Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | May 2023

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 MAY 6JUNE 5, 2023

Mandito’s Tex Mex eatery debuts in Houston

METRO picks alignment for University corridor

Transportation updates

INSIDE 14

A petition is circulating through Houston that aims to force a restructuring of the board of directors for the Houston-Galveston Area Council, a metropolitan planning organization that prioritizes funding for a wide variety of projects and programs in the 13-county Greater Houston area.

The Raven Grill owners celebrate 25 years

A change could be coming to Houston that gives the city more say in local funding allocations. (Leah Foreman/Community Impact)

West U upgrades Colonial Park pool

Bellaire considers changes to noise, lighting ordinances

BY MELISSA ENAJE

The city of Bellaire received 134 noise complaints in 2022, down from 180 complaints led in 2021. City ocials are looking at whether changes need to be made to existing noise ordinances. How it started

Noise complaints led with the city of Bellaire

City & county

At the end of a typical work week, Bellaire resident Christina Stone prepares for the weekend at home. As Friday evening comes to an end, an early Saturday morning routine commences—the sound of dump- sters being emptied at 4 a.m. “We have a noise ordinance; I think it’s 7 a.m.,” Stone said. “If they come at 7 a.m. and I’m still asleep and they wake me up, that’s OK because that’s in compliance with

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

200

180

150

134

100

*DATA STARTS IN JUNE 2020 **DATA AS OF APRIL 7, 2023

SOURCE: CITY OF BELLAIRE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

2020* 2021

2022 2023**

CONTINUED ON 16

without joint pain KEEP YOU MOVING

Live life without joint pain. At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes: • Innovative pain control methods

Memorial City

• Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion • The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time

Bellaire

Texas Medical Center

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/jointpain 713.441.9000

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Miller Outdoor Theatre has delighted generations of audiences for 100 years with the best in performing arts entertainment. And every performance free. JOIN THE SEASON-LONG CELEBRATION. Enjoy eight months of the best music, dance, theatre

and more. Plus, celebratory events throughout the year packed with fun for the whole family. With enough time to roll down the hill. milleroutdoortheatre.com/celebratemiller

MAY 12 — HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILLER! Let’s celebrate together with a larger-than-life birthday cake with slices for all served during intermission. Make memories with a photo in the 7-foot cake. And sign the giant Miller card, starting at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m. Houston Ballet presents George Balanchine’s Jewels.

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • MAY 2023

For nearly sixty years we’ve provided essential care for the place we call home. Saving lives in the middle of the night at a nationally renowned trauma center. Delivering at-risk babies against all odds, from all across the county.

You might not know our name. And that’s okay.

YOU’LL KNOW US BY THE WORK WE DO.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Jay McMahon SENIOR EDITOR Shawn Arrajj REPORTER Melissa Enaje GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jatziri Garcia ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Holly Nunez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Schaer COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES bmwnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING bmwads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter 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

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM JAY: May is here, which means the school year is coming to an end, and the summer months are just around the corner. We here at Community Impact will continue to deliver our readers hyperlocal news that matters to you and your neighborhood. We love the feedback we receive and urge you to reach out and let us know how we can deliver on our continued promise. Please check out our Marketplace section starting on Page 18 for local shopping, businesses, services and restaurants to support in your backyard. Jay McMahon, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM SHAWN: The November 2023 election is around the corner, and it’s not just the mayoral race that will be on ballots in Houston. Our front-page story this month takes a look at one of several charter amendments voters may get the chance to decide on. This one relates to Houston’s relationship with its metropolitan planning organization, the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Check out Pages 14-15 for an explainer on what the H-GAC is, how it works alongside cities like Houston to address transportation and infrastructure needs, and what local activists are looking to change. Shawn Arrajj, SENIOR EDITOR

What does SWAG stand for? “Stu We All Get” as CI Patrons

communityimpact.com

@impactnewshtxmetro

@impactnews_bmw

linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

@communityimpacthouston

We've teamed up to bring you more of the stories you care about.

Proudly printed by

Sydney Womack

Call or Scan Here for a FREE CONSULTATION

• Car Accidents • Trucking Accident • Work Injury

• Medical Malpractice • Wernicke • Wills & Estates

Attorney Meyerland Resident

(713) 322-9993 • www.WomackTrialLawyers.com • Se Habla Español

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • MAY 2023

A LIFE WELL LIVED. A LIFE WELL EARNED.

Experience the highest levels of hospitality and care at Belmont Village. Through collaboration with top healthcare institutions and universities like the University of Texas Health Science Center, our evidence-based health and wellness programs keep seniors thriving.

BelmontVillage.com/WestUniversity | 832-583-2925

WEST UNIVERSITY

Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care Licensed nurse on-site 24/7 | Urgent care telehealth Dedicated Alzheimer’s care | Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

IKEA Family members save 5% in-store. † Every visit. Every day.

