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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 11 JULY 14 AUG. 9, 2023
HOME EDITION 2023
European-based co ee shop debuts in Houston pricing out Many residences in Fort Bend County continue to experience pandemic-era pressures on the housing market. Homes across the county have seen unprecedented increases in taxable value since 2020. HOME
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EDITION 2023
TAX CHANGES FROM 2020 23
Taxable value: +29.4% Tax bill*: +$1,315
Real estate data
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Taxable value: +25.5% Tax bill*: +$924
Taxable value: +25.7% Tax bill*: +$1,167
Leaders partner on $2.5M a ordable housing project
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Signi cant additions to annual tax bills came to several residences in the Sugar Land area, including properties protected by homestead exemptions limited to 10% increases in taxable value year over year.
JOE EDWARDS COMMUNITY IMPACT
*ESTIMATED BASED ON ADDED TAXABLE VALUE AND 2023 LOCAL TAX RATES
Tornado Burger serves whirlwind of avor
Fort Bend County property appraisals spike as state action stalls
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Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
BY JAKE MAGEE & DANIEL WEEKS
$47,500 in 1995. She said the house was originally in disarray, saying she intended to x up the house and gradually improve its condi- tion over time as she was able to a ord improvements. The property was initially valued at $65,010 in 1995. The latest 2023 appraised value was $222,340, or 242% higher. Hebert said the rapidly
rising values did not re ect the condition of the house, which still needs some major renovations, but her attempts to protest were denied. “When I went with all of these pic- tures and showed everything, I was told, verbatim quote: ‘It’s not our fault you don’t maintain your prop- erty,’” she said. CONTINUED ON 18
Appraised property values are continuing to skyrocket across the Greater Houston area due to pandemic-era economic conditions, putting many residents in a bind, such as Sugar Land-area home- owner Claire Hebert. Hebert said her home’s value has increased since she purchased it for
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JULY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Martinez EDITOR Daniel Weeks REPORTER Joe Edwards GRAPHIC DESIGNER La’Toya Smith ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Christina Goodwin METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Scha er COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281 469 6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES slmnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING slmads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron 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. ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM DANIEL: Hi, readers! I’m Daniel, your new Sugar Land and Missouri City editor. Our July issue is the Home Edition—which is full of the same useful, hyperlocal content you’ve come to expect from Community Impact —but this time with a larger focus on residential properties. Some of the content you’ll nd in this paper includes a conversation with a local business on how to best boost a home’s interior air and a breakdown of the latest real estate market trends. Additionally, this edition includes a deep dive into how rising property values are a ecting locals and how potential state legislation may drastically change your property taxes. The story features comments and polling from community members. If you want your voice heard in future, be sure to subscribe to our daily newsletter to stay up to date on how we’re directly engaging with our readers. I greatly look forward to serving the Sugar Land and Missouri City areas with the highest-quality hyperlocal coverage and further connecting with this community. Reach out to me at dweeks@communityimpact.com if you have any tips or suggestions on our coverage. Daniel Weeks, EDITOR
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JULY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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4 Simple Simon’s Pizza , an Oklaho- ma-based chain with over 230 locations, opened June 29 at 13802 FM 1464, Richmond. The restaurant serves a variety of specialty pizzas, such as the cheese- burger or chicken bacon ranch options, alongside a selection of stromboli and calzones. Their unique “pizzadillas” are popular among customers who can appre- ciate an Italian-Mexican fusion. A range of chicken wing flavors and sweet desserts, such as the apple cinnamon pizza, are also available. Keto bowls and keto crust pizzas are offered for customers trying to main- tain their diets. Customers can order their pizza favorites online or in person through the chain’s website. 281-302-6662. www.simplesimonspizza.com 5 Volcano Hot Pot & BBQ has official- ly opened at 3434 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land, after celebrating its soft opening March 20. According to the website, the new restaurant aims to bring “relaxing, unique, modern hot pot cuisine” to The Shops at Williams Trace. Volcano Hot Pot & BBQ focuses exclusively on perfecting the art of hot pot while offering new flavor variations and fusions. The chain has seven total loca- tions across the country, including the new location at The Shops at Williams Trace. 281-201-2629. www.volcanohotpot.com COMING SOON 6 Bombshells , a military-themed restaurant and bar, recently announced via social media the upcoming opening of its newest Stafford location slated for early July at 12815 Southwest Freeway. The new Bombshells establishment will provide a meticulously designed venue, blending a lively sports bar atmosphere
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NOW OPEN 1 American Family Care Urgent Care held a grand opening for a new location April 10 at 3551 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land. The services offered include X-ray imaging; laboratory testing; drug screening; various types of physical examinations, including U.S. Department of Transpor- tation exams; and more, according to the company website. AFC Urgent Care readily accepts various insurance carriers. The new location offers walk-in services along with the ability to book appoint- ments online or by phone. 281-277-0036.
