Spring - Klein Edition | July 2023

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4 JULY 19AUG. 15, 2023

HOME EDITION 2023

LIVING COSTS ON THE RISE

Real estate data

Spring Food Park opens with four new food trucks

Klein ISD board approves pay raises for 202324

Houston is one of the four major metros nationwide where buying a home is typically more aordable than renting one, according to a May 19 analysis from real estate rm Redn. Homes for rent and for purchase can be found at the Cypresswood Landing neighborhood in Spring. (Emily Lincke/Community Impact)

Education

Sparse aordable housing, unrelenting prices challenge Spring residents

Nonpro t partnership yields low-cost health care

BY EMILY LINCKE

from the Houston Association of Realtors. However, the average price for single-family homes—$393,651, as of April—in three market areas that make up the Spring and Klein communities remains 60% higher than the average price in April 2019, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center. “Unfortunately, there still are looming inuences [on the housing

market] out there that remain out of our control, including interest rates, a possible deepening of ination or a drift toward recession,” HAR Chair Cathy Treviño said in the report. Price uncertainty on single- family homes has led to an increase in demand for rental housing, according to a June 21 report from HAR. The average rent CONTINUED ON 18

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Faced with a lack of aordable housing options as home and rent prices remain high, rising numbers of Spring-area residents and homebuyers are seeking assistance, community stakeholders say. After two years of elevated home prices in Houston, prices began to decrease for the rst time in Feb- ruary, according to a June 14 report

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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 Kim Giannetti EDITOR Hannah Brol REPORTERS Wesley Gardner, Emily Lincke SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ronald Winters ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lydia Lee METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Ethan Pham CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES sklnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING sklads@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 KIM: Our annual Real Estate Edition has a new name: Home Edition. This special edition includes an overview of the 2022-23 housing market across the Spring and Klein community as well as development updates, maintenance tips from local experts and more. To learn more about how to keep your home in tip-top shape, and for information on local home trends, check out this year’s Home Edition on Pages 13-19. Kim Giannetti, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM HANNAH: While the Greater Houston area has been known as one of the more aordable housing markets in the U.S., as interest rates, monthly rental rates and home prices have risen, so has the area’s cost of living—including in Spring and Klein. To learn more about the aordable housing options currently available in the Spring and Klein area as well as those on the horizon, see our front-page story, which continues on Pages 18-19. Hannah Brol, EDITOR

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • JULY 2023

IMPACTS

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

3 Blueberry Batting Cages opened March 1 at 12130 Antoine Drive, Bldg. C4, Houston. Owned by Jim Squires, the sports facility features token-operated automatic pitching machines, practice batting cages, and baseball and softball lessons for hitting, elding and pitching. Summer camps and membership opportunities are also available. 832-778-0027. www.blueberrybattingcages.com 4 Your Family Walk-In Clinic opened March 20 at 24026 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 130, Tomball. Owned by nurse practitioners Anthony Belmares and Katherine Pantoja, the clinic provides care on a walk-in basis at self-pay prices with oce visits starting at $35. 281-826-6881. www.yourfamilywalkin.com 5 Silver Grace Assisted Living opened June 1 at 11223 Wind Pine Lane, Tomball. The senior living facility oers assisted living, memory care and respite care. Private, fully furnished rooms are available. 281-939-6913. www.silvergraceal.com 6 Blue Cherry Project Wellness Clinic hosted its soft opening July 3. Owned by Janette Adams, the clinic is located at 14425 Torrey Chase Blvd., Ste. 120, Houston, and oers weight loss programs, limited primary care services and telehealth options. 832-616-9220. www.bluecherryproject.com COMING SOON 7 Karma Kolache is opening a location at 24910 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. D, Tomball, in July. The bakery will oer a variety of kolaches and croissants with vegetarian and halal options available. 832-843-7156. www.karmakolache.com 8 Brad and Ee Stees are planning to open their third business in Old Town Spring, TX Wine and Gifts Mercantile , on Aug. 1. Located at 26407 Preston Ave., Spring, the new concept will showcase Texas wines, host weekly winery-themed tastings and oer Texas-themed and

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NOW OPEN 1 EoS Fitness opened May 24 at 7422 Louetta Road, Spring. The 45,000-square-foot gym features cardio and strength training equipment, a group

tness studio and a recovery room. 713-347-7547. www.eostness.com 2 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions opened June 6 at 6535 Grand Parkway, Ste. 215, Spring. Owned by Leah and Robert Lowry, the medical spa and

anti-aging clinic operates under Medical Director Dr. Lindsay Dragos, who specializes in anti-aging solutions and cosmetic treatments for both men and women. 832-585-8008. www.4everyoungspringtx.com