You’ll also get special offers, free in-store perks, price protection, and more. It’s free to join the IKEA Family club, and you’ll be saving in no time. Scan here or visit IKEA.us/family

Visit one of our five Texas locations today: IKEA Frisco and IKEA Grand Prairie (Dallas–Fort Worth), IKEA Round Rock (Austin), IKEA Houston, and IKEA Live Oak (San Antonio). Find us online at IKEA-USA.com

†Limited to qualifying purchases, exclusions apply. Not valid on services. Discount applied in-store only, before tax shipping, and handling. Cannot be combined with coupons. Visit IKEA-USA.com/AffordMore for full details.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

W E S T H E I

R I C H

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

HERMANN PARK

Mandito's

BELLAIRE BLVD.

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

COURTESY KIRSTEN GILLIAM

610

ping Center at 5300 N. Braeswood Blvd., Houston. Shoppers will find seasonal produce, fresh meats, grab-and-go meals and fresh tortillas. The chain provides food products, including packaged and fresh goods, to restaurant owners and other food-service professionals. The Meyerland location is one of six new stores coming to the Houston area. 346-453-4501. www.gfsstore.com EXPANSIONS 7 Kido Rice Village , a preschool and day care center located at 2329 Bissonnet St., Houston, is expanding this summer with a new infant center under construc- tion next door at 2317 Bissonnet St., Houston. The business will serve infants from 6 weeks old to 18 months old. Kido is an international educational institu- tion, and the first school opened in Hong Kong in 2014. The Rice Village location includes an indoor and outdoor play area. The school and day care offers Spanish and English language curriculum. 346-388-3015. www.kidoschools.com NEW OWNERSHIP 8 National fitness brand EoS Fitness announced in early April the acquisition of Houston-based Texans Fit, including a Meyerland location of the gym at 8650 Endicott Lane, Houston. Members of the gym will have access to a wide variety of group fitness and cycle classes, nutrition expertise and a knowledgeable personal training team, EoS officials said. A new location of Texans Fit has also been announced for The Allen develop- ment on Allen Parkway. 832-900-7001. www.eosfitness.com

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

288

ENDICOTT LN.

BEECHNUT ST.

N. BRAESWOOD BLVD.

BRAYS BAYOU

S. POST OAK RD.

tower serves as an outpatient care facility and the new clinical home for St. Luke’s comprehensive cancer center. It also expands the ambulatory surgery center with 12 new operating rooms and 10 new endoscopy suites. The tower includes more than 70 exam rooms as well as state-of-the-art imaging and treatment equipment. 832-598-7721. www.stlukeshealth.org/omt 3 Officials opened a new Legends Box- ing location April 17 in Meyerland at 4522 Beechnut St., Houston. The gym of- fers one-hour workout classes using USA Boxing techniques taught by certified coaches. Workouts can include punching and footwork routines, jumping rope, push-ups, squats, and working the heavy bag. Memberships are available for differ- ent programs geared toward individuals, couples and students. Workouts are open for those age 12 and older at any fitness level. 832-776-9369. www.legendsboxing.com 4 UrgentVet expanded its footprint in the Houston area after opening a new location April 13 in the Meyerland Commons, 4946 Beechnut St., Ste. B,

Houston. The clinic features two exam rooms exclusively for small dogs, two for large dogs and one for cats. The design features nonslip flooring, dimmable lighting, soothing colors and soft music. The clinic treats a variety of pet medical issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, limp- ing, itching, coughing and minor wounds. 713-766-5600. www.urgentvet.com 5 Officials with the biotech company Systemic Bio announced the opening of a new headquarters April 6 in the Texas Medical Center Innovation Factory, 2450 Holcombe Blvd., Houston. The office houses the company’s research and development teams, engineers and scientists at the new laboratory. The fa- cility contains a cleanroom for bio printed hydrogel production, which is part of the company’s mission to accelerate phar- maceutical drug discovery and develop- ment. www.systemic.bio COMING SOON 6 National foodservice supplier Gordon Food Service will open a new store May 15 in the Braeswood Square Shop-

COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & MELISSA ENAJE

NOW OPEN 1 City leaders in Bellaire joined staff at the newly opened Tex-Mex restaurant Mandito’s for a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 13 to celebrate the eatery’s open- ing. Mandito’s—based in Round Top—was launched by Cinda and Armando Palacios, owners of Palacios Murphy Hospitality Group. Mandito’s specializes in Tex-Mex staples that are made fresh daily, includ- ing its signature burrito bowl, cheese enchiladas and fajitas. The venue, located at 5101 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, also offers classic margaritas and cocktails. 713-590-7333. www.manditos.com 2 Officials from Baylor College of Medicine and St. Luke’s Health opened the $1.3 billion O’Quinn Medical Tower on April 14 at the Baylor St. Luke’s McNair Medical Campus, located at 1919 Old Spanish Trail, Houston. The 12-story tower adds more than 400,000 square feet to the hospital’s McNair campus. The

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • MAY 2023

Summer for Kids! at First Presbyterian Church

512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu

VBS 2023 June 5-9 | 9 AM–12 PM The greatest week in the galaxy is about to launch! Register at fpchouston.org/vbs . Youth Summer Trips June–July | Middle & High School Looking to engage your students this summer? Learn more and register at fpchouston.org/youth . Kid’s Day Out Camp July 10-28 (M, W, F) | 4 months–PreK Limited space available. Register at fpchouston.org/kdo .

