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BAY AREA EDITION
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 8 MARCH 28 MAY 1, 2023
College of the Mainland and the University of Houston-Clear Lake will hold their respective bond election and referendum this spring. This rendering shows a new library and classroom building that could result from COM’s bond. Ba Area co eges PLAN TO EXPAND 2023 LOCAL VOTER GUIDE
Locals sponsor, organize COVID 19 memorial
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LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2023
Sample ballot
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COM’s historic bond The $250 million bond could reshape the COM campus via new buildings, renovations and demolitions.
Tax cost to residents The bond could raise the annual interest and sinking tax cost, which is used to fund bond payments, to $379.20 on homes valued at $300,000. $0.005
$189.94M New build
$379.20 Annual cost
$2.09M Demolition
$0.0045
Quantum Sails o ers services for boaters
$281.04 Annual cost
$0.00474 I&S tax rate
$0.004 $0.0035 $0.003 $0
21
$57.97M Expansions and renovations
$0.003513 I&S tax rate
$0
$250M
SOURCE: COLLEGE OF THE MAINLAND COMMUNITY IMPACT
2018
2023
before 2018
RENDERING COURTESY COLLEGE OF THE MAINLAND
Local college, university reach higher with planned campus expansions, upgrades
New owners revamp Bada Bing Pizzeria
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Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
BY SAAB SAHI
Gulf Coast region, which includes Houston, according to enrollment forecasts from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In fact, COM has almost returned to its prepandemic levels of enrollment and expects to continue growing, Vice President of Instruction Jerry Fliger said. “Galveston County is one of the fastest-growing coun- ties,” said Diane Burkett, COM’s executive director of marketing and public a airs. “As a result, more residents
College of the Mainland and University of Hous- ton-Clear Lake each respectively plan to hold a bond election and student referendum for a possible future bond this spring as part of ongoing e orts to improve and expand campus facilities to accommodate growth, according to o cials from both schools. Despite national setbacks from the COVID-19 pan- demic, thousands of students are expected to enroll in colleges and universities over the next few years in the
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BAY AREA EDITION • MARCH 2023
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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 Papar Faircloth SENIOR EDITOR Jake Magee REPORTER Saab Sahi GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jesus Verastegui ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Adrianne Smith METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Scha er COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281 469 6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES baynews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING bayads@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 PAPAR: It’s hard to believe that summer is right around the corner, but it is. The kids and teachers are likely already counting down the days when they can enjoy the slower pace of summer with no school and hopefully lots of pool time. This month we bring you our annual Camp Guide to help nd some activities for your children while school is out. Whether you’re looking for sports, art, educational or overnight camps, our team has compiled a list of local camps for you and your children to enjoy on Page 14. Papar Faircloth, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM JAKE: I’m back! I spent the past few months bonding with my newborn daughter, Embry Shay, along with my lovely wife, Montaya, and 1-year-old daughter, Arcadia Lillian. Now, I’m back in the swing of things and excited to keep bringing you the news you need to know. Why not start with our cover story about upgrades coming to some higher education facilities in your backyard? Jake Magee, SENIOR EDITOR
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BAY AREA EDITION • MARCH 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
League City. The building, which original- ly housed Slim Chickens, will be expand- ed by 3,000 square feet. The restaurant will serve a variety of seafood—a cuisine with which restaurant owner Andy Zhuo, who also owns Michiru Sushi in Webster, has experience. A restaurant phone num- ber and website are not yet available. 6 In-N-Out Burger plans to open a location at 122 El Dorado Blvd., Webster, in the future at a yet-to-be-determined time, Mike Abbate, assistant vice pres- ident of real estate and development, told Community Impact . It typically takes eight to nine months after groundbreak- ing to open for business, he said. The fast-food restaurant chain offers burgers, fries and shakes and is known for having a secret menu at its locations. The secret menu features items on request such as an “animal-style” burger with a mustard-fried patty, lettuce-wrapped burgers and a grilled cheese burger. www.bakerkatz.com 7 Wild Fork is planning to open at the incoming Shops at Baybrook at the south- east corner of I-45 and Bay Area Boulevard in Webster. Wild Fork is a food market that offers a large selection of high-quality meat and seafood such as skirt steak, salmon filets, alligator tenderloins, octo- pus tentacles and ostrich filets, according to the city of Webster. Wild Fork freezes its meat at minus 40 degrees to reduce crystallization, seal in vitamins and min- erals, and maintain fresh flavors longer. The Shops at Baybrook is aiming for a late 2023 opening. www.wildforkfoods.com 8 Kura Revolving Sushi Bar will open in- side the future Shops at Baybrook in Web- ster at the southeast corner of I-45 and Bay Area Boulevard. The restaurant will feature a conveyor belt that will deliver to customers authentic Japanese cuisine, such as nigiri, rolls, ramen, dumplings and mochi. The Shops at Baybrook is aiming for a late 2023 opening. www.kurasushi.com 9 Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux is under construction in front of Academy Sports + Outdoors at 21351 Gulf Freeway, Webster. The 8,500-square-foot restaurant will be sports themed and family friendly with more than 75 TVs. The restaurant is known for Louisiana cuisine such as seafood, Cajun dishes and burgers prepared fresh from scratch, according to the city of Webster.