-made gifts. 346-220-6120. www.txwineandgifts.com

9 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s new medical campus in City Place is now anticipated to

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open in the third quarter of 2023, ocials with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic conrmed June 5. The campus was originally expected to open this summer. The 165,000-square-foot medical campus will be located at 2340 N. Grand Parkway, Spring, and will house 55 physicians oering primary and specialty care. 713-442-0427. www.kelsey-seybold.com 10 The completion of a new Spring- area Sun Auto location has been pushed back, according to a company spokesperson. Originally expected to open in May, the project—located at 5445 FM 2920—is slated to be complete in late September. Sun Auto oers car and tire services, such as battery replacements, wheel alignments, oil changes and brake repairs. 281-817-7160. www.sunautoservice.com RELOCATIONS 11 After closing its retail location at 9337 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. B2, Spring, in May, The Popcorn Bag is now serving customers from its new booth located inside Painted Tree Boutiques, 5407 FM 1960 W., Houston. The business specializes in gourmet popcorn, boasting more than 40 sweet and savory avors that change seasonally. The Popcorn Bag will continue fullling custom and bulk orders. 540-226-5300. www.facebook.com/popcornbag

Stop Food Truck is one of several tenants located at Spring Food Park. COURTESY STOP FOOD TRUCK

Blueberry Batting Cages

LOCAL HOTSPOT Spring Food Park celebrated its grand opening May 25 with four food trucks oering a variety of cuisine at 3211 Spring Stuebner Road, Spring. Managing Partner Francisco Acevedo said the food truck park had signed three additional tenants as of June 6, including Toronto Sweets and Shakes, Boriken Puerto Rican Kitchen, and The Grille 82, which oers soul food and Caribbean cuisine. Acevedo noted the park still has three tenant spaces available. 832-403-7322. Facebook: Spring Food Park NOW OPEN Stop Food Truck oers American food, such as fried chicken, chicken wings and pizza cones. Facebook: Stop Food Truck

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NAME CHANGES 12 Eective June 19, Kelsey-Seybold Spring Medical and Diagnostic Center has changed its name to Kelsey-Seybold North Houston Campus . Located at 15655 Cypress Woods Medical Drive, Spring, the health care provider’s name change follows the completion of a 40,000-square-foot expansion of the campus in February. 713-442-1700. www.kelsey-seybold.com CLOSINGS 13 After 23 years in business, ocials with Paul’s Pizza Shop announced the closure of the Spring-area pizzeria April 17. Located at 16702 Stuebner Airline Road, Ste. D, Spring, Paul’s Pizza Shop boasted a menu of pizza, calzones, pasta dishes and hot and cold sub sandwiches.

SPRING STUEBNER RD.

Taco Mible Food Truck boasts a variety of Mexican food, including tacos. Sweet Talker Coee & Blender Bar features a menu of organic and locally roasted coee alongside pastries, cook- ies and smoothies. 720-935-4726. www.sweettalkerbb.com A’Mordiscos Fast Food oers a menu of South American cuisine, including are- pas, patacones, empanadas, pastelitos and tequenos.

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL & SHAHERYAR KHAN

Cost: $4 million Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3 RECENTLY COMPLETED 3 I-45 bridge replacement Work has been completed on a project to replace the I-45 southbound frontage road bridge over Cypress Creek, which had been closed since March 2022 due to safety concerns. Bambi Hall, a public information ocer for the Texas Department of Transportation, said the project included sidewalks for pedestrian access and was initially expected to take two years to complete. Timeline: July 2022-March 2023 Cost: $8.6 million Funding source: TxDOT 4 FM 2920 improvements Construction was substantially completed in May on a project to enhance safety along FM 2920 between North Willow Street in Tomball and I-45 in Spring. The project added continuous raised medians, improved trac signals and added right- turn lanes along the corridor. Timeline: February 2022-May 2023 Cost: $3.6 million Funding sources: 80% federal, 20% state