E nroll anytime in UT's online high school courses to catch up or get ahead. Full-time d iploma p rogram and single courses available including Honors and A P TM subjects .

For more informatio n visit highschool.utexas.edu /hs_courses

Visit fpchouston.org for Sunday morning worship times and more info .

Smile! You’re Worth It!

Schedule Online Now

713-766-9600 | WestUFamilyDental.com 3173 W. Holcombe Blvd. | (at Buffalo Speedway) Houston, TX 77025 Brett Murphey, DDS, Founder | Quang Nguyen, DDS

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES METRO approves local alignment for University Corridor bus rapid transit line

COMPILED BY MELISSA ENAJE & RENEE FARMER

CANCELED PROJECT

UNIVERSITY CORRIDOR PREFERRED ALIGNMENT The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County approved the locally preferred alignment for its University Boulevard bus rapid transit line in April.

BELLAIRE BLVD.

TIDWELL RD.

BELLAIRE TRIANGLE

610

MAPLERIDGE ST.

LOCKWOOD DR.

Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3

Segment 4 Segment 5 Underpass site

Key:

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County approved the locally preferred alignment of its METRO- Rapid University Corridor Project at an April 5 special board meeting, including the removal of an overpass in Eastwood. The rapid transit bus line is projected to run 25.3 miles from the Westchase Park & Ride near Beltway 8 to the Tidwell Transit Center near Tidwell Road. The buses will move through trac in a dedicated, transit-only lane. The agency initially put the decision on the alignment on hold after its March 23 board meeting, during which residents and commu- nity leaders in Eastwood expressed a number of concerns about the overpass, which would have run

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 1. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT BMWNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Partnership Ltd.—did not meet the city’s deadline in March to complete the sale, Bellaire Mayor Andrew Fried- berg said. Friedberg said the Bellaire City Council will not be considering the matter any further. Developers looking to acquire the land, located within the Bellaire Triangle, declined to comment. Mapleridge Street sale The city of Bellaire is no longer proceeding with the potential sale of a portion of Mapleridge Street to developers in a deal that would have closed the street to vehicle trac and converted it into a pedestrian walkway and parking. The developers interest- ed in acquiring the land—Luel Partner- ship Ltd., EKG Partners LLC and FKM

MCKINNEY ST.

SOURCE: METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

along Lockwood Drive. The plans instead call for transit lanes and a pedestrian/bicycle path underpass, said Yuhayna Mahmud, project manager with METRO. “Because this is a smaller footprint, the ood control concerns are min- imized, and we added ood control elements to the underpass to make sure those are addressed,” Mahmud said at the April 5 meeting.

The line is a piece of METRONext, a $7 billion plan set to be executed over the next 20 years that is covered by a mix of federal funding and a $3.5 billion bond referendum approved in 2019 by nearly 70% of area voters. Mahmoud said design work was about 30% completed as of the April 5 meeting. Construction could begin in late 2024, and the line could open in 2028, ocials said.

Start your next chapter with our weight loss surgery team. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, our team at St. Luke’s Health is ready to help you on your path to success. You will have the support of our doctors, nurses, and nutritionists every step of the way. Our weight loss program is built to fit your individual needs. Many have gone before you to experience spectacular success. It’s your turn now. Start a new chapter, with a new you. Learn more at StLukesHealth.org/WeightLoss .

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • MAY 2023

NOT ALL MAMMOGRAMS ARE THE SAME

One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. That’s why where you go for your annual breast screening is so important.

Choose MD Anderson Cancer Center for your next mammogram, and you’ll receive a 3 D mammogram interpreted by dedicated experts providing results you can trust — from the start.

Our team is exclusively focused on breast imaging and includes fellowship-trained breast radiologists and compassionate nurse navigators committed to providing the highest level of expertise and care. In most cases, patients will receive their imaging results the same day.

Schedule your mammogram today for the peace of mind you’ll only get from MD Anderson.

CHOOSE MD ANDERSON FOR YOUR NEXT MAMMOGRAM.

1-844-240-7092 MDAndersonMammogram.com Saturday appointments available

LEAGUE CITY | TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER | THE WOODLANDS | WEST HOUSTON

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

DINING FEATURE

BY MELISSA ENAJE

WHY IS THE RESTAURANT CALLED THE RAVEN GRILL? Sara Cromie grew up in the neighborhood and attended Poe Elementary School, the inspiration for the name of the restaurant, named after author Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” Owners Sara and Rob Cromie met in seventh grade at what was formerly called Lanier Junior High School, graduated from Lamar High School and married in 1991.

