound scal management of our upcoming capital projects, detailed on my website; and (3) a vision for West U that will leave our community better than where we found it.
There are merits to renovating and merits to rebuilding. Voters will decide. I will be focused on nancial stability and cost-e ective nancing. Finance is my expertise. Council needs to have this skill set.
Maintain and improve: police and re protection, solid waste and recycling, city hall responsiveness and infrastructure quality. Closely monitor city spending and be available to citizens to express their concerns.
Restoring transparency and accountability, enhancing resident safety and security, addressing and improving aging or inadequate water, sewage and drainage infrastructure, conserving city resources to avoid unnecessary tax increases, and continuing to promote a sense of community through support for seniors, parks and youth sports. Candidates running for a seat on West University Place’s City Council will not compete for a speci c position, but will be placed according to whoever receives the top four highest votes.
Matthew “Matt” Hart* Occupation & experience: West U City Council (since 2023); adjunct professor, University of Houston Law Center; corporate
Kalie Jackura Rainsberger Occupation & experience: mother, business consultant, project
My top priority is strengthening the community—ensuring West U remains a place where neighbors connect and belong. That means reliable police and infrastructure, proactive ood management, structured and unstructured community spaces for residents in all stages of life, and open communication so residents are informed and heard. Matthew “Mateo” Fisher Occupation & experience: corporate attorney, specializing in software licensing, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment https://mateo4westu.substack.com
manager, West U Citizens Academy, Centennial Committee, 19 years of residency https://kalieforcouncil.com
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50
nance attorney (private practice) ... https://matt-hart-for-west-u.com
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 more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/ voter-guide.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
We awarded a contract to improve our wastewater treatment plant, and that work will progress. I also want to invest to improve our city center facilities. Our water system is strong today, but we should execute plans for its safety, resiliency and e ciency for years to come.
Health and safety projects are essential and must be given priority. Police and re departments need su cient sta ng and facilities to protect residents, but, currently, key positions remain open and renovations to facilities are scheduled behind unnecessary building projects. Addressing known, at-risk infrastructure will ensure our water security and independence.
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
From the cover
Funding community growth
BY MELISSA ENAJE
Proposed civic center changes The long-term location for West U’s facilities are up for vote, including the community building, senior center and library.
On the ballot
RICEBLVD.
1
After several months of packed public meetings regarding West University Place’s Facilities Master Plan, City Council members o cially called the bond election in February. With some of West U’s facilities constructed over 80 years ago, city o cials rst identi ed space needs for each city department and created the long-term Facilities Master Plan in 2022. The FMP stated that the replacement or renovation of the city’s existing facilities were inevitable and not optimized to meet current and future demands. While the original plan was broken into four phases, only Phase 1 is under construction as of March, according to the city’s website. Phase 1 relocates the city’s public works building on Amherst Street to Westpark Drive in Houston. Voters will decide in May whether to advance Phase 2 of the master plan, which is now Proposition D. This involves replacing the community building, senior center and library and building a new civic center that combines all three facilities into one building, according to city o cials. Proposition D would also add green space and parking. Should the bond pass or not, city o cials said no further action has been taken for Phases 3 and 4, which include City Hall and public safety building renovations, respectively.
2
1 Senior Center and Community Building
MILTONST.
3
AMHERST ST.
N
The Community Building and Senior Center were built in 1941 and 1986, respectively.
Proposed community building, senior center and library*
3
PHOTOS BY CASSANDRA JENKINS COMMUNITY IMPACT
City-owned parking
2 Library
MILTONST.
Proposed building
AMHERST ST.
N
The library was added in 1961 and created an additional 5,564 square feet.
*NOTE: THE NEW BUILDING WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE CURRENT LOCATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING.
SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE COMMUNITY IMPACT
One more thing
Funding the project
Public input
Three additional propositions will be on the ballot to change the city’s charter.