3 A new Shake Shack location opened June 22 at 2515 Town Center Blvd N., Sugar Land. The popular chain’s menu features several classic burgers, such as the Avocado Bacon Burger and the SmokeShack Angus. Flat-top hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and crinkle-cut fry combos also complement the menu. The restaurant serves a wide selection of shakes, frozen custards and lemon- ade mixes that may be ordered online or in person. Vegetarian options such as the ‘Shroom Burger are also readily available for customers. 346-521-2551. www.shakeshack.com
www.afcurgentcare.com/sugar-land 2 Red River Cantina opened in April in Richmond at 19220 W. Bellfort Blvd. This second location owned by the compa- ny prides itself on high-quality fajitas alongside an array of Tex-Mex dining favorites. Margarita lovers may enjoy the mix-and-match menu, where customers can hand-select tequilas and toppings to their specifications. Under the same ownership, Red River Bar-B-Que & Grill opened a Katy location and recently expanded to League City alongside the original Red River Cantina. 346-279-1192. www.redrivercantina.com
D.R. HORTON AMERICA’S BUILDER Home for every stage in life. SM Now Open: Caldwell Ranch
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Prices Starting in the $270K’s
Zoned to highly rated FBISD schools
MODEL HOMES OPEN NOW IN CALDWELL RANCH
Call: 281-746-6212 | Email: HoustonSoutheastOSC@drhorton.com
Prices, plans, features and options are subject to change without notice. Prices shown are based on home prices and do not include costs and fees, modifications to plans and custom features which may substantially affect final cost of home. Please check accuracy of information provided with your sales agent prior to purchasing. Features noted above could be plan or lot specific. Pictures, photographs/renderings, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change at any time without notice or obligation. Square footage is approximate only. Additional restrictions may apply. Furnishings and decorative items not included with home purchase. Artist renderings only. Subject to change. Schools, districts and zoning are outside of D.R. Horton, Inc.’s control and subject to change at any time. Buyer should conduct his or her own investigation of the present and future availability of school districts and school assignments. Seller has no control or responsibility for any changes to school districts or school assignments should they occur in the future. 11/2022.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR, JOE EDWARDS & MELISSA ENAJE
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Mochinut
Life Time Fitness
COURTESY MOCHINUT
COURTESY LIFE TIME FITNESS
with an American classic cuisine-themed menu alongside a vast beer selection. According to its website, the Stafford location will feature state-of-the-art audio and video systems. Interactive games, such as billiards, darts and arcade machines, will also be available for all ages. www.4bombshells.com 7 Maple Street Biscuit Company is expected to open mid-July at 4836 Waterview Town Center Drive, Ste. 300, Richmond. The restaurant prides itself on the motto “comfort food with a modern twist.” Fresh-made biscuit sandwiches are a crowd favorite along- side the variety of waffles and chicken strip baskets. Fresh-squeezed mimosas and an ample coffee menu will also be offered. The popular “Fritaffles” will be on the menu, a unique waffle-iron-baked omelet that may be customized to each customer’s satisfaction. 346-620-6001. www.maplestreetbiscuits.com 8 Mochinut , the popular doughnut franchise, will open its fifth Houston-area location at 18806 Noble Seven Lane, Sugar Land, with a planned public open- ing to commence by the end of summer. In addition to the classic doughnuts and signature Mochi Donut, which is avail- able in 25 different flavors, the menu features mochinut balls and canned boba drinks. Mochinut is also renowned for its creatively crusted Korean-style hot dogs, including popular variations like crispy ramen and Hot Cheetos. The international chain also has locations in Pearland and Katy. www.mochinut.com 9 PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans is set to open in late September at 1021 Lake Olympia Parkway, Missouri City. The ex-
