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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 12 APRIL 26 MAY 23, 2023
EASING CONGESTION The Northpark Drive overpass project was rst proposed by the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority in 2015 to address congestion and safety concerns along the roadway. Construction timeline: April 2023-October 2025 Estimated cost: $76.2 million Funding sources: Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 10 ($66.7 million), city of Houston ($9.5 million)
SOURCES: LAKE HOUSTON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, CITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Ingenious Brewing Co. marks 5 years in Humble
7
LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2023
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin were among the ocials present at the Northpark Drive overpass project groundbreaking ceremony. (Wesley Gardner/Community Impact)
Candidate Q&A's
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O icials break ground on long-awaited Northpark Drive overpass project
Contract ends with Kingwood water plant operator
BY WESLEY GARDNER
the Union Pacic Corp. railroad tracks and Loop 494. It is projected to enter the rst phase of construction April 23, according to ocials with the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority, which is funded by Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 10. Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin—who represents the city of Houston’s District E, which
Construction on the Northpark Drive overpass project in Kingwood is set to begin following an April 13 groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited project that was rst proposed in 2015. The roughly $76.2 million project will expand North- park Drive from four to six lanes between Hwy. 59 and Russell Palmer Road and add an overpass over
Government
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CONTINUED ON 19
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LOCAL VOTER GUIDE
New Caney ISD voters to decide fate of $695M bond
KEEPING UP WITH GROWTH New Caney ISD’s $695 million bond aims to address growth and capacity challenges through new and expanded campuses. According to an April 2022 Population and Survey Analysts report, NCISD’s enrollment could surpass 25,000 by 2031-32. GROWTH PROJECTION Moderate Low High
Cancer survivor beats odds, opens Loven bakery
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30,000
26,735
BY WESLEY GARDNER
Projected
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
On May 6, New Caney ISD vot- ers will decide a $695 million bond package that includes ve new cam- puses, expansions and renovations to existing schools, and extracurric- ular upgrades. Trustees voted to call for the bond at the board’s Feb. 7 meeting. NCISD Superintendent Matt Calvert said CONTINUED ON 13
21,370
25,000
20,000
22,694
20,218
15,000
0
SOURCES: NEW CANEY ISD, POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTSCOMMUNITY IMPACT 2026-27 2021-22
2031-32
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • APRIL 2023
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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 Kim Giannetti EDITOR Hannah Brol REPORTERS Wesley Gardner, Emily Lincke SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ronald Winters ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Richard Hernandez 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 lhknews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING lhkads@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: With local elections only a few weeks away, voters across the Lake Houston- area will have the opportunity to vote for their candidates of choice running for the Humble ISD board of trustees and Humble City Council. Voters residing within New Caney ISD boundaries will also have the chance to vote for or against two propositions comprising the district’s $695 million bond. To learn more about each of these local candidates, as well as NCISD’s bond, see our Voter Guide, which begins on Page 10. Kim Giannetti, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM HANNAH: Nearly eight years after its inception, construction began on the long- awaited Northpark Drive overpass project in April and is expected to continue for the next 2.5 years. While the project aims to improve safety and relieve trac congestion along the corridor, ocials are concerned about the many local businesses that line Northpark Drive and may be negatively impacted during construction. To learn more about this project and what commuters and residents can expect in the coming months, see our front-page story, which continues on Page 19. Hannah Brol, EDITOR
"Our story is just beginning. " JOHN GARRETT, COMMUNITY IMPACT CEO & FOUNDER, AS QUOTED BY TEXAS MONTHLY
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • APRIL 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