N. WILLOW ST.

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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JULY 11. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SKLNEWS¡COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Ocials said United Airlines would have a signicant eet expansion to improve eciency as part of the proj- ect. To accommodate larger mainline aircraft, ocials said Terminal B will need modications, and Terminal B North will need to be demolished and rebuilt. Ocials said the goal is to have one of the new concourses open by mid-2026. United Airlines unveils Terminal B redevelopment plan to enhance IAH United Airlines announced plans in early June to modernize and expand Terminal B at George Bush Interconti- nental Airport. This rendering shows what Terminal B’s curbside approach could look like after redevelopment. RENDERING COURTESY UNITED AIRLINES

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ONGOING PROJECTS 1 Spring Cypress Road, Ella Boulevard intersection improvements In early April, Harris County Precinct 3 began construction on a project to improve trac operations at the intersection of Spring Cypress Road and Ella Boulevard by increasing safety and car capacity through the intersection. The project will include the installation of a westbound right-turn lane, upgrading the existing trac signal and expanding the existing left-turn lanes. Motorists will notice temporary lane closures throughout construction.

Timeline: April-July 2023 Cost: $920,000 Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3 2 Kuykendahl Road repaving Harris County Precinct 3 began work in January on a project to repave Kuykendahl Road between north of Spring Cypress Road and north of FM 1960. The project will include asphalt reconstruction, new markings and street

signs along the road segment. Timeline: January 2023-rst quarter 2024

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • JULY 2023

DEVELOPMENT Harris County Precinct 3 opens George H.W. Bush Community Center

BY EMILY LINCKE

Community members gathered June 21 to celebrate the grand opening of the new $5.5 million George H.W. Bush Community Center in the Cypress Creek Cultural District. “The [center] has been years in the making and comes as a result of persistence and hard work of our elected o cials joining hands with community organizations and leadership in their common goal of enriching the quality of life for its residents,” said Clara Lewis, who serves as vice president of the Cypress Creek Cultural District—which features community amenities, such as the Barbara Bush Branch Library, The Centrum and the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts. The two-story center measures 24,500 square feet and features eight classrooms, three exercise rooms, a kitchen, a conference room and a community hall, as previously reported by Community Impact . The space previously served as a gym and annex space for the Cypress Creek Christian Church and Community Center, which

Harris County Precinct 3 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 21 to celebrate the opening of the George H.W. Bush Community Center. Several community members and local representatives attended the grand opening event including Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, center, and state Rep. Valoree Swanson, left. (Emily Lincke/Community Impact)

still operates today. The gym and annex buildings closed in 2017 following ooding during Hurricane Harvey and were later purchased by Harris County Precinct 4 in 2018. Precinct 3 took over the project in March 2022 after commissioner precinct redistricting occurred, as previously reported by Community Impact . The project was originally slated to open in 2021, but construction stalled for about two years due to pandemic-era supply shortages before resuming in November 2021. “This beautiful complex will greatly enhance the quality of life for all residents in Northwest

Harris County,” said Glenn Wilkerson, who serves as president of the Cypress Creek Cultural District. The George H.W. Bush Community Center is located at 6827 Cypresswood Drive, Spring.

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • JULY 2023

EDUCATION

FIGHTING FOR FUNDING While the state’s basic allotment has remained stagnant since the 2019-20 school year, Klein ISD has raised its starting teacher salary by $7,400 in the same time frame. Returning Klein ISD employees to get raises despite lack of additional state funding ination rate over the past few years,” Schaefer said during a June 13 board meeting. “House Bill 100, which BY HANNAH BROL

Despite a lack of additional funding for public education from the 88th Texas Legislature, returning Klein ISD teachers and Teacher Retirement System of Texas-eligible employees can still look forward to receiving pay raises in the 2023-24 school year. The background: KISD ocials were advocating for a meaningful adjustment to the basic allotment in the 88th Texas Legislature, which has remained at $6,160 annually for each student in average daily attendance since the 2019-20 school year. Since then, a 14.5% increase in costs was seen statewide between 2019 and January 2023, according to the Texas comptroller’s oce. Another 5%-7% increase in costs is expected over the next two years before the Legislature reconvenes, meaning Texas public schools may be looking at a roughly 21% increase in costs by 2025. What happened: KISD Chief Financial Ocer Dan Schaefer previously noted district ocials were keeping an eye on a handful of bills related to funding for public education, including House Bill 100, which related to the compen- sation of public school educators and to the public school nance system, including enrollment-based funding for certain allotment under the Foundation School Program. “I would love to say there was some historical changes made but unfortunately, the $33 billion surplus remained unchanged when it comes to utilizing for public education, even though we’ve seen a 14%-plus