tensive coffee menu includes a wide array of unique espresso variations alongside a large selection of teas. The new coffee shop also offers a variety of unique fla- vors, such as Southern Wedding Cake Iced Lattes. Construction for PJ’s Coffee at the Commons on Lake Olympia is slated for an Aug. 31 completion date, according to project documents. www.pjscoffee.com 10 Uptown Cheapskate , a buyback retail clothing store, will bring one of its newest locations to 13574 University Blvd., Ste. 500, Sugar Land. The store offers customers an opportunity to buy and sell their appreciated vintage or lightly used clothing through their brick-and-mortar locations. Uptown Cheapskate offers a consignment program for high-end luxury brands, such as Gucci or Louis Vuitton. 832-344-3833. www.uptowncheapskate.com EXPANSIONS 11 Life Time Fitness in Sugar Land, located at 1331 Hwy. 6, is set to undergo renovations to add pickleball courts to its luxury athletics club, according to recent project filings. The club will receive 13 new pickleball courts with fencing result- ing in an additional 28,000 square feet. Construction of these additions will con- clude in October, according to the filings. 281-340-3100. www.lifetime.life
Guests at the European coffee house Coffee Fellows can choose from coffees, teas, bowls and breakfast options, including bagel sandwiches and pastries, according to a news release. (Courtesy Andrew Hemingway/Coffee Fellows)
FEATURED IMPACT WORTH THE TRIP O cials with the German-based craft co ee shop Co ee Fellows announced the opening of the rst American location and agship store in Bellaire on June 14. Located at 4900 Bissonnet St., Ste. 100, Bellaire, guests can expect a European-style co ee house experience, according to a news release. O erings include co ees, teas, smoothies, breakfast bagels, sandwiches and a variety of salads. The store also o ers vegan options and currently serves summer specials, according to the o cial website. The CEO of Co ee Fellows North America, Daniel Ogbonna, will work alongside Chief Operating O cer Chris Fannin to help oversee the German chain’s expansion throughout the United States. Fannin is the former president of the popular Houston eatery Common Bond Bistro & Bakery, which opened its rst two locations in 2020 in the Houston Heights. “Houston is a co ee-loving town, and we are excited that Co ee Fellows’ U.S. expansion is starting here,” Fannin said in a news release. “We
are pleased that we’ll be roasting our co ee and sourcing our produce locally, to create a fresh, original menu that supports the community.” Co ee Fellows started in Munich, Germany, in 1999 and now operates 230 stores in Germany, Europe and Mongolia. As far as the company’s U.S. expansion, three additional Greater Houston locations are expected to open in the late summer and early fall, according to o cials. Hours are Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. 713-677-0418. www.co eefellows.com
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JULY 2023
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES City aims to reduce Lake Olympia Parkway congestion
COMPILED BY JOE EDWARDS & RENEE FARMER
UPCOMING PROJECTS
A solution to the traffic congestion problem on Lake Olympia Parkway is on the horizon, Missouri City
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officials said. The overview
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On June 5, a special Missouri City City Council meeting focused on assessing the feasibility of imple- menting either traffic signals or roundabouts along the parkway. Assistant City Engineer Marcus Snell presented the findings of a traffic signal warrant study conducted in the previous fiscal year, which aimed to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the congestion issue. The approach A 2021 traffic study conducted by the city emphasized the importance of improving traffic flow along Lake Olympia Parkway. City Council eval- uated roundabout and traffic signal options for three intersections: Crow Valley Drive, Peninsulas Drive and Misty Hollow Drive.