NOW OPEN 1 Smoken J’s BBQ 2 opened in early March at 22246 Russell Drive, New Caney. The family-owned eatery oers classic barbecued meats including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage and chicken, as well as baked potatoes, wings, hamburgers, chicken tenders and fried catsh. Homemade side dishes, such as potato salad and rice casserole, and desserts, such as pecan pie and peach 2 Hotworx recently opened two new locations in the Lake Houston area. The rst studio opened Feb. 13 at A 2855 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 105A, Humble, followed by the second location March 24 at B 12230 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 135, Houston. Hotworx oers 24-hour access to virtually instructed infrared sauna workouts, including isometric workouts and high- intensity interval training workouts. A 281-466-4328, B 281-205-8403. www.hotworx.net 3 UrgentVet celebrated the grand opening of its new Kingwood clinic at 30129 Rock Creek Drive, Ste. 600, on April 6. UrgentVet oers pets relief for mild illnesses and minor injuries at an aordable rate and is open nights, weekends and holidays. The Kingwood clinic spans 2,537 square feet and features three exam rooms for small dogs, two for large dogs and one for cats. The clinic also includes an in-house laboratory and state- of-the-art equipment, including digital radiography and ultrasound technology. 281-768-7878. www.urgentvet.com/location/kingwood 4 Always Best Care Senior Services is now providing nonmedical in-home care and assisted living referral services to residents in Humble, Kingwood and the surrounding areas, according to a Feb. 15 news release. Located at 1525 Lakeville Drive, Kingwood, the new franchise cobbler, are also on the menu. 361-655-3820. bit.ly/3L55Mhw location is owned and operated by Marisa D. Thompson and oers free evaluations. Always Best Care Senior Services works with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors and families to provide aordable, comprehensive solutions to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs. 713-898-5475. www.alwaysbestcarekingwood.com
5 Recreational vehicle community Laurel Springs RV Resort celebrated a March 15 grand opening in Kingwood. Located at 1355 Laurel Springs Lane, the RV community has space for 226 units and oers overnight and long-term stay options. Amenities include an outdoor patio and grill area, a tness center, an arcade, a business center, a lounge, a hospitality kitchen, a laundry room, a variety of outdoor games and four individual restrooms with showers. 281-519-5151. www.laurelspringsrvresort.com COMING SOON 6 The Food Zone will be opening a second Lake Houston-area location May 5. Located at 23020 Speed St., New Caney, the food truck park will oer a variety of cuisines as well as a green area for customers to sit, a DJ booth and a large screen. Construction began on the new food truck park in August. 281-250-0431. bit.ly/3GymhjH 7 After a seven-month delay, Blo Blow Dry Bar has found a new location in Kingwood and will be moving forward with its planned grand opening in May, Fishman Public Relations conrmed in late March. Originally slated to open at the Kingwood Docks shopping center in the second quarter of 2022, the business is now scheduled to open in May at 4625 Kingwood Drive, Ste. 700. Blo Blow Dry Bar oers makeup services as well as hair washing, styling and blowout services. www.blomedry.com 8 LensCrafters’ new storefront in Valley Ranch Town Center is expected to open in October, a spokesperson with Total PR conrmed in mid-March. The business will be located in an oce building that is under construction at 21856 Market Place Drive, New Caney. Construction on this space is expected to nish in April. www.lenscrafters.com RELOCATIONS 9 Express Family Clinic-New Caney opened April 3 at its new oce in the 1314 Crossing Shopping Center, located at 20125 FM 1314, Ste. A, Porter. Previously located at 12073 N. Grand Parkway E., Ste. 200, New Caney, Express Family
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Clinic oers a variety of medical services for patients of all ages, ranging from checkups and preventive screenings to wound care and treatment for neurological disorders. 281-306-2102. www.expressfamilyclinic.com ANNIVERSARIES 10 The Humble Noon Lions Club marked its 40th anniversary March 4. Founded in 1983, the nonprot service club partners with other organizations to provide services to the community, such as providing eyeglasses to students, serving children with special needs and sponsoring local bingo games. Lions Clubs are part of an international organization founded in 1917. The Humble Noon Lions Club meets twice per month at the Kingwood Branch Library, 4400 Bens View Lane, Kingwood. 346-600-2366. www.humblenoonlions.com 11 Texas Litter Control , a nonprot organization that oers low-cost veterinary services, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Executive Director Deana Love said in an email. The nonprot oers a variety of programs including a pet food pantry, an adoption program, a shelter intervention program, and training programs for veterinarians and vet technicians. Over the past decade, Texas Litter Control has performed almost 150,000 spay and
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Ingenious Brewing Co.
COURTESY INGENIOUS BREWING CO.