was the primary driver of additional funding through this session, unfor- tunately died in the Senate, so we ended with really no improvements to the basic allotment for students, which is our primary funding source.” The regular session of the 88th Texas Legislature concluded May 29. While two special sessions have already been called for the 88th Texas Legislature, the only topics to be addressed include property tax reform and border security. Current situation: Without any meaningful adjustment to public education funding from the state, KISD ocials proposed and unan- imously approved the district’s 2023-24 budget based on current law in a special-called meeting June 19. According to a June 20 email from KISD ocials, the approved budget included a comprehensive employee compensation plan, which includes the following highlights: • All returning KISD teachers will receive a minimum pay increase of $3,600. This includes a $2,600 salary increase plus a one-time $1,000 retention stipend to be included on the Oct. 20 paycheck. Additional increases will be given to experienced teachers. • KISD’s starting teacher salary will remain at $60,000 per year. KISD increased its starting teacher salary in May 2022 from $57,800 to $60,000. • All other returning TRS-eligible employees will receive a pay

The basic allotment is the legislatively mandated apportionment of funds that goes to each school district annually for each student in average daily attendance.

Statewide basic allotment

$6,160

0 $8,000 $6,000 $4,000 $2,000

$5,140

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

*2023-24

*PROJECTED BASIC ALLOTMENT BASED ON CURRENT LAW

Klein ISD starting teacher salary $52,600

$60,000

$40,000

$20,000

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, KLEIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER 2018-19 2020-21 2019-20 2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

increase of 2% of the 2022-23 control point in their pay grade plus a one-time $1,000 retention stipend to be included on the Oct. 20 paycheck. TRS-eligible employees working less than full-time will receive half of the incentive. • Hourly wages for various support positions are also being raised. Quote of note: “Our dedicated teachers and employees are truly valued in Klein ISD,” KISD Superin- tendent Jenny McGown said in an email. “I’m proud to serve in a school

district where our outstanding board of trustees voted ‘yes’ unanimously to ensure well-deserved raises for our hardworking educators. These board members, who the Klein community continues to re-elect and trust, always show with their actions that steady, strong leadership over the years positively impacts our Klein students, sta£ and community.” What’s next: Schaefer said he is hopeful that another special legisla- tive session will be called to address public education funding needs.

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • JULY 2023

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REAL ESTATE DATA

COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL

2022-23 Spring-Klein real estate market at a glance Across all Spring-area ZIP codes, data shows fewer homes sold over the past year than did in the prior 12 months. The median home sales price rose across all area ZIP codes with 77389 experiencing the largest increase and 77090 experience the smallest change. Data also shows Spring-area homes are staying on the market longer.

77373 77379 77388 77389

77066 77068 77069 77070 77090

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2920

249

SOURCE: COLDWELL BANKER REALTY REALTOR JENNY HILL COMMUNITY IMPACT

1960

Number of homes sold

Median home sales price July 2021-June 2022

July 2021-June 2022

July 2022-June 2023

77066

77068

77069

77070

77090

77373

77379

77388

77389

77069 77068 77066

77090 77070

77373

77379

77388

77389

WILLS, TRUSTS & ESTATES (832) 239-9120 • txwillsandprobate.com CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

SPRING KLEIN EDITION • JULY 2023

GUIDE

Local businesses oer home improvement tips

2023 HOME EDITION

HOME IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

WHAT SPACES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND A HOMEOWNER INVEST IN TO MAXIMIZE RESALE VALUE? The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home and is a high-impact area for potential buyers. Upgrading kitchen features, such as countertops, cabinets, appliances and ooring, can signicantly enhance the overall appeal and value of the home. Bathrooms are another critical area where investments can make a dierence. Updating xtures, installing modern vanities, improving lighting and enhancing the overall aesthetics can greatly improve the appeal and functionality of the space. Another important space is the primary bedroom or owner’s retreat. It is a sanctuary for homeowners, and investing in its comfort and style can have a positive impact on resale value. Upgrades such as high-quality ooring, well-designed closets, fresh paint and appealing lighting xtures make a big impact.