Cedar plank salmon

Poblano lime-lled chicken

Onion rings

New York strip steak

Flautas

The Raven Grill owners Sara and Rob Cromie met at Lanier Junior High School.

The Raven Grill on Bissonnet Street is known for its selection of mesquite grilled meat dishes and comfort food.

COURTESY SARA CROMIE

MELISSA ENAJECOMMUNITY IMPACT

The Raven Grill Owners celebrate 25 years, give credit to hard-working sta L ongtime guests of The Raven Grill in the Broadacres neighborhood have come to expect a familiar experience. important factor is the sta. “They are really the heart and soul of The Raven,” Sara said. “They know everybody’s name ... and

The Cromies founded The Raven Grill in 1998 in the Broadacres neighborhood of Houston.

Elementary School, which served as the inspiration for the name of the restaurant after author Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” Her childhood included attending Lanier Junior High School, where she met Rob. They both graduated from Lamar Senior High School, later marrying in 1991. Since then, Sara and Rob opened the bakery, Picnic, located next door. Moving forward, Rob said they will continue what has brought them to where they are now. “Great customer service and always, always looking for new ways to satisfy our guests with great-tasting food,” he said. “That will never change.”

MELISSA ENAJECOMMUNITY IMPACT

The Raven Grill 1916 Bissonnet St., Houston 713-521-2027 www.theravengrill.com Hours: Closed Mon., Tue.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

When the eatery opened in 1998, it advertised itself as a neighbor- hood restaurant serving fresh, regional food cooked over a wood- re grill in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. That is what diners still expect today, owners Rob and Sara Cromie said. One might equate The Raven Grill’s success to staple recipes, such as their cedar plank salmon, broiled and served on a cedar plank of wood and topped with roasted corn, black bean salsa and wasabi aioli. Yet the owners said the most

guests come back knowing they’re going to have that familiar face that takes care of them.” Over the years, The Raven Grill team have collaborated and worked together to overcome challenges associated with Houston oods, hurricanes, freezes and the pan- demic. After Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the owners transformed the property into an outdoor gathering place at a time when many homes were without power. Sara said she grew up in the neighborhood and attended Poe

BISSONNET ST.

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • MAY 2023

CITY & COUNTY

News from Bellaire, Houston, Harris County & West University Place

Harris County Commissioners Court will meet for its regular meeting at 10 a.m. May 16 at 1001 Preston St., Ste. 934, Houston. Meetings are streamed live at www.harriscountytx.gov. Bellaire City Council will meet at 7 p.m. May 15 at 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire. Meetings are streamed at www.bellairetx.gov. West University Place City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. May 8 at 3800 University Blvd., West University Place. Meetings are available via teleconference. Find details at www.westutx.gov. Houston City Council will meet for public comment at 2 p.m. May 9 and regular business at 9 a.m. May 10 at City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston. MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS BELLAIRE Mark Velasquez took over as Bellaire’s public works director April 17. He has previously served as a public works director with the cities of Pearsall and Sealy. He will oversee the city’s water systems, traffic control and solid waste.

Planning Commission considers new housing, walkability proposals

Commissioners Court considers changes to county animal shelter

Colonial Park reopens with improvements

SHELTER STATISTICS Harris County Pets has seen an increase in its live release rate—the number of animals adopted or returned to owners rather than euthanized—since 2012, but the rate has fallen from its peak in 2021.

BY LEAH FOREMAN

Proposed changes to Houston’s code of ordinances seek to make it easier to develop midlevel housing. ‘MISSING’ MIDDLE HOUSING

HOUSTON Officials in the city of Houston have proposed changes to housing and parking rules, including updated designs to bring more midlevel housing options to the city. The recommended revisions to the city’s code of ordi- nances—discussed by the Houston Planning Commission in April—work toward improving sidewalk connectivity and removing barriers to allow for multimodal transportation. The commission will provide recommendations to the Planning and Development Department regarding these proposals at its meeting on May 11. Suvidha Bandi, a project manager with the planning and development department, presented proposed changes at a virtual April 18 public meeting. “We need to create a tool to create more accessible, diverse neighborhoods with access to greater transporta- tion options and with more attainable housing options for all Houstonians,” she said. Houston has ample stock of detached single-family homes and midrise apartments, but lacks the housing options in between, City Planner Aracely Rodriguez said. Officials are also recommending lowering parking requirements for certain development. Any area within a half-mile of rail and transit stations, high-frequency bus stops, and park and rides—or within a quarter-mile of high-comfort bike paths, trails and BCycle stations—would be subject to lower thresholds for parking needs.