Center Court Pizza & Brew will open a new location in Humble early this summer.
neuter surgeries and rehomed over 5,700 animals. Texas Litter Control’s Humble clinic is located at 19333 Hwy. 59, Ste. 230. 281-528-1238. www.texaslittercontrol.org 12 Snow Cone Factory reopened in Porter for its 10th season March 10. Located at 23892 Ford Road, the shaved ice stand oers 80 dierent ¡avors and makes all of its syrups in house. 832-341-7977. www.facebook.com/ snowconefactoryporter 13 Ingenious Brewing Co. celebrated its fth anniversary March 25. Located at 1986 S. Houston Ave., Humble, the brewpub rst opened its brick-and- mortar location in March 2018 and oers a variety of small-batch constantly changing brews including tart, fruited sours; pastry stouts; hop-loaded IPAs; and milkshake IPAs. 832-412-2142. www.ingeniousbeer.com
COURTESY CENTER COURT PIZZA & BREW
3 NEW PIZZA PLACES Several pizzerias either recently opened or are coming soon to the Lake Houston area. NOW OPEN 1 Domino’s opened March 15 at 22800 Hwy. 242, New Caney. The eatery sells pizzas, sandwiches, salads, pastas and desserts. 281-306-3636. www.dominos.com COMING SOON 2 Crust Pizza Co. will open in late 2023 at 14433 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Houston. The restaurant will oer thin- crust pizzas, calzones, pasta and sub sandwiches. www.crustpizzaco.com
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3 Center Court Pizza & Brew will open early this summer at 20669 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. G, Humble. The menu will include pizzas, pizza rolls, cal- zones, atbreads, sliders, pasta, wings and salads. www.centercourtpizza.com
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • APRIL 2023
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL
ONGOING PROJECTS 1 Loop 494 expansion
from Business FM 1960 to Twigsworth Lane, while B Segment B runs from Twigsworth Lane to the San Jacinto River bridge. Segment B will also include the construction of an overpass at FM 1960 and West Lake Houston Parkway. Timeline: late 2021-2025 Cost: $58.2 million (Segment A), $70 million (Segment B) Funding source: TxDOT UPCOMING PROJECTS 4 Sorters McClellan Road expansion A project to expand Sorters McClellan Road to four lanes with a center turn lane is on hold, according to Hugo Sanchez, Montgomery County Precinct 4’s projects and logistics coordinator. Construction will begin on A Segment A—FM 1314 to south of Lowe Road—once utility reloca- tions are completed within the next three to four months, while construction will begin on B Segment B—south of Lowe Road to Northpark Drive—once utility relocations are completed by October. Timeline: TBA Cost: $6.8 million (Segment A), $7.4 million (Segment B) Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 4 road bonds
Work is nearing completion on a project to expand Loop 494 between a half-mile north of Kingwood Drive and north of Sorters McClellan Road from two to four lanes with a raised turf median, center turn lanes at intersections and sidewalks. Timeline: July 15, 2019-second quarter 2023 Cost: $17.56 million Funding sources: 80% federal, 20% state 2 FM 1314 raised median Construction is 88% complete on a proj- ect to replace FM 1314’s center turn lane with a raised median between Fatheree Drive and South Loop 494. Bambi Hall, a public information ocer with the Texas Department of Transportation, said work had been suspended as of early April due to backordered equipment. Timeline: Aug. 24, 2022-third quarter 2023 Cost: $4.7 million Funding sources: 80% federal, 20% state 3 FM 1960 widening Work is expected to continue through 2025 on a project to widen FM 1960 from four to six lanes. A Segment A runs
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF APRIL 10. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT LHKNEWS¥COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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DEDICATED HEALTHCARE CHAMPIONS FOR ALL With one million of our residents uninsured, Harris Health System proudly serves as your public healthcare safety net, providing high-quality primary, specialty, acute and trauma care. Thank you for your support.
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • APRIL 2023
LOCAL VOTER GUIDE GUIDE Candidates and information for local elections
DATES TO KNOW April 24 First day of early voting
During early voting, Harris and Montgomery county residents can vote at any voting center in their county. On election day, Harris County residents can vote at any voting center in their county, while Montgomery County residents must vote at their assigned voting precinct. SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, HARRIS COUNTY ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT WHERE TO VOTE
May 6 Election day May 6 Last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
April 25 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) May 2 Last day of early voting
Incumbent
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Humble ISD board of trustees, Position 2
Occupation: nance Experience: manag- ing director of credit services for Insperity; served in leadership roles on 2005, 2008 and 2018 HISD bond study committees www.robertscarfo.com ROBERT SCARFO
ASDRUBAL “DRU” GUTIERREZ
Occupation: retired Experience: worked in education for 35 years; helped campaign for REGINALD SPIVEY
Occupation: tutoring company owner ERIN GREENE
Occupation: eld ser- vices director at North Houston District; MUD 152 vice president
Experience: taught for over 10 years; tutored the community for two years; worked with the community as well www.eringreene4humbleisd.com
Experience: father of HISD students; HISD bond committee and education foundation member www.druforhumbleisd.com
school boards in North Forest, Houston, Ga- lena Park and Humble ISDs over past 30 years www.coachspiveyforhumbleisd.com
What do you think are the biggest issues Humble ISD is currently facing?