Missouri City park and ride On May 25, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County board of directors agreed to sign a 40-year con- tract with NewQuest Properties for a park and ride facility at Hwy. 6 and the Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road. METRO will lease the park and ride garage from NewQuest, who will build the facility in Fort Bend Town Center III, NewQuest’s third phase of the Fort Bend Town Center development. METRO will pay $325,000 annual rent for the ground use for the 1,750-space parking garage. Timeline: TBD-first quarter 2025 Cost: $59.8 million Funding source: METRO
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Factors such as projected traffic growth, general safety and pedestrian flow were all considered. After assessing right-of-way acqui- sition needs, construction delays and overall costs, the city determined installing traffic signals with turn lanes would be the most efficient and cost-effective solution. Snell estimates total construction of the new traffic signals will cost around $1.7 million and take approxi- mately six months to complete. “We did notice that Misty Hollow
traffic has some considerably long wait times for an intersection its size,” Snell said. Quote of note “Residents concur with our approach. In general, the Lake Olym- pia Homeowners Association was very supportive,” Snell said, when asked about the community out- reach conducted to survey responses about the construction.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JUNE 28. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SLMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JULY 2023
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CITY & COUNTY
News from Sugar Land & Fort Bend County
Sugar Land City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. July 18 at 2700 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land. Meetings are livestreamed and in person. 281-275-2900. www.sugarlandtx.gov Fort Bend County Commissioners Court will meet at 1 p.m. July 25 and Aug. 8 at 401 Jackson St., Richmond. Meetings are livestreamed. 281-342-3411. www.fortbendcountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER SUGAR LAND At a June 20 City Council meeting, council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for an animal services boarding and day care facility called Dogtopia. The conditional approval for this facility comes at a time when Sugar Land Animal Services is combating a severe capacity and infrastructure crisis. FORT BEND COUNTY Commissioners approved two grants from the Texas Department of Transportation at a June 27 meeting that will fund public transportation initiatives and programs in Fort Bend County that will be developed in the near future. These grants may potentially be applied to an emergency network monitoring system program. The county approved the first grant for $353,320 with no local match required, and the second amounted to $454,135. For the latter, a proposed state match of $294,144 was included for fiscal year 2023-24. NUMBER TO KNOW has been raised for Cullinan Park improvements since its annexation in 2016. $2.8M HIGHLIGHTS FORT BEND COUNTY To partially fund its $495 million liability for retiree health care, on June 13 Fort Bend County commissioners approved a $19.94 million deposit into the other post-employment benefit, or OPEB, trust fund. The OPEB fund provides payment for doctor visits, emergency care and prescription costs for all county employees working toward retirement health care benefits as well as all retirees and their spouses. The OPEB trust, which was established in January, now holds $25.54 million toward the county’s post-employment benefits. Attention turned to the outstanding OPEB debt in the first quarter of this year, while commissioners discussed the possibility of a November mobility and parks bond as well as a short- term housing solution for residents who are at risk of homelessness.
Cullinan Park project advances into second phase
BY JOE EDWARDS
the city of Sugar Land. These improvements also aim to ensure the preservation of the park’s existing native hardwood trees, according to the release. This phase will improve access for the future third phase of improvements, including the development of a nature play and exploration area, according to the release. Under this agreement, the city assumes responsibility for park secu- rity, maintenance and operations, and management of design and construc- tion projects, while the conservancy focuses on fundraising. Quote of note “Over the past five years, we have witnessed a yearly increase of more than 26% in park visits,” said Joe Chesser, director of parks and recreation. “It has quickly become a sought-after regional destination for experiencing nature. To provide a comparison, Cullinan Park is similar in size, albeit slightly smaller than, Central Park in New York City.”
PARK IMPROVEMENTS The second phase of improvements to Cullinan Park will partially be funded by a recent donation.