WHAT INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING RIGHT NOW? Warm and earthy color palettes are very trendy at the moment. Neutral and earthy tones have been favored, such as warm beige, terracotta, ochre and olive green. These colors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The minimalist trend—characterized by clean lines, simplicity and a focus on essential elements—has remained popular. Clutter-free spaces, uncluttered surfaces, and a curated selection of furniture and decor items contribute to a sense of calm and simplicity. Designers have been incorporating soft curves and organic shapes in furniture and decor pieces. Rounded sofas, curved accent chairs and curvilinear light xtures create a more relaxed and inviting aesthetic.

While Sunrise Pool Renovations is a new name to the Spring area, the company has been serving the Houston area for over 40 years. Remodel Manager Karl Steinbacher said the company operated as Texsun Pools until it was acquired by Leslie’s in July 2022. Texsun Pools’ remodel division was retained and rebranded as Sunrise Pool Renovations. ASK A POOL REMODELER

EMPHASIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY While the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a professional assessment of a home’s energy e¥ciency, it is also possible for homeowners to perform one on their own. Here is a list of areas to check when assessing a home’s energy usage.

COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL

AIR LEAKS

ASK A HOME STAGERINTERIOR DESIGNER

HOW DO FRESHWATER AND SALTWATER POOLS COMPARE? Our recommendation is a saltwater system as these are easier to operate for the homeowner and generally lower maintenance. Saltwater systems have better water quality, which feels softer on your skin. Chlorine pools have a steeper learning curve when it comes to water chemistry. The homeowner is required to store toxic chemicals in and around their home, and these toxic chemicals can damage patio furniture or household items in the garage. HOW MUCH DO RENOVATIONS COST? Between $6,000 and $18,000, depending on surface choices and scope of work.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER? We oer turnkey renovations: plaster, tile and coping; water features; re bowls; spa additions; deck repair/replacement; equipment upgrades; drain and clean; accessibility features; leak detection; and pool inspections for buyers purchasing existing homes with swimming pools. HOW LONG DO RENOVATIONS TAKE? A pool renovation can take as little as ve to seven days for a simple replaster or tile project. A coping, replaster and tile job typically takes seven to 10 days. Larger projects can take 30-45 days, depending on the scope of the project. All work is supervised by our remodel specialists.

Air leaks can save up to 20% on energy per year if addressed. In addition to leaking windows and doors, check for leaks on baseboards or where dierent building materials meet. Leaks can be sealed or plugged with caulk or weather stripping.

Rhonda Conchola launched her business, The Home Staging for Houston Design Team, a little more than a decade ago in the Spring community. Together with her designers and logistics team, Conchola said the home staging and interior design company has since cultivated a loyal and consistent client base that spans the entire Greater Houston area.

LIGHTING

can yield a positive return. Our staging services start at $3,500, but with that price you will achieve a higher sales price, quicker sale time, competitive advantage on the market, and a perception of a well-maintained property. The return on investment is certainly worth it. IS STAGING MORE SUCCESSFUL IN A VACANT OR OCCUPIED HOME? It’s important to note that the success of staging, whether vacant or occupied, is inuenced by various factors beyond the staging approach itself. Factors such as pricing, market conditions, location, property condition and marketing eorts also play signicant roles in the success of selling a property. As professional home stagers we can provide guidance and insights based on experience and expertise to determine the most suitable staging approach for a specic property.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF STAGING A HOME PRIOR TO PUTTING IT ON THE MARKET? There are only pros when it comes to home staging—no cons. Ultimately, staging a home prior to putting it on the market can signicantly increase its marketability, improve the chances of a quicker sale and potentially lead to higher oers. It is an investment that can yield a positive return and help sellers maximize the value of their property. WHAT’S THE AVERAGE PRICE RANGE FOR YOUR STAGING SERVICES? WHAT FACTORS GO INTO THESE PRICES? Staging has to be considered as an investment when it comes to selling a property. While there is a cost associated with professional staging services, it is often viewed as an investment that

When replacing bulbs, residents can consider LEDS as well as energy- saving incandescent bulbs. Electric utilities may oer rebates for purchasing energy-e¥cient lamps.

INSULATION

Depending on building ages, insulation may not be up to standard. Checking attics, walls near outlets and basements can ensure heat losses are minimized. Wall insulation may require a thermographic evaluation.

APPLIANCES

Energy use for appliances can be estimated using the energy guide label on the appliance itself or by using an electricity usage monitor. Unplugging appliances in between uses can keep them from drawing unused electricity.