Growth in student enrollment over the next ve to seven years will be a major challenge both in facility construction/renovation and adding quality sta to all areas of [HISD]. Campus safety is our rst priority. The district maintains law enforcement ocers at all high school and middle school campuses. The best in equipment and technology has been provided. We increased starting ocer pay this past fall to remain competitive. Coordi- nation with area rst responders is ongoing.
Student mental health. Parent trust. Teacher attraction and retention. I will advocate to place students rst to overcome the behav- ioral and academic setbacks brought on by the COVID shutdown. Enforce conservative policies to address today’s urban issues to build a culture which re¢ects our values. Fight to fund additional support sta to help teachers exercise their passion to teach, support the current academic calendar, and keep the board out of their classroom.
Humble Independent School District ... is ranked No. 495 of all 1,196 school districts in Texas (based o of combined math and read- ing pro ciency testing data) for the 202122 school year. State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test showed “promising signs of progress in Texas’ eorts to catch students up academically.”
Presently, the biggest issue facing Humble ISD is the experimentation of using com- puters for learning purposes. Increasingly, we are seeing students who are unable to read on grade level and do basic math. Re- turning to a traditional form of education, which worked for our founding fathers, allows students to learn to read, write and do math with success since it will be de- velopmentally appropriate for the students.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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2023
COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL, WESLEY GARDNER & EMILY LINCKE
Incumbent
Humble ISD board of trustees, Position 7
NATALIE CARTER
MICHAEL GRABOWSKI
NANCY S. MORRISON
Occupation: real estate Experience: board member of Kingwood Area Republican Wom- en; precinct chair of Harris County Precinct No. 563 www.leighfortrustee.com LEIGH S. MARCUS
Occupation: homemaker
Occupation: commer- cial airline pilot
Occupation: retired educator; HISD trustee Experience: over 40 years in education; Leadership Texas
Experience: mother of three HISD students; Parent Teacher Organi- zation president; HISD Zoning Committee www.carterforhumbleisd.com
Experience: father of HISD student; husband of HISD teacher; Air Force Academy graduate www.grabowski4trustee.com
Association of School Boards master trustee www.nancysmorrison.wordpress.com
What do you think are the biggest issues Humble ISD is currently facing?
Providing high-quality education to each student while dealing with limited resources, rapid growth, and the ongoing mental health issues caused by pandemic-related stressors. The district must focus on teacher and sta recruitment and retention, creating safe and secure schools, and community engagement.
Two major issues facing Humble ISD: First, is the 10-year record of declining test scores. We were 9% above state average in reading and math; we are now 1% above state in reading and 4% below state in math. Second, is the disturbing trend of sexual indoctrina- tion materials in the school libraries.
Retention of our teaching sta and move upward with compensation. Continue advo- cating [for] and providing resources needed for safe and secure schools. Post-COVID mental health issues. Advocating for state funding [based] on enrollment vs. average daily attendance.
Encourage more after-school programs and parental involvement. Make more school counselors and psychologists available on campuses to make strides in achieving mental health support. To improve campus safety, I think there needs to be an armed presence on every campus by [HISD] Police.
Humble ISD board of trustees, Position 6
Humble City Council, Place 1
Occupation: technology consultant Experience: HISD trustee; Education Foundation trustee www.keepholmes.com MARQUES HOLMES
Occupation: self employed Experience: vice president of James Deaver Services Inc. www.audra4kids.com AUDRA DEAVER
HOLLY HAM
Candidate did not respond as of press time. ERIC D. LACY
CHARLES “ANDY” CURRY
Occupation: chief custom- er/growth o cer Experience: 25 years of business and leadership experience www.hollyforhumbleisd.com
Occupation: retired
Experience: 20 years on Humble City Council; 28 years in Humble ISD’s nancial department
What do you think are the biggest issues Humble ISD is currently facing?