The $15.07 million bond on the ballot is broken into two parts paid over 30 years, Finance Director Marie Kalka said. • $12.07 million for construction of Phase 2 • $3 million for community open space and park- ing around the proposed Phase 2 construction City o cials said if the bond passes, the 2025 tax rate will not be impacted. However, next year’s tax rate will increase by an undetermined amount. Kalka also said no additional funding has been approved for the master plan.
Residents continue to voice their opinions regarding the city’s development projects. One of them, Kay Bryan, wrote a letter for public comment at the Feb. 24 City Council meeting in opposition of Proposition D. “The number of citizens who have signed a petition protesting the radical rebuild plan decided on by a handful of people in city gov- ernment continues to rise,” Bryan said in the letter. “Almost every citizen who signed the petition was unaware of the plans to relocate, rebuild and destroy many city buildings.” Resident Edna Kelly said she is in favor of the new civic center. After moving to West U in 1971, she said over time the community has outgrown the library and the building’s functionality is outdated. “I understand they have between 40 and 60 people show up for story time ... so they are no longer able to have story time at the library. There isn’t room in any way. The re code wouldn’t allow it, so they have to meet about a block and a half away,” Kelly said.
Reduces the number of required City Council meetings to one each month, with the option to hold a second meeting. Current charter language: City Council shall hold at least two regular monthly meetings. Proposition A New city ordinances can be published in a newspaper within general circulation in West University Place. Current charter language: Before new city ordinances can take e ect, they are required to be published in the o cial City newspaper. City Council will directly appoint and manage the city secretary instead of the city manager. Current charter language: The city manager has the authority to appoint all department heads and the city secretary. Proposition C Proposition B
Tax rate impact to average West U home valued at $1.57 million
$0.24088
Current tax rate*
$143.28
Average annual tax bill impact
$3,582.07
Total tax bill impact over 30 years
*THE 2025 TAX RATE WILL NOT BE IMPACTED, HOWEVER, THE 2026 TAX RATE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BUT WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME.
SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE COMMUNITY IMPACT
19
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
Business
BY ASIA ARMOUR
Vera Mitchell (left) and Pete Mitchell bought, renovated and rebranded Under The Volcano in September 1989.
The bar and restaurant’s house-smoked, black-peppered salmon ($14) is served cold alongside Roma tomatoes, capers, a Remoulade sauce and crostini.
PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOUR COMMUNITY IMPACT
Under the Volcano specializes in authenticity
Drinks include a strawberry margarita ($12.25), the Red on Green ($11.75) and the Peruvian Pisco Sour ($11.25).
“We see [The Day of the Dead] here as a morbid thing, but it’s not really,” Vera Mitchell said. “It’s more about the way of passing to a di erent realm and how we communicate with the dead. [It’s about] the colorful part of it, ... It’s not a dark holiday.” It’s 5 o’clock somewhere All of the drinks at Under the Volcano are made from scratch. Drinks include a horseradish pome- granate margarita; the Green On Red—made with vanilla rum, red bell pepper, basil and citrus juices; and the Brazilian Caipirinha. In 2020, the bar added empanadas to the menu along with a Chilean salmon dish that’s smoked in-house, queso, tacos and churros.
Pete Mitchell met his wife and business partner Vera Mitchell at a craft beer bar in Dallas. The owner of The Ginger Man also owned a bar called The Volcano in Rice Village and asked Paul Mitchell to run it. The couple bought the bar from the owner when he moved back to the east coast and transformed it into Under The Volcano in
SOUTH BLVD.
September 1989. What’s in a name
BISSONNET ST.
Under the Volcano gets its name from a novel by Malcolm Lowry, which has themes that follow the Mexican holiday, Day of The Dead. When they opened the bar, The Mitchells aimed to avoid stereotypical caricatures of Mexico, instead focusing on a more honest and authentic portrayal.
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2349 Bissonnet St., Houston www.underthevolcanohouston.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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