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NOW OPEN 1 A new free art exhibit is open as of Feb. 20 in the lobby of the Johnny Arolfo Civic Center , 400 W. Walker St., League City. Titled “Savoring League City,” the exhibit includes photography featuring a persona, animal, object or location, all taken with the city. Photographers with featured works range from professionals to 6-year-olds. The gallery ends May 1, after which residents may buy some of the art on display. 281-554-1000. www.leaguecitytx.gov 2 Lucchese , a 140-year-old boot-mak- er company, kicked open the doors of its newest store at the Baybrook Mall, 700 Baybrook Mall Drive, Ste. F121, Friendswood, on March 1. The new store features apparel such as ponchos, cowboy and casual boots, belts, wallets, and the
COMING SOON 4 Fans of “Alice in Wonderland” can attend a limited-time event being held at the ARMAHS Event Center, 18201 Egret Bay Blvd., Ste. B, Houston. April 20 through July 16, adults and families alike can sign up for 90-minute slots for The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience and enjoy “the tea party to end all tea parties.” During the $47-per-person event, attendees will create two Wonder- land-themed cocktails, solve riddles, eat cookies and paint roses red. No alcohol is served during family-friendly versions of the event. www.bit.ly/3YZngjw 5 Miru Seafood , originally expected to open in December 2022, is now slated to open in the first half of 2023 at 2490 S. Gulf Freeway, League City, according to
company’s first custom hat bar in its nearly 4,000-square-foot space—the largest Lucchese retail store opened. The store has a professional hat shaper and space for customers to design custom boots that will be made in El Paso. The company plans to hold a grand opening party April 1 that will feature snacks, drinks, give- aways and country music. 888-582-1883. www.lucchese.com 3 Gordon Food Service opened March 14 at 215 W. Main St., League City. The food distribution company offers several foods from meat to baked goods to dairy products. Gordon Food Service sells food in bulk, like Costco, but without a membership fee. The over 125-year-old company’s clients include restaurants, the health care industry and schools. 346-299-3378. www.gfs.com
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An opening date has not been revealed. www.walk-ons.com 10 Velvet Taco will open at the incoming Shops at Baybrook at I-45 and Bay Area Boulevard in Webster. Velvet Taco, which has several locations across Texas and beyond, serves unusual tacos, includ- ing chicken and waffle, bacon burger, and rotisserie chicken tacos. The Shops at Baybrook will open in late 2023. www.velvettaco.com 11 The Crack Shack is coming to the Shops at Baybrook at I-45 and Bay Area Boulevard in Webster. The restaurant serves fried chicken, chicken sandwich- es, salads and desserts with ingredients sourced from farmers and purveyors in the markets in which the restaurants are based. The Shops at Baybrook is planning a late 2023 opening. www.crackshack.com IN THE NEWS During a Clear Creek Cleanup event Feb. 11, almost 200 volunteers collected 15,246 pounds of trash. League City helped at the event by providing an exca- vator, four trash dumpsters, a police boat and portable restrooms, according to a news release. The event, held annually by the Clear Creek Environmental Founda- tion, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. The foundation holds the event to preserve the local ecosystem’s health and beautify the area. 281-830-3419. www.bit.ly/3Yn3IFY Elementary school students with dis- abilities will be able to swing into a new school year next fall as Clear Creek ISD plans to install new adaptive playground equipment this summer, according to a release from the school district. The CCISD Special Services Department has decided to add adaptive swing set systems for disabled students at 13 existing elementary school playgrounds with accessible wheelchair ramps and rubber material underneath the sets. Sets will be installed at Armand Bayou, Bauerschlag, Bay, Campbell, Fergu- son, Greene, McWhirter, Mossman, Parr, Ross, Stewart, Wedgewood and Whitcomb elementary schools. CCISD is open to installing more adaptive playground equipment at other elemen- tary schools, according to the release. 281-284-0000. www.ccisd.net
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COURTESY LUCCHESE
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A COVID 19 memorial was displayed in downtown Houston on Feb. 24 26.