SUGAR LAND New developments and infrastructure changes, including public trails and a nature exploration area, are soon coming to Cullinan Park. What’s happening Sugar Land City Council announced on June 21 an approved donation of $90,000 from the Cullinan Park Conservancy. The dona- tion aims to fund the second phase of improvements at Cullinan Park, focusing on enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The funds will be utilized for various aspects of the project, including the addition of site furnishings and a trailhead monument. The details One of the key features of this phase is the construction of 1.2 miles of trails made from concrete and decomposed granite. Additionally, two parking lots with a total of 75 spaces will be available for use, according to a news release from
1.2 miles of new trails
75 new parking spaces
Hardwood tree conservation
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING “The Cullinan Park improvements have truly showcased an exceptional partnership. Our alliance with the conservancy has greatly contributed to the preservation and accessibility of this remarkable natural attraction.” JOE CHESSER, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION IN SUGAR LAND
City Council rezones Commerce Green Plaza
90A
BY JOE EDWARDS
economic environment and surround- ing land uses. The details The proposed B1 zoning aligns with the future land use map, which designates the area as part of the regional activity center. All requirements for the public hearing were fulfilled, including posting a sign on-site and sending mailers to residents living within a 200-foot radius. No objections have been raised by the public thus far, Waller said. Property owners near the plaza were previously notified about the rezoning, with their locations highlighted on a map provided to the council. Council Member Stewart Jacobson took the opportunity to inquire about the nature of a neighborhood business zoning classification. Laura Waller explained that B1 zon- ing allows for “lower intensity retail activities,” such as grocery stores,
SUGAR LAND City Council unan- imously approved rezoning for Commerce Green Plaza, boosting hopes for future development in the area officials say is in urgent need
REZONED PLAT
of revitalization. Current situation
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The plaza, situated at the corner of the intersection of Hwy. 90A and Commerce Green Boulevard, has been zoned as business offices pre- dominantly since its establishment in 2010. During the meeting, Laura Waller, a representative from the Sugar Land Planning Department, provided details about the property and its sur- roundings. The neighboring areas con- sist of general businesses to the east, primarily single-family residences to the west and mainly business offices to the south, Waller said. Considering these factors, the planning department recommended B1 zoning to align with the existing
salons, animal boarding facilities and small-scale restaurants, up to 5,000 square feet. The Sugar Land City Council was quick to unanimously approve the rezoning of Commerce Green Plaza, hoping the decision will promote future growth and more business opportunities within the area. Get involved Residents can visit the Sugar Land City Council website for comprehen- sive City Council agendas, applica- tions for public comment periods and livestreamed City Council meetings.
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JULY 2023
Coming Fall 2023!
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2023
HOME EDITION
COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
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ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE HOME EDUCATION COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. VISIT
REAL ESTATE DATA
COMPILED BY KELLY SCHAFLER
2022-23 Sugar Land and Missouri City real estate market at a glance Fewer homes were sold in the Sugar Land and Missouri City area from June 2022-May 2023 compared to the same time span the previous year. However, the average home price increased in all ve area ZIP codes, and homes spent more time on the market.
90
77459 77478 77479
77489 77498
99 TOLL
59
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SOURCES: ALINA ROGERS, SPARROW REALTY, FREDDIE MAC COMMUNITY IMPACT
Number of homes sold
N
June 2021-May 2022
June 2022-May 2023
Average home sales price
June 2021-May 2022
June 2022-May 2023
77459
77489
$447,777
$239,502 $227,157
+8.7%
+5.43%
$486,625
77478
77498
$419,477
$340,185
+17.05%
+6.43%
$491,014
$362,063
77479
$526,873
77459
77478
77479
77489
77498
+11.84%
$589,254
National mortgage rate data After staying relatively at the rst two years of the pandemic, mortgage rates have sharply risen since early 2022, peaking Nov. 10 of last year before seeing some decline the last six months. 30-year xed-rate mortgage 15-year xed-rate mortgage
Average days on market
June 2021-May 2022
June 2022-May 2023
8%
6.48%
6%
3.72%
3.22%
2.65%
4%
5.73%
0 2%
3.16%
2.16%
2.43%
January 2020
January 2021
January 2022
January 2023
77459
77478
77479
77489
77498
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JULY 2023
GOVERNMENT County o cials, nonpro ts partner on $2.5M a ordable housing project
