Lake Houston - Humble - Kingwood Edition | November 2024

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Lake Houston Humble Kingwood Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 7 NOV. 19DEC. 18, 2024

Increasing international presence

Ocials with George Bush Intercontinental Airport opened the new Terminal DWest Pier on Oct. 22, as part of the Houston Airport System’s $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program.

COURTESY HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM

IAH enters nal phase of Houston Airport System’s $1.46B Terminal Redevelopment Program

in 2025, airport and area chamber of commerce ocials said the opening of the Terminal DWest Pier will provide an economic boon to the Houston area as the city prepares to host several FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.

The airport’s new Terminal DWest Pier opened Oct. 22. Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System, said the expansion features six new gates built for six wide-body airplanes. While the Terminal Redevelopment Program still has one major project slated to be completed

BY WESLEY GARDNER

The George Bush Intercontinental Airport is entering the nal phase of the Houston Airport System’s $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program as the airport continues to strengthen its international travel options.

CONTINUED ON 20

Also in this issue

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Government: Find out what’s happening with the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project (Page 9)

Education: See the latest on Humble ISD Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen’s proposed contract termination (Page 12)

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Carson Weaver Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

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1485

1314

Impacts

99 TOLL

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

494

3 Dick’s Sporting Goods The sporting goods store offers apparel, cleats, sports gear and other athletic equipment and accessories. • Opened Nov. 1 • 7065 FM 1960 Road E., Humble • https://stores.dickssportinggoods.com/tx/ humble/1577 4 La Lavanderia Porter The laundromat offers free pickup and drop off service as well as commercial wash services, and features a kids area with wifi, snacks and televisions. • Opened Aug. 24 • 24183 Hwy. 59, Ste. 100, Porter • https://lalavanderiaporter.wixsite.com/ lalavenderiaporter 5 Swig The Utah-based beverage shop serves a variety of sodas, energy drinks and refreshers that can be customized with flavors, fruits and creams. • Opened Nov. 13 (after press time Nov. 11) • 17812 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Atascocita • www.swigdrinks.com/stores/atascocita

LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK

FORD RD.

WOODLAND HILLS DR.

N O R T H P A R

FOREST GARDEN DR.

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.

Kingwood

TOWNSEN BLVD.

LAKE HOUSTON

UPPER LAKE DR.

KINGS PKWY.

1960

HOUSTON AVE.

1960 BYPASS

F I RST ST.

KINGWOOD GLEN DR.

1960

TIMBER FOREST DR.

MCKAY DR.

Humble

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

WILL CLAYTON PKWY.

MCKAY CENTER DR.

Atascocita

Coming soon

GREENS RD.

6 The PickleBall Zone The business’s opening has been delayed due to challenges associated with the facility’s water connection. Memberships became available Nov. 8 for the indoor-only pickleball sports complex, which will feature 10 courts and offer both private and group lessons in addition to hosting tournaments. • Opening Dec. 1 • 22056 W. Ford Road, Porter • www.thepbz.com 7 McKay Road Distribution Center Triten Real Estate Partners broke ground on a new 171,000-square-foot front-load distribution center in Humble tailored for mid-size tenants. • Expected to be complete by summer 2025 • 9335 McKay Center Drive, Humble • www.tritenre.com/projects/mckay-road

MADERA RUN PKWY.

ALDINE BENDER RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Mexichido Bar & Grill Following a soft opening on Aug. 23, this Tex-Mex restaurant celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 26. A new local concept located in the former site of El Tiempo Cantina, the restaurant serves dishes including carnitas and fajitas, and has a full bar serving cocktails

Now open

1 Fajita Pete’s The restaurant offers an assortment of Tex-Mex options, including fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, enchiladas and salads. • Opened Sept. 28 • 6850A FM 1960 Road E., Humble • www.fajitapetes.com/stores/humble

such as margaritas. • Opened Oct. 26

• 1414 Northpark Drive, Kingwood • www.mexichidobarandgrill.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

diner, according to an Oct. 1 TDLR filing. • 7715 FM 1960 Bypass Road W., Ste. 107, Humble • www.dennys.com 13 Hell Hound Gym Construction on this new gym in Humble began in October and is expected to wrap up in December, according to an Oct. 3 TDLR filing. The facility offers