COURTESY MOHAMMED NASRULLAH
FEATURED IMPACT IN THE NEWS In late February, downtown Houston was the site of a temporary memorial honoring the victims of COVID-19. The Greater Houston Rose River Memorial was displayed at Tranquility Park, 400 Rusk St., Houston, from Feb. 24-26. The memorial included more than 12,000 handmade red felt roses, one for each Greater Houston area resident who died of COVID-19, said Mohammed Nasrullah, a Clear Lake resident who helped organize the memorial. Nasrullah owns the COVID-19 Wall of Memories nonpro t website with his wife, Ruth Nasrullah. The website, launched in January 2021, allows visitors from around the nation to submit entries of those who died from COVID-19 for display on the virtual wall. The opening ceremony for the memorial Feb. 24 included local elected o cials, leaders and family members who lost loved ones to COVID-19, according to a news release. Los Angeles artist Marcos Lutyens created the concept for the memorial and has helped install it in di erent designs throughout the country. Now that the memorial has been taken down, the roses will be used in a di erent memorial in the next city interested in displaying them, the release reads.
More than 60 volunteers worked on the project by making roses and connecting them with shing lines, designing and building the memorial’s structure, assembling the memorial at the park, and then taking it down and preparing it to be shipped, according to the release. “From the design to the installation, local volunteers have worked hard to honor those lost in the Greater Houston area,” Lutyens said in the release. Opening ceremony speakers included Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer; Edward Rios, community liaison for Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia; Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones; and local family members of those who died of COVID-19. Several hundred visitors viewed the memorial during its weekend display. www.covid19wallofmemories.org
The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience
COURTESY THE ALICE: AN IMMERSIVE COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE
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Wild Fork
COURTESY WILD FORK
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TRANQUILITY PARK
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Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
COURTESY CITY OF WEBSTER
NOW ENROLLING
PARENT PREVIEW NIGHT Meet Administrators. View Curriculum. Tour Classrooms
April 13th , May 11th , June 8th
281-235-7384 18220 UPPER BAY RD, HOUSTON, TX 77058 Premier Classical Christian Education in the Bay Area
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BAY AREA EDITION • MARCH 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Software aims to improve tra c ow across League City
COMPILED BY JAKE MAGEE
UPCOMING PROJECTS
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Within a couple years, several busy League City roads will feature technology that will improve the ow of tra c, especially in the event of a crash, inclement weather or other tra c disruptions. In 2022, crews activated specialized adaptive software at 16 intersections along FM 518 and have begun install- ing the same software at 20 intersec- tions along east FM 518 and Marina Bay Drive. Installation of the software along Hwy. 96 will begin in 2024, and FM 646 and FM 517 tra c signals will receive the software in 2025, Public Works Manager David Tickell said. The software uses cameras that monitor tra c to communicate with each other and adjust tra c signal timings to improve tra c ow, he said. Tra c signals typically have basic timings, which are preprogrammed and do not take into account real-time tra c, and coordination timings, which work together to get vehicles through multiple intersections. This new technology acts as a third layer by watching the coordinated signal timings and making improvements in real time, Tickell said. “It’s getting feedback every minute and seeing what’s going on and makes adjustments,” he said. Tickell said he has already seen a di erence in tra c ows where the technology has been installed along FM 518. The I-45 construction has limited the improvements, however, he said. “I’ve seen minor improvements, but there will be further improvements when construction’s done and I can do a study,” Tickell said. The software can automatically do tra c studies to determine how often
Over the next few years, League City will install tra c-monitoring technology at several intersections along major corridors.