DEVELOPMENT New partnership sparks hope for historic Imperial Sugar’s landmark restoration
2023 HOME EDITION
“FORT BEND COUNTY PRIORITIZES PEOPLE. THEY PUT PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICS, AND THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL.” RON REYNOLDS, DISTRICT 27 STATE REPRESENTATIVE
BY JOE EDWARDS
director of the Sugar Land O ce of Economic Development, via email. The approach The undertaking includes a range of additions, including retail spaces, o ces, multifamily units and the potential addition of a boutique hotel, according to the release. The property’s historic structures, such as the eight-story Char House, the “three-bay” warehouse, the engineering building, the water tower and the smokestacks of the old power plant, will be repurposed to maintain their legacy, per the release. Zooming in Mark Toon, CEO of PUMA Develop- ment, said via email the Sugar Land site is as an ideal location to establish a community that celebrates the past and embraces the future. Once the existing buildings are repurposed, PUMA and Colliers will
BY ASIA ARMOUR
The Imperial Sugar Factory may nally see new developments in the near future with a new collaboration. Current situation PUMA Development Company, in collaboration with the city of Sugar Land and Colliers Company, announced a partnership for the redevelopment and leasing of the Imperial Sugar Company site, accord- ing to a June 19 news release. While the redevelopment project is temporarily named “Project Sugar,” the community will be included in the future naming process as the mixed-use redevelopment unfolds across 40 acres. “The city of Sugar Land is thrilled to be working with a dedicated partner, whose commitment to the preservation of the historic district is closely aligned with our primary focus,” said Devon Rodriguez, deputy
“This day has been a long time coming, but it’s just the beginning of new programs,” Gro said. At a June 14 news conference, Gro stood alongside County Judge KP George, Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy, District 27 state Rep. Ron Reynolds, nonpro t leaders and other Fort Bend County o cials to discuss the details of this initiative. Zooming in Shannan Stavinoha, executive director of Parks Youth Ranch, a nonpro t that provides emergency shelter and counseling to abused and neglected youth, said the $2.5 million will be used to create a bridge-gap service center. The service center will connect residents at risk of losing their housing with employment assistance, tempo- rary housing, behavioral health care, medical care and other resources
Aaron Gro , Fulshear mayor and vice president of Attack Poverty, anticipates the October opening of a $2.5 million service center to provide resources to Fort Bend County resi- dents experiencing housing insecurity. The overview These American Rescue Plan Act dollars were dedicated to the housing initiative at a June 13 Commissioners Court meeting in a unanimous vote. The resource center, which will be centrally located in Rosenberg along a bus route, is the rst phase of a collab- orative a ordable housing solution in the county, Gro said. This comes after a February proposal by a group of nonpro ts to utilize $53.45 million in unspent federal relief funds as seed money for a multiphased housing project to address the county’s homelessness.
This rendering showcases some of the potential changes Sugar Land residents might see at the historic Char House site. (Rendering courtesy Sugar Land)
Local o cials and nonpro ts discussed an a ordable housing initiative at a June 14 press conference. (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
focus on attracting restaurants and retail brands to the development, per the news release. Toon has estimated the project cost to be about $1 billion, but not all of the cost will be taken on by PUMA Development, as previously reported by Community Impact. Additionally, construction on the Char House is expected to begin in late 2023 and end in 2025, following City Council’s consideration and approval of the nal development plan late this summer, Sugar Land
Communications Director Doug Adolph said via email. The outlook Rodriguez expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the shared dedication to preserving the historic district and creating a development that sets a precedent for future generations. “We look forward to building a development that trailblazes for future generations of Sugar Landers,” she said.
needed to sustain housing. “The idea is to get in front of families who are unstable in hous- ing, [who] are that one paycheck away [from losing their housing],” Stavinoha said. Diving in deeper O cials agreed that this housing solution will address the root causes of homelessness and empower the community to go beyond
temporary housing and move toward long-term sustainability. Nonpro t Attack Poverty col- laborates with local organizations, churches and residents to create community programs. “This is not just a project that we were putting together for tomorrow,” Attack Poverty CEO Brandon Baca said. “This is a project that we’re putting together that will sustain the impact on these individuals.”