What do you think are the biggest issues the city of Humble is currently facing?
The safety and security of our students, teachers and administra- tion. I will continue to ... support the hardening of our campuses, a zero tolerance for bullies and ad- ditional funding to send oenders outside of the district.
The biggest issues facing Humble ISD have everything to do with classroom de ciencies. I’ve seen declines from 201723. We demand academic excellence at Humble ISD. Anything outside of that purview aside from safety is second.
Curriculum degradation that is not preparing our students for post-secondary education or [a] competitive workforce. Teacher retention—provide merit increases for performance and provide half- time resource to assist.
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
Commercial and residential growth. We need to continue improving our infrastructure and ensure our police and re departments are equipped to meet the demands.
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • APRIL 2023
Community benefit centers Memorial Hermann provides fast, easy access to a wide range of essential resources for our neighbors in northeast Houston. are here for you.
Neighborhood Health Center: • Low-cost access to care providers • Preventative, acute and chronic care • No insurance required • Extended hours, open on weekends 19333 Highway 59 North, Ste. 280 Humble, TX 77338 For appointments, call 832.658.5530
Community Resource Center: • Eligibility services and application assistance • Connection to primary care services • Food pantry and social services • Health education 18838 S. Memorial Dr., Ste. 104 Humble, TX 77338 For appointments, call 713.814.2470
To learn more, visit memorialhermann.org /community-benefit ¡Hablamos Español!
Advancing health. Personalizing care.
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CONTINUED FROM 1
2023 LOCAL VOTER GUIDE
YOUR LOCAL GEICO AGENT MAKES BUNDLING SIMPLE.
PROPOSITION A: $634 MILLION
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1 Middle School Nos. 5 and 6: $216M 2 Elementary School Nos. 12 and 13: $94M 3 West Fork High School Phase 2: $76M 4 Administration building: $56M 5 New Caney Elementary School replacement: $47M 6 Land acquisitions: $30M 7 Maintenance and operations building: $28M 8 Facility life cycle improvement items: $23.5M 1 New Caney High School extracurricular improvements: $32M 2 Porter High School extracurricular improvements: $16M PROPOSITION B: $61 MILLION
9 New Caney High School Career and Technical Education Facility: $21M 10 Porter High School CTE and ne arts improvements: $12.5M 11 Transportation expansion: $12M 12 Clear touch classroom interactive displays: $10M 13 Alternative Campus and Credit Recovery relocation: $7M 14 School playground accessibility: $1M
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BOND BY PROPOSITION New Caney ISD’s 2023 bond package is composed of a $634 million proposition that would fund new and expanded campuses, and a $61 million proposition
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3 District Agriculture Science Center expansion: $7M 4 West Fork High School extracurricular improvements: $6M
that would fund expanded extracurricular oerings.
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SOURCE: NEW CANEY ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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1,400 homes in that time. “Those are our main areas of focus,” Calvert said. Calvert pointed to several projects in Proposition A that aim to address growth, including Elementary School No. 12—a $44 million campus in The Highlands—and Elementary School No. 13, a $50 million campus in the northeast section of the district. Additionally, the $76 million second phase of West Fork High School would add 750 seats in addition to a new gymnasium and locker rooms. Middle school Nos. 5 and 6, which would each cost $108 million and house 1,100 students, would be built in the northwestern and northeastern portions of the district, respectively. Extending opportunities While many bond projects aim to expand student capacity, several items aim to increase access to extra- curricular and career and technical education oerings. In Proposition A, New Caney High School’s $21 million CTE facility would include a 50,000-square-foot addition housing the school’s agriculture, weld- ing, automotive, construction, archi- tecture and engineering programs. “That space just really isn’t functional for the demands of CTE right now [and] getting kids ready to have a career in those elds,” Calvert said. Similarly, a $12.5 million, 52,000-square-foot addition at Por- ter High School would include new
spaces for band and dance programs as well as renovations to the existing ne arts and CTE areas. The bond would also help relocate New Caney High School’s sports elds closer to the campus, meaning stu- dents would no longer have to drive across Hwy. 59 to reach them. Turf would also be installed on Porter High School’s baseball and NCISD trustees approved a tax rate of $1.443 per $100 valuation—the fourth consecu- tive year trustees approved an over- all tax rate that was lower than the year prior. softball elds. Eect on taxes Last year, Because the district’s interest and sinking rate, which is used to pay o bond debt, is already at the state’s maximum $0.50 per $100 valuation, Calvert said the approval of the bond referendum would have no eect on the district’s I&S rate. Additionally, Calvert said the in¡ux of new homes in the area would likely generate enough new revenue to stave o any increases to the district’s maintenance and operations tax rate in the coming years. “If we don’t get this bond passed, in a year, we’re going to see schools over capacity,” Bond Steering Committee Member Dennis Alters said.