Rhonda Conchola Owner The Home Staging for Houston Design Team 3332 Spring Stuebner Road,

Karl Steinbacher Remodel Manager

99 TOLL

Sunrise Pool Renovations 7620 Louetta Road, Ste. A, Spring 832-979-8242 www.srpreno.com

HEATING AND COOLING

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends upgrading systems older than 15 years. Checking ductwork for dirt streaks can reveal air leaks, which can be sealed.

Ste. M, Spring 832-301-5696 www.homestagingforhouston.com

SPRING STUEBNER RD.

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY§COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BUSINESS FEATURE No Mess Roong & Gutters Spring-based company oers environmentally sound exterior home services in Houston area

2023 HOME EDITION

J e Lambert has been in Texas for 28 years and said he has owned a handful of successful businesses, all with the same idea— providing excellent customer service. Lambert said he got his entrepreneurial start in his family business, and he later struck out on his own with a window cleaning and pressure-washing BY LAURA LANDSBAUM

In the rejuvenation process, Lambert said the shingle granules are better bonded, which helps prevent roof damage from hail and wind. Lambert noted roof rejuvenation also improves curb appeal by smothering moss and black algae streaks that make a roof look aged. “I’d heard of the product itself, and I was interested,” Lambert said. ”I did my due diligence and research, and I saw

Owner Je Lambert opened No Mess Roong & Gutters in the Spring area in 2017. LAURA LANDSBAUMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“I DID MY DUE DILIGENCE AND RESEARCH, AND I SAWTHAT ROOF REJUVENATION IS A VIABLE, EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE TO REPLACING ROOFS...” JEFF LAMBERT, NO MESS ROOFING & GUTTERS OWNER

business, which was later folded back into the family business. Gutter cleaning followed, and roong was a natural extension, he said. “[Roong] was the next thing—it just goes hand-in- hand while we’re up there,” he said. Lambert opened

that [roof rejuve- nation] is a viable, excellent alternative to replacing roofs, and because the price [of roong] was going so high.” Extending the life of a roof by ve to 15 years with rejuvenation also has environmental

AMPLIFYING CURB APPEAL

No Mess Roong & Gutters oers a a variety of exterior home services. Rooing services

• Rejuvenation • Replacement • Tune-up • Repair • Ventilation Gutter services • Installation • Covers

The company designs and installs roofs and rain control systems.

COURTESY NO MESS ROOFING & GUTTERS

No Mess Roong & Gutters in Spring in 2017. The full-service roong and gutter company designs and installs roofs and rain control systems, along with roof repairs and cleaning. Lambert said the single most important thing a property owner can do to extend the life of their roof is to rejuvenate it. No Mess Roong & Gutters added roof rejuvenation services to their service lineup using a product from Greener Shingles. “It’s an excellent product that is completely green,” Lambert said. “It’s a proprietary soy-based oil that replaces oils lost through aging.”

implications, Lambert said. “A shingle takes 300 years to decompose in a landll,” Lambert said. Additionally, he said shingles in landlls can leach carcinogenic chemicals into groundwater. Each rejuvenation performed by No Mess Roong & Gutters carries a ve-year transferable warranty that includes a free annual roof checkup and free maintenance service during the warranty period. No Mess Roong & Gutters serves the communities of Conroe, Cypress, Houston, Montgomery, Spring, Tomball and The Woodlands.

Cleaning services • Pressure washing • Gutter cleaning and repairs • Roof soft wash

Roof rejuvenation is one of the business’s more unique oerings.

COURTESY NO MESS ROOFING & GUTTERS

No Mess Roong & Gutters 9040 Louetta Road, Ste. 4012, Spring 281-717-0589

www.nomessguttersroong.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., closed Sun.

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • JULY 2023

CONTINUED FROM 1

MARKET SNAPSHOT See how Spring and Klein’s housing market has performed since 2021.