TRAFFIC TECH TIMELINE
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Corridor 1 Completed: 2022 Cost: $455,000 Corridor 2 Begins: summer Cost: $572,000 Corridor 3 Begins: 2024 Cost: $600,000 Corridor 4 Begins: 2025 Cost: $372,000
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League City Parkway and Walker Street intersection improvements This project will redesign the inter- section of League City Parkway and Walker Street to include an additional through lane on Walker Street in each direction, a dedicated right- turn lane for north- and southbound Walker Street tra c, an eastbound to southbound right-turn lane along League City Parkway, and a 250-foot extension of the left-turn lanes along League City Parkway. Timeline: early summer-late 2023 Cost: $1.25 million Funding source: Galveston County
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vehicles go through an intersection at various times and days. This saves the city money from having people manually do tra c studies every three to four years, Tickell said. With these automatic studies acting as a baseline, the software will become more e cient at adjusting signal lengths to move vehicles through, Tickell said. The software, which is used by other agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation, is being installed to prepare for League City’s growth. O cials expect the city’s population to nearly double over the next few decades. “We just want to be ready for it,”
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 3. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT BAYNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. This project will widen Calder Road’s east side 8 feet about 300 feet north of its intersection with FM 517. This will provide two southbound lanes along Calder Road on approach to the intersection. Timeline: April-May Cost: $198,965 Funding source: city of League City Right-turn lane at Calder Road and FM 517
Over 20 years of Dedication. Integrity. Passion. Service. Consistency. Whether you are buying or selling, we look forward to assisting you with every step of the process. Tickell said. “The west side’s growing really fast.” Tickell, who has been working with tra c for nearly 30 years, said he has tried other tra c-improving software in the past, but it has never been up to snu . Now it nally is, he said. “It’s neat to see the evolution of it all,” he said. Crews have already installed software at several intersections along FM 518. COURTESY CITY OF LEAGUE CITY
Kimberly Harding, Broker/Owner 281-554-7653 Kimberly@KimberlyHarding.com
2490 Calder Dr, League City, TX 77573 | www.TheKimberlyHardingGroup.com
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BAY AREA EDITION • MARCH 2023
2023
2023
LOCAL VOTER GUIDE GUIDE Candidates and information for local elections LOCAL VOTER GUIDE
COMPILED BY JAKE MAGEE
DATES TO KNOW April 24 First day of early voting
Polling places for Clear Creek ISD board elections will be determined by Harris and Galveston counties. Voting for the Clear Lake Shores Police Department’s collective bargaining will be at 931 Cedar St., Clear Lake Shores. Election day voting for Nassau Bay City Council will be at 1800 Space Park Drive, Ste. 200, Nassau Bay. SOURCES: CLEAR CREEK ISD, CITY OF CLEAR LAKE SHORES, CITY OF NASSAU BAY, GALVESTON COUNTY, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE COMMUNITY 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
SAMPLE BALLOT
VOTER TURNOUT GALVESTON COUNTY
*Incumbent
HARRIS COUNTY
CLEAR CREEK ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES Position 2
NASSAU BAY CITY COUNCIL Position 1 Michelle M. Micheli Paula Tomasi Position 5
Turnout
Registered voters
Turnout
Registered voters
May 2022
May 2022
23,008
229,389
119,721
2,517,424
May 2021
May 2021
Jamieson Mackay Glencora Rodgers Position 3 Arturo Sanchez* Peter Lauzon
4,723
210,663
28,106
2,503,936
November 2020*
November 2020*
2,431,457
1,633,557 May 2019
153,843 May 2019
228,482
Jaclyn Michelle Barecky Sarah Hollowell Horton
11,065
210,663
28,188
2,357,199
May 2018
May 2018
9,922
207,560
N/A
2,248,921
Only candidates in contested elections are included.
*MAY 2020 ELECTION POSTPONED TO NOVEMBER DUE TO COVID 19
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CANDIDATE Q&A
Get to know the candidates running in the election
2023 LOCAL VOTER GUIDE
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.
Incumbent
COMPILED BY SAAB SAHI
Clear Creek ISD trustee Position 2 JAMIESON MACKAY Occupation: credit union executive Relevant experience:
Clear Creek ISD trustee Position 3
GLENCORA RODGERS
ARTURO SANCHEZ
Occupation: chemical engineer PETER LAUZON
Occupation: educator, mom
Occupation: director at Johnson Space Center Relevant experience: strategic partner in ed- ucation and nonpro ts, CCISD board member since May 2017, various boards and committees 832-370-6850 • www.electarturosanchez.com
Relevant experience: Master’s in educational administration, worked in education at multiple levels, PTA president, volunteer www.glencorarodgers4ccisd.com
Relevant experience: two children who at- tended CCISD schools, board experience, business background 979-320-9868 www.facebook.com/lauzon4ccisd
PTAs, various com- mittees, Clear Creek Education Foundation, Communities in Schools 832-788-3935 www.jamiesonmackay.org
What should the district focus on as the “Vision 2030” plan develops?
The district needs to focus on innovative programs that engage students, their par- ents and the community at large. We need to make sure that all students are receiving a world-class education that prepares them to become productive citizens whether they plan to attend college or go straight into the workforce.
The Vision 2030 team has made four recommendations: expanding tuition-based pre-K, scaling the “Leader in Me” program districtwide, transforming certain interme- diate schools to “schools of innovation,” and creating a new standard for learning spaces. One focus moving forward needs to be nding a balance between pushing for innovation and being scally responsible.