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the bond aims to address projected student growth. “We know the growth is here,” Calvert said. “It’s coming, and it’s not going anywhere.” The bond will be broken up into two propositions; Proposition A totals $634 million and includes campus and facility improvements, while Proposi- tion B totals $61 million and targets extracurricular enhancements. While NCISD voters have approved seven bond elections since 2000, the May election will feature the dis- trict’s largest bond issue to date. Still, Calvert said NCISD’s property tax rate will remain unaected by the bond. Addressing growth NCISD ocials said the district’s enrollment stands at nearly 17,800 students this school year. However, an April 2022 report from demo- graphic rm Population and Survey Analysts projects that number to rise to roughly 25,000 students by 2031-32. According to the report, several residential developments are driving the growth, including The Highlands, which is projected to gain more than 1,200 new units by 2026, and Tavola, which is expected to add more than
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13
LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • APRIL 2023
PARKS & RECREATION
GOVERNMENT
Trail of the Lakes MUD opens 4-acre dog park in Humble
City of Houston terminates contract with operator of Kingwood water plant Facility, and until recently the city has slow-walked every request,” Inframark spokesperson Miranda Sevcik said in a March 22 email. “The fact that the city has moved to termi- nate us as long overdue upgrades are nally being made is both a surprise and a disappointment.” Sevcik noted the company is currently conducting an internal investigation. “With respect to allegations of BY WESLEY GARDNER TREATING WASTEWATER The city of Houston oversees 40 wastewater treatment plants responsible for treating raw sewage before it is released back into waterways. Here is how the process works: 1 4 2 5 Start End
The city of Houston terminated its contract with Inframark, the con- tractor that operates the Kingwood Central Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin’s oce announced March 22. The decision to terminate the city’s ve-year, $74 million contract with Inframark came more than a month after Houston Police Department ocials executed a search warrant at the Kingwood Central Wastewater Treatment Plant on Feb. 17. HPD ocials alleged in the search warrant adavit the contractor doctored samples and records to suggest the plant had adequately treated sewage before releasing it into a waterway that feeds into one of the city’s main sources of drinking water. “Over the last ve years since Hur- ricane Harvey, we have repeatedly asked the city of Houston to address the serious deciencies in the condi- tion of the equipment at the King- wood Central Wastewater Treatment
WILL CLAYTON PKWY.
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BY EMILY LINCKE
WOODLAND HILLS DR.
of the MUD’s parks and trails master plan and was funded by the MUD’s $7 million recreational amenities bond, which was approved by voters in 2017. Before the MUD called its bond election nearly six years ago, it met with community members to nd out what projects they wanted in their area, according to Jo Smith, Trail of the Lakes MUD board director and parks liaison. “We asked the community what they wanted since the land belongs to the community,” Smith said in an April 4 email. “It was important to the board to nd out what the community wanted, and when the community voted … they asked for a dog park.” Smith said the MUD’s board of directors is reviewing its parks master plan to determine what project to focus on next. The master
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On March 4, the Trail of the Lakes Municipal Utility District opened a $2.5 million dog park in Humble, hosting locals and their canine companions for the grand opening. The 4-acre outdoor park space has areas for small and large dogs and features amenities such as a covered pavilion, walking paths, a splash pad, a dog play zone and seating options. Trees were added in for additional shade as well as a variety of plants, according to Four And One Landscape Architecture, the rm that designed the park. A parking lot was also added to the park with a walking trail to connect nearby neighborhoods and trails. Construction on the new dog park began on Jan. 21, 2022, according to an April 3 email from a spokesperson for Four And One Landscape Architecture. The project was part
The 4-acre dog park features amenities including a covered pavilion, walking paths, a splash pad, a dog play zone and seating options. (Courtesy Trail of the Lakes MUD) MAKING PROGRESS The Trail of the Lakes Municipal Utility District unveiled its new $2.5 million dog park and is evaluating its parks master plan to determine which project to begin next.