Spring/Klein Spring/Klein/ Tomball Champions

but now home prices are settling again,” Davis said. A May 19 analysis from Redn, a real estate rm, shows Houston is one of the four major metros nationwide where buying a typical home is more aordable than renting one. The analysis cited a lower cost of living and lower property values compared to other cities. Proposing aordable housing About 12%—or 45,061 residents— living in the nine ZIP codes comprising the Spring and Klein communities live below the poverty level, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Community Survey’s 2021 ve- year estimates. To aid low-income residents living in the Spring area, two developers hope to provide aordable living options. Lincoln Avenue Capital has plans to open a senior aordable housing complex called Oakwood Trails by the rst quarter of 2026, according to a July 12 email from the developer. The project will be located near Louetta Road and Dover Mills Drive in Spring. Meanwhile, Pedcor Investments is planning Willow Creek Manor— an aordable housing project to be located at Hufsmith-Kohrville and Cossey roads. Pedcor opted not to comment on the project. LAC has been open to hearing concerns and changing aspects of the project to put the community at ease, according to a February newsletter from state Rep. Sam Harless, R¤Spring. Developers reduced the number of apartments in the complex from 254 to 203, lowered some of its buildings by a story and limited the age of residents to 62 and older. Construction on the complex is slated to begin in the rst quarter of 2024. To encourage developers to build aordable housing, the state oers the Housing Tax Credit Program, which gives companies building such projects a reduction in their federal taxes, according to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Aairs’ website. The two types of program tax credits are 9% and 4%, which have dierent requirements and tax osets. LAC’s project is a 4% tax credit application, according to Harless’ newsletter. Aordable housing projects are not viewed positively by all Spring- area residents and representatives,

ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE Local nonprot Northwest Assistance Ministries oers an array of programs to help community members struggling to pay for housing. Mortgage/rental assistance Details: Every other Thursday, NAM selects from completed applications. Requirements: Proof of need must be provided at least 45 days before payment is due, and applicant must live in NAM service ZIP code. How to apply: Fill out an application at www.namonline.org/intake. Housing services Details: Programs such as indenite stay housing options and rental arrear services are available. Requirements: Available to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk for entering a shelter. Requirements vary per program but include disability documentation and assessment at Houston’s Coalition for the Homeless Coordinated Access site. How to apply: Visit www.namonline. org/housing for details. however. Valoree Swanson, R¤Spring, has worked to stop all applications for 9% housing projects in her district, she said in a June 22 statement. State Rep. “While the goal of providing aord- able housing is laudable, the govern- ment should not hurt local property values and provide sweetheart deals to luxury apartment complexes at the expense of taxpayers,” Swanson said in the statement. Some proposed aordable housing projects for Spring have been canceled. In March, KCG Companies opted not to pursue an unnamed 60-unit apartment project after expected state housing tax credit funding fell through, said CJ Linter, vice president of development. The project was slated for Schroeder Road and Middlebury Lane. “We view the aordable housing program … as a critical building block and steppingstone for people moving through their own career journeys and life journeys and making sure people have a good place to be in their community,” Linter said. In January 2022, LDG Development

KUYKENDAHL RD.

249

99 TOLL

1960

SPRING CYPRESS RD.

AVERAGE HOME PRICES The average local home price has remained above $300,000 in Spring this year.

Jan. 2021 - April 2023

+38% +43%

$400K

+32%

$300K

$200K

HOME SALES Home sales spiked briey in February after trending downward in mid 2022.

50 100 200 150

SOURCE: TEXAS REAL ESTATE RESEARCH CENTERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

price for single-family homes in Houston—$2,255 per month—only rose by 0.67% since May 2022; however, it remains 20.3% higher than in May 2019. Local families are struggling with the cost of their mortgages and rent, said Brian Carr, chief advancement ocer for Spring-area nonprot Northwest Assistance Ministries. More than 300 families applied for rent and mortgage assistance through NAM during the rst week of June when typically, Carr said, the nonprot sees 110 requests per week. “The economic hardships that these families were seeing … even continued to worsen after the pandemic,” Carr said. “So these families are really going through a three-year—going on four-year—added struggle to what

according to the June 14 HAR report. Local real estate agents said the increase in interest rates to above 6% for a 30-year mortgage—which occurred in September for the rst time since 2008, according to Freddie Mac data—may have caused prospective homebuyers to hold o on purchases. Sales for single-family homes in the Spring area decreased about 45% year over year as of April, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center. Compared to April 2021, home sales dropped by about 50%. Meanwhile, demand for rental homes, townhomes and condominiums spiked by an average of 19% year-over-year for May in the Greater Houston area, according to HAR. Holly Davis has lived in the Spring area since the 1980s, she said. A homeowner for decades, Davis became a renter for the rst time about 2 1/2 years ago. “Prices … got so high for a while it was almost the same to rent or buy,

their life already was.” Rental demand surges

Hikes in mortgage interest rates have been a “major deterrent” to homebuying in Houston and across the U.S. beginning in late 2022,

SOURCE: NORTHWEST ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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