Vision 2030 informs what the Facility Advi- sory Committee will consider regarding the facilities and spaces needed to support future instructional programs. As the committee convenes in April, I know they will focus on a variety of areas, including aging facilities; campus renovations; expansion; ... [and] optimizing facility spaces for instruction, aging buses and security enhancements. I will remain committed to strengthening the board’s decision-making, so all students are prepared to achieve at their highest level. I will continue to focus on CCISD’s scal responsibility and transparency. I will build on my six years of board experience to sup- port the district’s long-range planning [and] ensure CCISD provides multiple pathways for students to explore and learn. My 22 years of professional corporate and government experience; service on university and community college boards; and six years on the CCISD board as a trustee, secretary and vice president make me the best candidate. I have spent time on our campuses and facili- ties attending events, competitions, program showcases, performances and PTA meetings, remaining ... engaged.
CCISD is limited to 2.5% budget growth in maintenance and operating due to state mandates. These budget constraints impede adaptation to the changing needs of all our students. Nationally from 2010 to 2022, college/post-high school education enrollment dropped by 16.2%. CCISD must ensure all our students are prepared regardless of the path they choose. The security and safety of all our students is non-negotiable; this must come rst. Following is the need to manage a challeng- ing economic environment with in ation, high interest rates and increased building material costs. What makes this di cult is balancing the budget given maintenance and operating increases being capped at 2.5% annually by the state. I’m an independent voice to our commu- nity who had two children go through and graduate from the school district, so I am familiar with the full impact a CCISD edu- cation has on their preparedness and what improvements could be made. I am familiar with how a board operates. I am also a skilled analyst that can ... propose how best to assemble a budget.
If elected, what would be your priorities?
My priorities are to listen and learn. The various stakeholders have a lot to o er when it comes to input on how our local school district can better serve students.
The function of the school board is to provide citizen governance and oversight. Therefore, my rst priority will be to listen. My motto is “talk to anyone and listen to everyone.” I will also advocate—advocate in Austin for funding and changes to our assess- ment system, advocate for students, advo- cate for teachers who feel underappreciated, and advocate for our district to a community that in too many situations is losing trust.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
My entire professional and volunteer career have been centered around my passion for public education. My vast board experience and nancial background make me uniquely quali ed to be a trustee in the current environment.
Numerous challenges face our district that would be best addressed by someone with my knowledge and experience. Teacher engagement is declining. If we cannot attract and retain quali ed teachers, nothing else matters. Budget shortfalls are looming. I have experience knowing what truly matters in teaching and learning and will ght for those things as cuts are considered.
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Memory care in a home-like setting
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Schedule a tour to receive $200 off monthly rent New residents only. 281-316-4281 • www.alzcottages.com • 400 Landing Blvd, League City, Texas 77573 Facility ID: 010237, 010241 & 105485 AT CLEAR LAKE New residents only. Memory Care Move in by April 30 and receive $400 off monthly rent
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BAY AREA EDITION • MARCH 2023
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Incomin changes TO THE COM CAMPUS
three-story classroom building; and general infrastructure improvements, such as parking lot improvements to reduce ooding and blue light emer- gency call-boxes, Fliger said. “Many of the remaining structures on campus are [over] 50 years old,” Burkett said. “They are physically in poor shape, costly to maintain, don’t provide modern-day learning spaces and present signi cant concerns from a safety and accessibility standpoint.” Furthermore, additions and reno- vations are planned for the Welding Building, the Public Services Career Building and the Industrial Education Building. However, the bond program also calls for the demolition of the Learning Resources Center, College Services Building, racquetball court and ring range building. The college has historically had only three prior bond programs in its 57-year history since it was founded in 1966, Fliger said. COM held its most recent bond elec- tion in November 2018, which passed with a 65% approval, Vice President for Fiscal A airs Clen Burton said. The bond led to the construction of the STEAM/Allied Health Building, Indus- trial Careers Building and Student Suc- cess Building along with renovations and demolitions. “Those [buildings] were to address years of needs for infrastructure,” Fliger said. “We had programs we needed to add, for example, radiology and dental hygiene, but we had no place to put them.” The 2018 bond program completed the rst phase of the college’s 10-year plan, while the proposed 2023 bond program is expected to complete that plan. “Regional growth, aging facilities and campus safety are three pri- mary drivers of why COM is pursuing another bond election in May 2023,” Burkett said. “The facilities COM built from the 2018 bond included addi- tional ‘shell’ space in its architectural designs to ensure the college would have room to grow.” The interest and sinking tax rate for taxpayers in the Dickinson, Hitchcock, Santa Fe and Texas City ISDs would increase by an annual cost of $281.04 to a total annual cost of $379.20 for houses valued at $300,000, Burton said. “Before 2018, [the I&S tax rate] was zero; we did not have any bonds on our buildings,” Burton said. The college does not have plans for
The College of the Mainland’s $250 million bond proposal includes various projects, including renovations, demolitions and new buildings.