In the news

Now open

8 HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood Renovations to improve three operating rooms at the hospital began in October and are expected to wrap up in February, according to a Sept. 6 filling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The roughly $1.7 million project will include new equipment and finishes throughout the rooms. • 22999 Hwy. 59, Kingwood • www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com/locations/kingwood 9 Oak Forest Elementary Humble ISD officials held a dedication ceremony Oct. 28 to celebrate the grand opening of this campus’s new farm-themed playground. Designed for children ages 5-12, the playground features a barn, silo, farmhouse and farmer’s market stand, among other amenities. • 6400 Kingwood Glen Drive, Atascocita • www.humbleisd.net/o/ofe 10 Deerwood Elementary Humble ISD hosted a dedication ceremony on Nov. 4 to celebrate the grand opening of this campus’s new “Under the Sea”-themed playground. The playground features a lighthouse tower with two slides, a clownfish seesaw and a coral reef swing set, among other nautical-themed amenities. • 2920 Forest Garden Drive, Kingwood • www.humbleisd.net/o/dwe 11 Kingwood Ballet The nonprofit ballet company is celebrating its 40th anniversary during the 2024-25 season, which kicked off with the annual Sugar Plum Tea in early November. A DBA of Kingwood Dance Theatre, Kingwood Ballet was founded by Sheryl Rowland in 1984, according to information on the nonprofit’s website. • 2755 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood (physical address); P.O. Box 5131, Kingwood, TX 77325 (mailing address) • www.kingwoodballet.org 12 Denny’s Construction is expected to begin Jan. 15 and wrap up by Oct. 15, 2025 on a new location of this American

monthly and daily membership options. • 255 FM 1960 Bypass Road E., Humble • www.hellhoundgym.com

14 Bath & Body Works Construction on a new fragrance store in Deerbrook Marketplace is set to begin in January and wrap up in March, according to an Oct. 23 TDLR filing. Bath & Body

17 Letty’s Authentic Mexican Cocina Owned by Letty Martinez, owner of Yummy Tummy Bakery in Humble and New Caney, this new concept serves family recipes and specialty cocktails in an intimate, chic atmosphere. The menu features traditional Mexican dishes including menudo, carne guisada, carpacho salmon and chile en nogada, as well as tomahawk and ribeye steaks. • Opened Oct. 26

Works specializes in aromatherapy. • 20520 Hwy. 59, Ste. A, Humble • www.bathandbodyworks.com

15 Groves Apartments Construction is set to begin in April and wrap up by September on this new apartment complex by real estate firm RK Properties, according to an Oct. 24 TDLR filing. • 15910 Woodland Hills Drive, Humble • www.rkprop.com 16 Loco Cantina The restaurant celebrated its first year of business on Nov. 14. The Tex-Mex eatery offers fajitas, enchiladas and birria quesadillas. • 1660 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 107, Kingwood • www.lococantinakingwood.com

• 1005 First St. E., Humble • www.lettyscocina.com

Bright Minds Future Leaders The school is a “private elementary homeschool” for students in grades K4 through fifth grade to learn in a small group environment. • Opened Aug. 26 • 22893 Antique Lane, New Caney • www.brightmindsfutureleaders.com Citizens State Bank Located in Valley Ranch Town Center, this bank offers a variety of financial services. • Opened Aug. 19

Worth the trip

Tacos El PIcas Located in The Food Zone Grand Texas, this eatery offers a number of traditional Mexican dishes, including street tacos, bistec and tacos de trompo. • Opened Aug. 24 • 23020 Speed St., New Caney • www.thefoodzonehtx.com/grand-texas-new-caney

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Government

BY HANNAH BROL

Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project enters Phase 2

Funding the project

During a Sept. 19 town hall in Kingwood, Coastal Water Authority board member Dan Huberty said approximately $155.1 million had been secured for the project thus far. By comparison, a 2023 cost-benet analysis estimated the total project cost would be $127.3 million. Huberty added the project may be able to secure additional funding through Senate Bill 7, which created the statewide Flood Infrastructure Fund and was passed into law in 2019.

structure with four small gates that are made to release water at a rate of 10,000 cubic feet per second, or cfs, as previously reported by Community Impact. According to the newsletter, the improvement project will include the construction of 11 gates being built into the existing embankment on the east side of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway. Flickinger noted each gate will measure 20 feet by 20 feet and release approximately 7,100 cfs when fully open for a combined total water release of approximately 79,000 cfs. “Building the new gate structure in the east embankment removes the high-construction risk of modifying the existing gate structure. It also allows continued use of the existing gate structure during construction,” Flickinger wrote in the newsletter.