BY MELISSA ENAJE

BY EMILY LINCKE

Harris County Pets live release rates 100% 80%

HARRIS COUNTY The possibility of making Harris County’s Veterinary Public Health division a standalone department was discussed by commissioners April 4 after members of the public alleged that animals are suffering in the county’s shelter. Quote of note: “Almost every animal that leaves the shelter does so in a worse condition than when they arrived,” said Alexx DeCrosta, a former Harris County Pets veterinarian and county resident. “Animals should not be doing better on the streets of Houston than in the care of veterinarians ... and in a multimillion-dollar facility brought to you by the taxpayer.” How we got here: The county’s veterinary department is a branch of the Harris County Public Health department. HCPH Executive Director Barbie Robinson said her depart- ment has been working to improve operations at the Harris County Pets Resource Center. According to Robinson: • The shelter’s 273-animal population is closer to capacity, down from December. • The department’s live release rate—the percent of animals adopted or returned to owners rather than euthanized—is 95%.

WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE The Colonial Park swimming pool was set to reopen May 6 in the city of West University Place with new upgrades. Improvements include the removal of half the existing deck on Case Street; the installation of low-mainte- nance artificial turf; and the addition of new picnic tables. “We’re excited to create an enhanced green space for the commu- nity to enjoy,” Director of Parks and Recreation Susan White said. The installation of artificial lawn is ongoing, during which time the deck will remain closed, White said.

96.1%

Second dwelling units: a second living space located on the lot of a single-family home Recommendation: eliminate size limits on lots without deed restrictions, allow parking to be based on unit size Multiunit residential housing: triplexes, multiple duplexes, fourplexes and multiplexes Recommendation: eight units maximum with buildings being no more than three stories with a total height of 30 feet, allow parking to be based on size of unit Courtyard-style developments: clusters of single- family homes located around a shared courtyard with shared parking Recommendation: allow lots to front on common courtyard space, eliminate minimum lot size requirements, allow parking to be decoupled from the lots to be potentially rented by residents Narrow lot developments: refers to several different types of development, including flag lots and lots with shared driveways Recommendation: more shared driveways and the use of alley access

20% 40% 60% 0

15.5%

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY PETS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

*AS OF MARCH 31

Next steps: After hearing public comment, Harris County commissioners spoke to HCPH and then voted to: • Direct the Office of the County Administration to conduct a compensation study and craft an incentive program for animal control employees; and • Ask the Office of County Administration to assist HCPH in finding a Harris County pets director. • Hold public meetings with the precincts on this topic. An interim director has been leading the veterinary depart- ment while HCPH looks for a permanent leader.

CASE ST.

COLONIAL PARK

Meetings are streamed at www.houstontx.gov/htv.

BYRON ST.

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486

HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722

WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144

LOCAL REPRESENTATION Although Harris County contains more than 60% of the residents in the H-GAC coverage area, only 21.6% of the H-GAC’s board of directors represent the county or cities within the county.

As a metropolitan planning organization, the Houston-Galveston Area Council works with its members—including cities and counties. The agency coordinates on bringing in grant funding, but it does not collect tax revenue. A petition circulating in the city of Houston aims to amend the city’s charter to force a restructuring of the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s board of directors. THE H-GAC DEBATE

Walker

Population*: 7.51 million

Montgomery

Fiscal year 2023 applied revenue by program

Total: $491.5M

Liberty

Texas Workforce Commission: $423.19M

Number of directors on H-GAC board: 37 Number of members on Transportation Policy Council**: 28

Austin Waller

Harris

Chambers

Colorado

Fort Bend

Texas Department of Transportation: $28.42M Texas Health and Human Services Commission: $11.85M Other public agencies: $8.56M Local contracts: $7.02M Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: $4.05M Commission on State Emergency Communications: $2.43M

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: $200,000 Texas Department of Emergency Management: $992,366 H-GAC local funds: $1.26M Texas Criminal Justice Division: $1.35M Texas Department of Agriculture: $13,411 Texas General Land Office: $131,830

Galveston

Wharton

Brazoria

*LISTED POPULATIONS ARE AS OF 2022. **SIX MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORTATION POLICY COUNCIL DO NOT REPRESENT SPECIFIC CITIES OR COUNTIES. THOSE REPRESENTATIVES ARE INCLUDED IN THE TOTAL COUNT, BUT ARE NOT LISTED UNDER ANY COUNTY.

Matagorda

Fund transfers: $2M

HARRIS COUNTY

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

FORT BEND COUNTY

GALVESTON COUNTY

Percent of population within H-GAC counties*

Percent of board makeup

Percent of population within H-GAC counties*

Percent of board makeup

13.5%

11.8%

5.4%

21.6%

16.2%

4.8%

63.5%

Transportation Policy: 7.1%

Transportation Policy: 10.7%

Transportation Policy: 14.3%

Transportation Policy: 25%

WALLER COUNTY

LIBERTY COUNTY

CHAMBERS COUNTY

BRAZORIA COUNTY

Percent of board makeup

Percent of population within H-GAC counties*

Percent of board makeup

10.8%

5.2%

2.7%

0.8%

8.1%

2.7%

1.4%

0.7%

Transportation Policy: 7.1%

Transportation Policy: 3.6%

Transportation Policy: 7.1%

AUSTIN COUNTY

COLORADO COUNTY

MATAGORDA COUNTY

WALKER COUNTY

Percent of population within H-GAC counties*

Percent of board makeup

Percent of population within H-GAC counties*

Percent of board makeup

Percent of population within H-GAC counties*

Percent of board makeup

8.1%

0.5%

0.3%

0.4%

2.7%

Transportation Policy: 0%

WHARTON COUNTY

“From where I sit, a healthier approach is to have an open discussion and have that guided by the elected ocials around the table and within that local governments rather than having it be forced through this mechanism that is an all or nothing approach.”