SUGAR LAND 3335 HWY 6 S (281) 313-4446 MISSOURI CITY 5418 HWY 6 (281) 403-0400
SUGAR CREEK 13827 Southwest Fwy (281) 491-8628 SIENNA PLANTATION 9034 Sienna Crossing Dr (281) 778-9959
NEW TERRITORY 5720 New Territory Blvd (281) 491-0811
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
GUIDE
Local businesses o er home improvement tips
2023 HOME EDITION
HOME IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
ASK A HOME STAGER
Jenn Neitzey is an accredited staging design professional who started Dream Team Home Staging at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COMPILED BY JOE EDWARDS & RACHEL LELAND
WHAT INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING? So this shift is to more creamy neutrals, more textures and using that to enhance the space rather than bright, bold colors. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VACANT AND AN OCCUPIED STAGING? An occupied stage means that the homeowners will still live in the home while it’s trying to be on the market. So an occupied staging could mean that the stager would just be coming in and bringing accessories and art. Or say it’s a young family and they were using their dining room as a playroom and they need a dining room set to be brought in. A vacant staging would mean that the homeowner has already moved out and there’s nothing left in the home. So stagers would come in with our furniture … and rugs and accessories and just create the space with our things only. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PRICE RANGE consultation is approximately $225 for the stager to come in as well as give a written report back so the homeowners have a checklist as to what to do to get the home ready. FOR YOUR STAGING SERVICES? So I would say a typical staging If you’re talking about an occupied home, that has a range because it just depends on the number of items that you’re bringing in. So, it could go anywhere from $500 to $4,000. It’s just a really big range depending on what’s there. A vacant stage would typically be a living room, dining room, the primary bedroom and then accessories in the kitchen and bathrooms, and that starts around $3,000. Dream Team Home Staging 281-507-2696 www.dreamteamhomestaging.com www.instagram.com/dreamteamstaging www.facebook.com/dthomestaging
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST VALUE IN HOME STAGING FOR HOMEOWNERS LOOKING TO PUT THEIR HOME ON THE MARKET? If your home is staged when buyers come in, they’re actually able to see themselves in the house rather than you. Sellers have their own personal design idea, which is important when you’re living in a house. But if you’re trying to sell a house, you want to depersonalize it as much as possible and create a space that is approachable for a variety of buyers. It also helps sellers to start the process of kind of preparing themselves for the move. So I like to say “prepacking” rather than “decluttering” because really, you’re just getting yourself ready. So you can identify, “Well, yes, I’m going to keep these things, but I’m going to actually donate these other things.” WHAT SHOULD HOMEOWNERS PREPARE FOR WHEN WORKING WITH A HOME STAGER? I mean, honestly, there’s no prep to working with the stager. A stager will come in and take the sellers room by room and give them suggestions and ideas of what to prepack and possibly what a stager could bring in to enhance that space. So [sellers] don’t have to prepare for the stager; it’s the stager that helps them prepare to move. IF THE SELLER ONLY HAS THE BUDGET TO STAGE ONE ROOM, WHICH SHOULD THEY PRIORITIZE? We recommend always the main living spaces, so that would be your living room, your dining room and the kitchen area, as well as the primary bedroom. The buyers are the ones who will be in the primary bedroom, so you want them to see that it’s a beautiful space. Another thing is, with so many people working from home after the pandemic, it’s wonderful if there’s a dedicated o ce space, but if there’s not, it’s a good idea to transform a secondary bedroom into an o ce to show that it’s possible.
ASK AN ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGNER
Corrie Hartman, general manager of Closets by Design in Sta ord, shared her insight and advice on how her business can turn a home into an organized oasis.
there’s a three-day mandatory holding period where they can cancel without any charge. Then about three to ve days prior to installation, we cut the job in our factory here, and then we bring it out the day of their installation. We will always work with the customer until they’re fully satis ed with their product. HOW DO YOU STAY ON TOP OF THE TRENDS AND POPULAR FINISHES WITHIN THE DESIGN INDUSTRY? Well due to the fact that we’re a large franchise organization, we actually have global purchasing power through all of the leading vendors. So, as our vendors are making new o erings—whether that’s hardware or wood colors or what have you—they are coming in promoting that to us. ... If they asked us for something custom, even if it’s not in our catalog, or in our showroom, we will do everything we can to try to satisfy their request. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WANT THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT CLOSETS BY DESIGN IN STAFFORD? We are a full-service company, we’re based in Sta ord, we sell, produce and install all from this location, and we’re family owned and operated. Our motto is “imagine your home fully organized.” Sure, we do closets, but we do o ces, garages, wall beds, laundries, mud rooms and even entertainment centers. Our carpenters can do really anything; they are amazing.