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Mark Denney, UHCL vice president of administration and nance. While COM’s possible bond program needs Bay Area residents to vote as they would pay for the bond, UHCL will require the input of students. Students will have to decide whether the refer- endum is approved, even though it is unlikely a new student center would be built before their graduation. COM’s record bond As part of COM’s comprehensive 10-year plan to expand program o er- ings and accommodate future growth, the Texas City-based community col- lege has proposed a record $250 mil- lion bond program. League City and Friendswood are in the service area of COM, but residents are unable to vote on any COM bonds as they are not part of the taxing district, Fliger said. The proposed May bond will go toward the construction of a new library and classroom building; a corporate and continuing education center; a public services center; a
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SOURCE: COLLEGE OF THE MAINLAND COMMUNITY IMPACT Total: $250M center & current library $1.63 million 9 Current college services $236,600 10 Firing range $173,080 Racquetball court $48,680 ADDITIONS RENOVATIONS 5 Industrial education $10.64 million 6 Welding building $8 million 7 College services/public service careers building $9.48 million Infrastructure upgrades & campus improvements $29.82 million DEMOLITIONS 8 Learning resource
and companies are relocating into the region, resulting in more demand for expanded programs and increased stu- dent enrollment.” COM plans to hold its $250 mil- lion bond election May 6, which was unanimously approved by the COM board of trustees Jan. 23. The bond program is the biggest the college has ever proposed and would address a variety of items, including college programs, old facilities, infrastruc- ture needs and safety. Meanwhile, UHCL plans to hold a student referendum for students to vote and approve or deny increased student fees that would go toward funding a new dedicated student center that could cost anywhere from $49 million to $60 million. Follow- ing the referendum, the university would need approval from the Uni- versity of Houston board of regents and would take the request to the 2025 Texas legislative session, said
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2023 LOCAL VOTER GUIDE
new bonds in the near future, follow- ing approval, Fliger said. “If the bond doesn’t pass, then these are services that we won’t be able to deliver,” Fliger said. UHCL student referendum UHCL currently utilizes only one- third of the Student Services and Class- room Building as a student center space but plans to hold a referendum this spring to approve or deny increased student fees to fund the construction of a new standalone student center building to better serve students. “We outgrew that space proba- bly 10 years ago,” Denney said. “It hasn’t served our campus and really hasn’t served us since ... we started accepting freshmen.” The student center currently o ers space for student meetings, organiza- tions and a veteran’s service center. However, a dedicated student center could also o er a dining option, ball- room-style space and even possibly a gaming center, Denney said. “There is no speci c deadline [for the student center] but instead a series of approvals that need to be
current students will have graduated by the time a new student center is constructed and operating, this would be a bene t for future students.” UHCL’s last completed bond proj- ect was construction of the Hunter Residence Hall, which was approved in 2017 and opened in fall 2019. The bond proceeds totaled $22 million, Denney said. Previously, the university sur- veyed students in November 2022 on whether they would support a stu- dent center fee increase for the sake of building a new student center. Then, in January, the university surveyed students for their preferences on three di erent fee raise options. Over 1,000 students responded to the November survey, and about 70% showed sup- port, Denney said. If the new student center is approved by all involved parties, then the univer- sity expects to break ground on con- struction sometime in 2027 or 2028, Denney said.
met,” Denney said. Education and general facilities such as classroom and administrative buildings for public universities are funded by the state of Texas, whereas auxiliary facilities such as the univer- sity’s Campus Recreation and Well- ness Center and the proposed new student center must be funded by the university, Denney said. Most of the funds to repay bonds for a new student center building would come from an increase to the student center fee; the current fee of $30 per student each semester is insu cient, but any increase above 10% requires a referendum. The referendum proposes raising the maximum student fee to $150; however, the university plans to levy a fee of $115-$120 similar to the recreation and wellness center fee, Denney said. The referendum is sched- uled to happen in the week of April 17, Denney said. “This is a discussion we are hav- ing with our students, as they would need to agree that the construction of a new student center would in fact bet- ter serve our students,” Denney said. “Especially in recognition that our
Based on students’ votes, UHCL may build a new student center.
The University of Houston-Clear Lake held a surveys in November and January to gauge student interest in a new student center and increased fees. Student re onses to UHCL’S UPCOMING REFERENDUM 1,000+ students participated in the November survey. 70% showed support for a new stu- dent center in the November survey. 800+ students participated in the January survey. 3 options were presented in the January survey. Every option received student support of over 50%.
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON CLEAR LAKE COMMUNITY IMPACT
512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu
NOBODY DOES CAMP LIKE THE Y!
From day camps around the Houston area to overnight camp at YMCA Camp Cullen, your child or teen will make their mark and find adventure and fun this summer at the Y!
Learn more at ymcahouston.org.
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
YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.