Percent of population within H-GAC counties*

Percent of board makeup

“It’s about making sure money is being fairly distributed, which is not what is happening now.”

0.6%

2.7%

EVAN CHOATE, FAIR FOR HOUSTON ORGANIZER

CHUCK WEMPLE, HGAC CEO

Transportation Policy: 0%

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

KEY VOTES Two votes held by the H-GAC since 2021 have resulted in representatives from Houston being outvoted.

CONTINUED FROM 1

Citing power imbalance, petitioners seek to reshape two H-GAC boards

March 2021 Houston and Harris County officials opposed an I-45 expansion project, but the H-GAC voted to back it. February 2022 Harris County got 2% of $488M in federal recovery dollars for Hurricane Harvey.

February 2022

March 2021

For

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

H-GAC’s advisory councils, made up of local subject matter experts. Wemple said he is open to the idea of revisiting how boards are structured but said he would rather see an open discussion take place instead of resort- ing to a charter amendment. Follow- ing the 2020 census, Wemple said the H-GAC formed a committee to explore reshaping the board composition. The committee, chaired by a Harris County representative, recommended the board composition be left as is. Fair For Houston needs to gather 20,000 signatures for the petition to be considered by the city of Houston. The vote would give Houston voters the chance to amend the city’s char- ter to compel the H-GAC to negotiate with the city of Houston on making the board more reflective of population. As of press time May 1, Mayor Sylves- ter Turner did not respond to request for comment. Sallie Alcorn, Houston City Council member and chair-elect of the H-GAC board of directors, said her office had requested a full analysis of H-GAC funding allocations and was expecting to receive it May 4. She said she is withholding comment until after reviewing the analysis. As of late April, Fair for Houston had gathered about 10,000 signatures. Once the petition is submitted, the city would have until Sept. 11 to make the decision to place the amendment on ballots for the November election.

Against

A new grassroots movement in Houston is seeking to increase the city’s representation on a regional planning group that plays a large role in prioritizing federal and state funds for local projects. The effort relates to restructuring two boards within the Houston-Gal- veston Area Council, said Evan Choate, an organizer with the Fair for Houston campaign. Members on the H-GAC board of directors represent a wide cross-section of the 13-county area, but Choate said suburban and ex-urban communities in the region are overrep- resented at the expense of more urban areas, including the city of Houston and Harris County. The effort also tar- gets the Transportation Policy Council, which covers eight counties. Choate said there have been sev- eral instances where the H-GAC board voted in a way that broke away from Harris County members: a March 2021 vote to support an I-45 expansion proj- ect and a February 2022 flood control vote that saw Harris County get 2% of the $488 million pot. “It’s about making sure money is being fairly distributed, which is not what is happening now,” Choate said. H-GAC’s Executive Director Chuck Wemple said it is rare for the agency’s board to be split on a vote, with many split votes tied to disaster recovery, which often comes with complex deci- sions. Harris County was allocated only 2% of flood funding because it was previously given $750 million by the state as a direct allocation, he said. Many decisions are influenced by the

A SEAT AT THE TABLE Of the 37 people on the H-GAC’s board of directors, eight represent Harris County or one of the cities within Harris County.

How it currently works

H-GAC bylaws dictate how many representatives from each jurisdiction are on its board of directors. Each county gets one seat , except Harris County, which gets two . Each city with a population over 25,000 gets one seat , except Houston, which gets two . Cities with populations below 25,000 caucus once a year and elect two representatives to represent home-rule cities and two to represent general law cities. One seat represents public school districts in the region. The city of Houston would maintain H-GAC membership only if votes on the governing board are apportioned proportionally on the basis of population. If an agreement is not reached, the city would withdraw its membership . What would change

THE CHARTER AMENDMENT PROCESS

Petition : organization seeking charter amendment collects signatures to place amendment on ballot • 20,000 signatures required from “qualified voters” • Fair for Houston officials aiming to deliver signatures to city by end of June Verification : city of Houston verifies signatures • Process must be completed by Sept. 11 to be in time for November 2023 election Election : city of Houston sets date for when charter will be on ballot • Options include the soonest possible election date or the next presidential election

SOURCES: HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL, CITY OF HOUSTON , FAIR FOR HOUSTON , U.S. CENSUS/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Now Open! Legacy Gulfton Dashwood Whether it’s testing, prevention, or treatment for HIV/STIs, or safe and effective vaccines like COVID-19 or the flu, our experts make it easy to take charge of your health and wellness!