WHAT TYPES OF CLIENTS SEEK OUT HELP FROM CLOSETS BY DESIGN? It’s really a big mix. We do have a lot of customers who are building a brand new home, and they’ll literally tell their builders not to put closets and that they’re going to have them done custom. We have people that are doing renovations. We also do spaces for rentals. ... So they’ll say, ‘Come build me some closet systems,’ and we’ll put a custom lock system in so we can keep our personal possessions locked up for when the renters are here. ... The nal type of client’s reasoning to seek our help would be that sometimes people will put new closet areas in to increase the value of their home if they are planning to sell soon. DESCRIBE THE CONSULTATION AND DESIGN PROCESS FOR HOMEOWNERS SEEKING HELP. We provide a free in-home design consultation, where we meet with a customer at their home or place of employment. The client will show us the space that they want us to give them a design for, and we take into account their ideas because a lot of times people see things on Pinterest or everyday life that inspires them for their own space. We will provide clients with the design and the cost estimate while we’re there. Then once it comes into the o ce,
Corrie Hartman General Manager Closets by Design 12603 Executive Drive, Ste. 810, Sta ord 832-476-6228 www.closetsbydesign.com
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JULY 2023
CONTINUED FROM 1
After a signi cant spike in residential values in 2022, spring 2023 appraised values indicated an overall increase in Fort Bend County property values by 15%, with some areas experiencing even larger spikes. Value spikes
not be inheriting anything.” Missouri City resident Jim White said in an email that high property taxes are pricing him and his family out of his home. He said hikes in his home’s value are making it increasingly di cult to support his son’s medical expenses. “We don’t have money for meat of any kind so we eat cheaper vegetables,” he said. “If meds are over 10 bucks we The state House and Senate each introduced bills in late June with di erent methods for reducing prop- erty tax bills. An agreement has not been reached between chambers as of press time. Lawmakers led House Bill 1 in the legislative session to cap appraisal increases at 5% annually and reduce school district tax rates by 16.2 cents for two years, which are typically the highest-taxing entity for many Houston-area taxpayers. don’t take them.” Legislative e orts Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1 proposed a 10-cent reduction in school district tax rates. Additionally, senators proposed raising the homestead exemption to $100,000. Both chambers also pro- posed resolutions allowing Texans to vote on the tax cuts in November. “Taxpayers are waiting for their tax cut, and the clock is ticking,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Senate, about the Senate proposals. For the rst special session that ran May 29-June 27, Gov. Greg Abbott directed both chambers to come up with a property tax relief plan that will reduce the school district tax rate— since that was the only thing both chambers originally proposed. The sec- ond special session began June 27. Fort Bend ISD Deputy Superinten- dent Steven Bassett said both proposed
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NEW TERRITORY BLVD.
90
LEXINGTON BLVD.
1
1092
SWEETWATER BLVD.
AUSTIN PKWY.
2
99 TOLL
3
PALM ROYAL BLVD.
L
O M M O
E
6
UNIVERSITY BLVD.
4
+60.3% change in appraised residential property values in Fort Bend County from 2020 to 2023. FORT BEND COUNTY RESIDENTIAL VALUES
LAKE OLYMPIA PKWY.
N
NEW TERRITORY
SWEET WATER
HERITAGE COLONY
OYSTER CREEK
1
2
3
4
.
$200 $150 $250 $100
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
$50
$0
2021 2022 2023
2021 2022 2023
2021 2022 2023
2021 2022 2023
SOURCES: HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, FORT BEND CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, GALVESTON COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR COMMUNITY IMPACT
Residential property values in Fort Bend County have risen since the pan- demic began in 2020. Since then, an average home value with no home- stead exemption could have seen a 60.3% increase, according to Fort Bend Central Appraisal District annual appraisal data. To address this problem of rapidly rising taxable values for homes, the state House and Senate each intro- duced separate bills in the 88th Legis- lature to reduce property taxes. As of press time, the two chambers have not agreed on a compromise bill to send to the governor’s desk for a signature. Houston Association of Realtors Chair Cathy Treviño said the current market and economic situation is
causing pressure on homeowners, buy- ers and sellers alike. “Prices [and] in ation and things like that … are all going up, and sala- ries aren’t unfortunately going up as quickly,” she said. Upward trends Home values are rising due to an unprecedented combination of pres- sures on the economy, including fed- eral o cials’ move to raise interest rates, which has added increased mort- gage payments, Treviño said. According to HAR data, several sub- divisions in Sugar Land and Missouri City are at the highest average price per square foot on record, including the New Territory, Sweet Water, Heritage
Colony and Oyster Creek subdivisions. In an unscienti c web survey con- ducted from June 15-22 by Commu- nity Impact , Sugar Land residents in the survey indicated having to make spending adjustments to account for rising home values. They reported hav- ing less disposable income and spend- ing less on food and medicine. Hebert, who describes herself as a single person who bought a “ xer-up- per,” said her taxes have risen to the point where she fears she will be priced out of her home and be unable to pass the property down to her children. “For people who are lower middle class, or even lower, it’s a pretty big life changing event to inherit property,” she said. “Well, my two children will
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