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BAY AREA EDITION • MARCH 2023
2023
CAMP GUIDE
GUIDE
A noncomprehensive list of camps in the area
COMPILED BY SAAB SAHI & DANIEL WEEKS
Parents looking for camps for their children have a number of options from which to choose. From rocketry to ninja-style climbing, there are plentiful summer camp options in and around the Bay Area for interested families. A+ Academics ART Arts DAY Day NIGHT Overnight SP Sports
5 School of Rock Clear Lake Camps at- tendees will be able to play instruments like guitar and learn songwriting. Ages: 4 17 Dates: June-August Cost: $199-$449 ART DAY 1020 W. NASA Parkway, Ste. 146, Webster 281 218 7625 www.schoolofrock.com/locations/clearlake/ music-camps Galveston 6 Pyramid Kids Camps attendees will learn about ecosystem conservation, conduct experiments and meet animals. Ages: grades K 8 Dates: May 29 Aug. 11 Cost: $250-$275 A+ DAY 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston 409 683 4325 www.moodygardens.com 7 Texas A&M Sea Camp attendees will have access to research vessels, oceanograph- ic equipment and laboratory facilities as they learn about marine environments. Ages: 10 18
12 Kinder Camp , hosted by the city League City, will o er young campers a chance to enjoy a variety of camp activities with a new camp beginning in 2023. Ages: 5 Dates: June-August Cost: $33-$198 DAY 400 S. Kansas Ave., League City 281 554 1180 www.leaguecitytx.gov/3807/Camps Nassau Bay 13 Music Camp 2023 o ered by Bay Area Youth Singers will allows campers to practice singing and performing.
Dates: June-August Cost: $970-$2,900 A+ NIGHT 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston 409 740 4525 www.tamug.edu/seacamp League City
400 S. Kansas Ave., League City 281 554 1180 www.leaguecitytx.gov/3807/camps
Dates: June 5 Aug. 18 Cost: $175 ART DAY SP 18300 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay 281 333 1340 www.stesnb.org/summer-camp-2023 Pasadena 15 Armand Bayou Nature Center EcoCamp attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the natural world through a variety of di erent activities, including shing, canoeing, hiking, bird watching, and arts and crafts. Ages: 4 12 Dates: June 5 Aug. 4 Cost: $150-$310 per week DAY 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena 713 274 2668 www.abnc.org/ecocamps Webster 16 Ultimate Slammin’ Summer Day Camp in Webster will o er campers the opportunity to engage in activities such as skating, swimming, cooking, eld trips, and arts and crafts. Ages: 6 12
Dates: June-July Cost: $75-$200 DAY 311 Pennsylvania Ave., Webster 281 332 1826
10 Code Ninjas Summer Camps partici- pants can learn coding, 3D printing, how their favorite video games work and what it takes to become a YouTuber at various di erent camps o ered throughout the summer. Ages: 5 11 Dates: June-August Cost: $149-$249 A+ DAY 3725 E. League City Parkway, Ste. 140, League City 281 339 7482 www.codeninjas.com/tx-league-city/camps 11 GenZ Summer Camp , hosted by Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy, will o er campers the chance to learn about animals, participate in a talent show and play games. The camp will be available at multiple League City locations. Ages: grades K 5 Dates: June-August Cost: $200 A+ ART DAY SP 1092 W. League City Parkway, League City 281 338 1177 www.kidsrkids.com/programs/summer-camp
Clear Lake 1 Bushi Ban Summer Camp attendees will learn martial arts techniques from karate, kickboxing and jiu-jitsu. The camp is also held at the League City and Seabrook location. Ages: all Dates: May 30 Aug. 16 Cost: $250-$285 DAY SP 2465 Bay Area Blvd., Houston 281 218 8989 www.bushiban.com 2 Camp Clear Lake campers can spend their days with arts and crafts, playing in team sports, swimming, and watching movies. Ages: 6 11 Dates: June-August Cost: $160-$200 DAY 16511 Diana Lane, Houston 281 488 0360 www.clcca.org/summer_camp
3 Explorer Camps at Space Center Houston allow campers to learn about space, rocketry, how to design habitats and programming robots. Ages: 4 11 Dates: TBD Cost: $64.95-$299.95 A+ DAY 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston 281 283 4755 www.spacecenter.org 4 Kids U and Hawk STEAM Acade- my Summer Camps at the University of Houston-Clear Lake o er campers the chance to learn about topics ranging from creative writing to STEM. Ages: grades pre-K 12
www.cityofwebster.com/458/summer-camp 17 USA Ninja Challenge Camp attendees will be able to navigate obstacle courses that will involve jumping, climbing and swinging like a ninja, and compete in games. Ages: 6 12 Dates: June 5 30 Cost: $250 DAY SP 309 Ibis St., Webster 346 336 4652 www.ninjawebster.com/camps 18 Sport Divers o ers weekly summer camps each year. Scuba diving skills are prac- ticed both in a pool and in open water, and participants can earn a certi cation. Ages: 10 17 Dates: June-July Cost: $550 DAY SP 20814 Gulf Freeway, Ste. 60, Webster 281 338 1611 www.sportdivers.com