1 Sewage is pumped through screens to remove large particles and through a grit removal system to remove sand and silt. 2 Sewage is treated in a reactor to separate impurities using air and oxygen. 3 It then ows to a clarier, where solids are separated from the liquid stream.
4 Clear water then ows into a chlorine contact chamber, where it is disinfected to destroy pathogens. 5 Disinfectants are removed, and water is released back into the receiving streams. Upon discovering irregularities at the plant, Houston Public Works Department ocials forwarded their ndings to HPD’s Environmental Crimes Unit and the Texas Commis- sion on Environmental Quality. HPD ocials said the investigation is ongoing.
Trails
Parks and playgrounds
criminal wrongdoing, we are nearing completion of an internal investiga- tion that has found no evidence of any illegal activity on the part of any Inframark employees,” Sevcik said. City ocials said the Houston Pub- lic Works Department is now running the plant as well as four additional plants in Kingwood formerly oper- ated by Inframark. Ocials maintain the city’s drinking water has and will continue to be safe to consume. “We are committed to providing the highest-quality water services to Houstonians and believe this is the
• Clayton’s Park Detention Basin Trail • Atascocita Forest Detention Basin Trail • Trail connection along Woodland Hills Drive
• Dog park • Lago Forest Drive Playground • Fitness parks • Community park and playground
SOURCE: HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCES: TRAIL OF THE LAKES MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT, FOUR AND ONE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE COMMUNITY IMPACT
best path forward for Houston water treatment operations,” Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock said in a statement. According to a Feb. 17 news release, the issue rst arose in January after city ocials received reports of foul odors emanating from the plant.
plan—designed by Four And One Landscape Architecture—includes additional trails, trail connections, playgrounds and tness parks, according to the MUD’s website. About 813.4 acres of land are included within the Trail of the Lakes
MUD’s boundaries. Founded in 1974, the MUD is located southeast of the intersection of Atascocita Road and Will Clayton Parkway in Humble. The Trail of Lakes MUD dog park is located at 16323 Woodland Hills Drive, Humble.
PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733 HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202
KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115 ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100
BUSINESS FEATURE Loven Bakery Cancer survivor beats the odds to open bakery in Humble F or Kena Amber, the chance to open her own bakery came at one of the most inopportune moments of her life. “Back in June, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Amber said. “Just weeks later, we had the opportunity to get this bakery.” Despite the diagnosis, Amber decided to take on the challenge and opened Loven Bakery in July. “I asked God, ‘Why now?’” Amber said. “I think my inner voice replied, ‘Because now, you are taking care of yourself.’” Loven Bakery oers a variety of made-to-order treats, including cakes, cookies, cupcakes and cake pops. Amber noted orders can be customized to create almost anything her customers can think up. “I’ve enjoyed baking and decorating my whole life,” she said. “That was my passion.” Due to her cancer diagnosis, Amber said the transition from baking as a hobby to a fully edged business has been dicult, but she noted she has been able to become more involved in the day-to- day operations since completing her treatment. “After radiation [therapy] and after everything, I’m good now, and I’m healthy,” Amber said. “I’m 100% dedicated to this business now.” In addition to selling baked goods, Amber said Loven Bakery also oers baking classes throughout the month at the store. Amber also noted Loven Bakery will soon expand its inventory to include baking supplies, including mixing bases, boxes, avoring, piping bags and other tools needed for patrons to bake their own goods at home. Looking back at the past year, Amber said she knows she made the right decision when she sees a happy customer. “Whenever we see the customers’ faces when they see their cakes and they say, ‘Wow, this is perfect,’ we love that,” Amber said. BY WESLEY GARDNER
In July, Kena Amber opened Loven Bakery in Humble, boasting a selection of cakes, cookies, cupcakes and cake pops.