Schedule an appointment today! Call (713) 814-3553, or visit LegacyCommunityHealth.org 5420 Dashwood Dr, Ste 102

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • MAY 2023

CONTINUED FROM 1

How it started New noise and lighting ordinances are being workshopped in Bellaire.

May

June

TBD

the noise ordinance, but not 4 a.m.” Her backyard faces the alley behind one of the shopping centers in town. While Stone is aware of the city of Bel- laire’s noise ordinances, she said she thinks the city’s existing ordinances could be enforced more. “I think that the city can gure out a way to do it. They need to cite these businesses,” she said. Research completed in 2022 by Bellaire’s Planning and Zoning Com- mission found the city’s current com- pliance standards and penalties for violations regarding noise regulations were inconsistent. The commission also found Bellaire’s existing lighting regulations oered little guidance and were too general. In order to establish a more dened and ecient enforcement process, Bellaire ocials have been work- ing together to rene and combine the city’s existing noise and lighting ordinances. “Noise and lighting issues have been an important aspect of many applica- tions considered by the commission in recent years, and a review of com- plaints led with the Bellaire Police Department and code enforcement suggest quality of life concerns exist in the city,” Commission Chair Weldon Taylor said in a February statement to City Council. Changes, new developments Four principles guided the com- mission’s decision to review Bellaire’s current noise and lighting issues, Weldon said. One was to clarify the purpose behind each noise and lighting regula- tion; a second was to protect and sup- port the city’s character as the “City of Homes”; a third was to provide more guidance to new and existing develop- ers; and a fourth was to ensure that reg- ulations are clear to properly support how the Bellaire Police Department can enforce protocols. Director of Development Services Travis Tanner said the proposed changes, released in February, wouldn’t drastically alter the way things are now. Instead, he said they would posi- tion city ocials to better deal with issues that could arise, including how future developments in the city could impact residential areas when it comes to lighting and noise. “We’re really trying to address sig- nicant nuisance issues that come along often with commercial devel- opment being adjacent to residential

The city will hold a public hearing for residents to weigh-in on the proposed changes.

Council will set a future date to vote on proposed ordinances.

Workshops on the ordinances will be hosted by Bellaire City Council.

City sta aim to nalize a noise and lighting ordinance draft that will be presented to council.

Noise

lighting

Existing: Noise regulations are found in three code provisions, but compliance standards and penalties for violations are inconsistent. Proposed: Any loud, unnecessary noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of others within the limits of the city in violation of any provisions is declared detrimental to the public health, welfare and prosperity of the general public and declared a public nuisance.

*SEASONAL LIGHTING ALLOWED 45 DAYS FROM DATE OF INSTALLATION AND CANNOT BE DIRECTED ON OTHER PROPERTY downward and glare shielded to limit spillover. Residential*: No outdoor lighting after 10 p.m. on resident recreational facilities. Parking lots: Maximum height for lights would be 15 feet for all lots. Current standards restrict heights to 20 feet generally and 15 feet when adjacent to residential areas. Parking garages: Lights at the top oor shall be directed Existing: Regulations are minimal and lacking in provisions to properly enforce. Proposed: Commercial: Permits will require a photometric analysis that studies the lighting at a job site before construction begins to visualize how much light is distributed.

Examples • Horns, signaling devices, radios and similar devices on vehicles • Yelling, shouting on streets particularly during quiet hours penalties Under proposed changes, all ordinance violators would be charged with a misdemeanor.

• Exhausts • Loudspeakers on public streets • Blowers, fans • Noise near school, church, court, hospital • Lawn equipment

$150 minimum: for the rst oense of a violation or failure to comply $500 minimum: for any subsequent oense or failure to comply Proposed

Existing

$25 minimum: current penalty for noise oenses

How to file a complaint

development, not things that people would normally do on their residential property that doesn’t bother other peo- ple,” Tanner said. The draft ordinance includes direc- tion for new construction related to properties located directly adjacent to residentially zoned areas. For commercial properties and developers applying for city permits, proposed changes would require a photometric analysis that studies light- ing at a site before construction begins. The data provides specic illumination standards and visualizes how much light is distributed, including at night. With the proposed noise ordinance changes, a noise nuisance would be dened as a person, object or animal that makes loud, unnecessary noise that either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of others within city limits. When it comes to enforcing current noise level regulations, Bellaire’s code is divided into residential, commercial and industrial categories, which each have their own maximum noise levels. From 7 a.m.-10 p.m., sounds can only range from 55-75 decibels depending on the category. From 10 p.m.-7 a.m., maximum sound levels would not be able to exceed 60 decibels in residen- tial areas.