8 Bay Area Arts Conservatory Summer Workshops and Dance Camps attendees will have the opportunity to participate in di erent musical theater summer camps. Younger campers can also join a princess- or rainbow pop-themed dance camp. Ages: 3 18 Dates: June-August Cost: $199+ ART DAY 400 Hobbs Road, Ste. 202, League City 281 938 1444 www.baactx.com/programs 9 Camp by the Creek in League City o ers di erent programs, including arts and crafts, games, eld trips, and outdoor activities. Ages: 6 12 Dates: June-August Cost: $132.50-$397.50 DAY
Ages: grades 1 8 Dates: July 10 14 Cost: $375-$740 ART DAY 18220 Upper Bay Drive, Nassau Bay 832 425 2329
www.bayareayouthsingers.org/music-camp 14 St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church & School Camps attendees will be able to practice archery and fencing, play theater games, learn French and draw art at one of the many camps on o er. Ages: varies
Dates: June-July Cost: $159-$300 A+ DAY 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston
281 283 3530 www.uhcl.edu
BAY AREA 1033 Bay Area Blvd (281) 486-9558
KEMAH 243 FM 2094 (281) 538-9095 SEABROOK 3126 Nasa Pkwy (281) 326-5127
LEAGUE CITY 196 Gulf Fwy S (281) 316-2140
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Clear Creek ISD
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS CLEAR CREEK ISD On Feb. 10-11, Clear Creek ISD hosted the rst University Interscholastic League Vex Robotics Pilot State Championship in Texas at the CCISD Robotics Event Center, according to a release from CCISD. Previously, CCISD hosted two test events for UIL before they were chosen as the state championship location, according to the release. A total of 84 high school teams competed at the event across various divisions from 1A to 6A. Clear Brook High School’s 3118B Astrobots and Clear Springs High School’s 2344A Bolt Bots reached state nalist for the 6A division. Furthermore, the Clear Springs High School team was named the Robot Skills Champion, according to the release. James Jobe, CCISD robotics and engineering program manager, said he was proud of his students and the event’s sponsors and that it’s “amazing” to be trusted by the UIL to host the championship. Clear Creek ISD will meet at 6 p.m. April 24 at 2425 E. Main St., League City. Meetings are streamed at www.ccisd.net/thestream. MEETINGS WE COVER
CCISD board approves $590K for infrastructure replacements
INFRASTRUCTURE REPLACEMENTS BREAKDOWN The Clear Creek ISD board authorized nearly $600,000 in funds to be drawn from the 2017 bond.
BY SAAB SAHI
CLEAR CREEK ISD Despite some reservations, the Clear Creek ISD board on Feb. 27 approved funding requests total- ing nearly $600,000 for critical infrastructure replacements. The funds will be drawn from the district’s 2017 bond program, according to agenda documents. Voters approved the district’s $487 million bond program in May 2017, which was used to fund the construction of Florence Campbell Elementary School and various improvements to other district facilities, Community Impact previously reported. A main chiller from 2015 and backup chiller from 1995 at the Clear Creek High School band hall that provide air conditioning are not functioning properly, Director of Facility Services Paul Miller said. “The problem is that when the 2015 chiller goes down, the 1995 chiller is not working,” Miller said. “So they are left with no air conditioning, and, at times, it could be weeks.” The chiller replacements will cost $130,000, according to the agenda item. “Like any project that is wanting to use 2017 [bond] money for projects that were not in the original 2017 [bond] proposal, I’ll be voting against that,” trustee Scott Bowen said. “It’s not because I oppose the project.”
$130,000 Clear Creek High School
$590K TOTAL:
$460,000 Victory Lake Intermediate School
SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
However, the board ultimately passed the item 5-2. “We’re kind of between a rock and a hard place here, and I don’t really think we have too many other alterna- tives to doing this,” trustee Je Larson said. Furthermore, the board approved another item 5-2 to provide $460,000 funding to complete critical infrastruc- ture replacements at Victory Lakes Intermediate School. The school needs infrastructure replacements, such as air conditioning chillers and an intercom system, Miller said. The replacements were originally funded by a now-dissolved tax increment reinvestment zone, and remaining dollars from the TIRZ are intended for smaller projects like plumbing, Miller said.
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