WESLEY GARDNERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
CUSTOMMADE CREATIONS Loven Bakery in Humble oers residents the chance to see their custom-made orders come to life. Here are a few tips to help with custom orders. Tip 1: Contact Loven Bakery through one of its social media pages or by calling the business directly at least one week in advance of the desired pickup date. Tip 2: If patrons want something specic they have seen online, be sure to include a photo for reference. Tip 3: If no photos are available, include a detailed description of the desired product.
Tip 4: Try to put in larger or more complex orders at least two weeks in advance to ensure the sta has enough to time to complete the process.
COURTESY LOVEN BAKERY
1960
Loven Bakery 5332 FM 1960, Ste. B, Humble 832-834-0252 www.facebook.com/homemadeinhumble Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
DINING FEATURE
BY WESLEY GARDNER
BUILD YOUR OWN PIZZA J. Christopher’s Italian Bistro oers patrons the chance to build their own pizzas using an assortment of ingredients to create something that is truly their own.
STEP 1: Choice of crusts include:
• Thin crust cheese (12, 14 and 16 inches) • Deep dish (12 and 14 inches)
• Cauliower crust (12 inches) • Wheat crust (12 inches)
Salmon pesto ($21): Tender lets of salmon are slathered with pesto and served alongside roasted tomatoes.
COURTESY J. CHRISTOPHER’S ITALIAN BISTRO
STEP 2: Choice of sauces include:
• Pizza sauce • Alfredo sauce pesto
• Olive oil and garlic sauce
STEP 3: Choice of toppings include:
• Anchovy • Artichoke • Bacon • Black olives • Canadian bacon • Extra cheese • Feta cheese
• Green olives • Green peppers • Italian sausage • Jalapenos • Meatballs • Mushrooms
• Pepperoncini • Pepperoni • Pineapple • Red onions • Spinach • Tomatoes • Yellow onions
J. Christopher’s Italian Bistro o ers a number of signature and build-your-own pizza options starting at $11.
J. Christopher’s Italian Bistro has recently undergone extensive interior renovations.
COURTESY J. CHRISTOPHER’S ITALIAN BISTRO
WESLEY GARDNER COMMUNITY IMPACT
J. Christopher’s Italian Bistro New ownership brings renovated interior, new dishes to Kingwood staple R onald Perez is no stranger to the food industry. He owns Sharky’s Waterfront Grill Marsala and a variety of pizzas. According to Perez, both the of a pan-seared pork chop in a red wine reduction sauce served with herb-roasted potatoes.
Owner Ronald Perez (left) and his father- in-law, Tony Vasquez (right), o er an updated wine selection at the bistro.
restaurant’s menu and interior have undergone extensive renovations, although the pizza has remained largely unchanged outside of improved ingredients. “We upgraded everything,” Perez said, noting the interior renovations included new ooring, walls and tables. “I saw the bad quality of food that was being provided, and I thought, ‘This is an opportunity.’ I got excited because it’s an opportu- nity to do something great.” Perez said the aim has been to oer more high-scale, authentic Italian dishes at an aordable price, pointing to dishes such as the Filetto Di Maiale, which consists
and Chimichurri’s South American Grill in Kingwood as well as a new Sharky’s location in the Spring area with his wife, Rosa. When Perez was given the opportunity to take over running J. Christopher’s Italian Bistro in Kingwood in December, he said the decision was a no-brainer. “The space has been here for such a long time,” Perez said. “I always wanted to open an Italian restau- rant. My idea is to grow the brand.” Perez said the new-look J. Chris- topher’s oers a number of Italian dishes, including lasagna, Alfredo tortellini, salmon pesto, chicken
Perez said that while he knew it was going to be dicult for long- time customers to accept some of these changes, he thinks the patrons who have tried the new dishes have been pleased. Looking to the future, Perez said he is excited to continue the tradi- tion that has been established by J. Christopher’s since it rst opened in 1980. “We want [the customers] to be happy,” Perez said. “I think what I would like to make sure that people understand is that we’re not coming here to destroy. We’re coming here to build and to grow.”
WESLEY GARDNER COMMUNITY IMPACT
J. Christopher’s Italian Bistro 2245 Northpark Drive, Kingwood 281-358-6601 www.jcitalianbistro.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
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NORTHPARK DR.
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EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
1133 Kingwood Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 281-358-3600 www.tkbrshowroom.com
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • APRIL 2023
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