Proposed noise ordinance changes would establish quiet and nonquiet hours in the city. Quiet hours on week- days would mean that noises above 65 decibels for residents and 72 decibels for nonresidential zones would be pro- hibited from 10 p.m.-7 a.m. For week- ends, prohibited noise levels would not be allowed from 10 p.m.-8 a.m. New penalties From July 2020 until April 2023, more than 430 noise complaint records were led with the city with com- plaints ranging from construction to loud music and parties. The new ordinance calls for penalty fees for both noise and lighting viola- tions. Those found guilty of a misde- meanor would pay no less than $150 for the rst oense and no less than $500 for any subsequent oense. Currently, miscellaneous noise violations have a $25 minimum penalty. If a lighting complaint is made, new rules could mean a compliance inspec- tion would be conducted by the city, according to the draft ordinance. City sta aim to nalize an ordinance draft by June and present it to council, Tanner said. Following that, a public hearing would be scheduled for resi- dents and local businesses to weigh in. From there, council would set a future

Ongoing issue Contact the Development Services Department, which works with the Bellaire Police Department. 713-662-8230 Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. After-hours complaint Call the Bellaire Police Department for an ocer to be able to immediately investigate. 713-668-0487 (or 911 for emergencies)

SOURCE: CITY OF BELLAIRECOMMUNITY IMPACT

date for the ordinance to go for a vote. When it comes to conguring the best practices for both commer- cial and residential lighting and noise regulations in the city, Mayor Andrew Friedberg said the city should approach it with a mindset of what problems they are trying to solve. “We’re not trying to regulate peo- ple’s freedoms, but we are trying to protect neighbors from externali- ties that are a shared environment,” Friedberg said.

For more information, visit communityimpact.com .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

REAL ESTATE

Featured Neighborhood Featured neighborhood

SOUTHERN OAKS, 77025 Southern Oaks is a community of 240 single-family homes along Brays Bayou in the southwest quadrant of Houston’s Inner Loop. The Weekley Family YMCA and the Stella Link Branch library can be found less than 1 mile to the west.

YEAROVERYEAR MARKET DATA: MARCH The total number of homes sold was lower in four of ve local ZIP codes in March when compared to March 2022, rising slightly in the 77005 ZIP code. Meanwhile, the median price of homes sold was higher in four ZIP codes when comparing those months, falling in the 77030 ZIP code. 77096 77401 610

77005

Median home value $1,384,672

77030

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

77025

288

Homes on the market* 3 Homes under contract 1

NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

Year

N. BRAESWOOD BLVD.

2022 2023

Build-out year: 2014 Square footage range: 4,000-7,000 Schools: Twain Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, Lamar High School Property taxes (in dollars): Houston ISD 1.0372 City of Houston 0.53364 Harris County 0.34373 Harris Health System 0.14831 Houston Community College 0.09557 HC Flood Control District 0.03055 Port of Houston Authority 0.00799 HC Department of Education 0.0049 Total (per $100 valuation) 2.20189

Average days on the market* 62 Median annual property taxes** $29,311 Median price per square foot $368.26

MEDIAN PRICE OF HOMES SOLD

WITH YEAROVERYEAR PERCENTAGE CHANGE

2022

2023

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

Sale price

+15.3%

$1.8M

+33%

$1.5M

23.9%

$1.2M

*AS OF APRIL 1 **BASED ON MEDIAN PRICE OF HOMES SOLD IN PAST YEAR; EXEMPTIONS NOT INCLUDED

$900K

+15.9%

+2.7%

$600K

NEIGHBORHOOD DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 2819612944 SPARROW_REALTYYAHOO.COM WWW.SPARROWREALTY.COM

$300K

Reduce stress, improve sleep, boost your immunity and elevate everyday™

Book Online Or Call 281-864-3552

VANDERBILT

$79.99

ONE HOUR MASSAGE

Introductory Special Bring in offer to redeem or mention when booking your appointment Expires 6/5/2023

Give Mom the Gift of Relaxation This Mother’s Day - Buy $100 in gift cards and get a FREE $25 promotion card.

$89.99

with One Hour Massage FREE ELEVATION

ONE HOUR FACIAL

Introductory Special Bring in offer to redeem or mention when booking your appointment Expires 6/5/2023

Choose from Hot Stones, Face Massage or Foot Scrub Bring in offer to redeem or mention when booking your appointment. Expires 6/5/2023

3003 West Holcombe Boulevard Suite A Houston, TX 77025

www.massageheights.com/vanderbilt 281.864.3552

2934 S. SHEPHERD 2501 POST OAK BLVD. STORE LOCATIONS

SHOP ONLINE WHOLEEARTHPROVISION.COM

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • MAY 2023

MARKETPLACE

Virtually ip through any e-edition! Enhance your experience with hyperlinked stories and ads.

- Now open daily at 7 am - Open for brunch, lunch & dinner - Social Hour (details on our website & social media) - Kids eat FREE every Tuesday - Highest quality & freshest ingredients sourced locally BUY ONE GET ONE FREE ENTREE, SALAD OR SANDWICH After 6pm with ad • Dine in only Cannot be used with other promotions

SCAN FOR MENU

610 INTERSTATE

Bellaire Blvd.

4191 BELLAIRE BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77025 • 713-966-2737 WWW.DISHSOCIETY.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM PRINTARCHIVES Snap or visit

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12-13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24

communityimpact.com