Following the unanimous approval of an interlocal agreement between the city of Houston and the Coastal Water Authority during the Sept. 10 Houston City Council meeting, the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project has entered Phase 2. The long-awaited dam project has been in the works since 2017, when Hurricane Harvey highlighted the shortcomings of the 71-year-old structure. Seven years and several rounds of design changes and funding infusions later, the project is now entering Phase 2, which includes nal engineering design and construction, according to an Oct. 10 newsletter from District E council member Fred Flickinger, who represents Kingwood on Houston City Council. Under its current conguration—which was built in 1953—the dam consists of a spillway

Funding breakdown

88th Texas Legislature: $50M 87th Texas Legislature: $30M Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Phase 2 : $23.4M

Total: $155.1M

City of Houston : $20M* Harris County: $20M*

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Phase 1: $11.7M

*INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT PENDING SOURCES: COASTAL WATER AUTHORITY, HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT E COMMUNITY IMPACT

Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project

The timeline

Flickinger and Huberty outlined the following timeline for Phase 2 of the project: • December 2025: Final design and construction plans are completed. • 2026: The contract for construction is bid and awarded. • Fourth quarter of 2026 or irst quarter of 2027: Construction begins. • 2029: Construction is complete. “We are going to be focused, paying attention, driving this project and getting this project done,” Huberty said. “It’s not in the time frame that we wanted, but it’s not anybody’s fault other than just process that we had to go through to be able to get to where we’re at today.” During the town hall, Huberty said the Coastal Water Authority had already authorized their selected engineer to begin work. Flickinger added the District E oce will continue to sit in on biweekly coordination meetings for the project.

11 new gates each able to release water at 7,100 cfs

Existing 4 gates each able to release water at 10,000 cfs

KELLY SCHAFLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HISTORIC SAN JACINTO RIVER CHANNEL

LAKE HOUSTON

“The city of Houston, the state of Texas and the communities are relying on this project getting done on time, on budget so that we can continue to make sure that we’re protecting lives as we go forward.” DAN HUBERTY, COASTAL WATER AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

LAKE HOUSTON

SOURCES: COASTAL WATER AUTHORITY, HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

Government

County awards $18.9M to charity projects On Oct. 29, Harris County commissioners voted to designate $18.9 million in federal funds for 22 local nonprofit organizations. Two-minute impact Funded by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act, the funds can be used to increase the organi- zations’ program capacity by improving facilities or outreach efforts. The county’s contract began Nov. 1 and will run through Sept. 20, 2026, according to Oct. 29 meeting documents. Nine organizations in Precinct 1 and eight organizations in Precinct 2 received funding for their projects. Meanwhile, Precincts 3 and 4 dedicated funding to two separate projects each and one joint project together. Looking back In 2021, the U.S. Treasury allocated $915 million

Animal rescue to help county shelter pets ThisIsHouston, an animal rescue, can now provide veterinary care to found pets at Harris County’s animal shelter, follow- ing a contract approval by Harris County commissioners on Oct. 29. About the program State regulations require Harris County Pets—the county’s animal shelter—to hold found dogs or cats for three days so their owner can claim them, according to Oct. 29 meeting documents. Veterinary care during the waiting period—and the cost of care—will now be the responsibility of ThisIsHouston. Put in perspective The contract is expected to help Harris County Pets with ongoing capacity issues.

5 largest Harris County nonprofit donations made Oct. 29

Kids Meals, Inc. (provides meals to preschool-aged children)

$3.5M

Memorial Assistance Ministries (offers programs promoting family stability)

$2.08M

TOMAGWA Ministries (provides health care to under/uninsured)

$1.44M

HOPE Clinic (provides health care to under/uninsured)

$1.53M

Ibn Sina Foundation (provides health care to under/uninsured)

$1.12M

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY, NONPROFITS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under ARPA to Harris County. Commissioners have until the end of 2024 to fully obligate the remainder of its $915 million in federal funding.

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BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & EMILY LINCKE

Humble OKs $489K for police equipment Humble City Council unanimously approved nearly $489,000 in equipment for the Humble Police Department—including radios, live cameras and vehicles—during the Oct. 24 council meeting. Sorting out details According to Oct. 24 meeting documents and city officials, the purchases include dash-mount mobile radios, portable digital radios, remote speaker microphones, two vehicles, a live-action camera contract and a system that would help air support track suspects being pursued by police, among other equipment. “I’m confident this can have real impact,” Humble Mayor Norman Funderburk said during the meeting. Quote of note “I want to ... commend [the Humble police

Houston keeps same property tax rate Members of the Houston City Council adopted a property tax rate Oct. 16 of $0.51919 per $100 valuation for the 2024-25 fiscal year—the same tax rate as the previous fiscal year. The takeaway Council members were debating the potential adoption of a higher tax rate to help fund roughly $40 million for ongoing disaster recovery efforts related to Hur- ricane Beryl and a May derecho, both of which caused extensive damage in the city. However, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Oct. 9 the distribution of $50 million in funds to communities in Southeast Texas to help with disaster recovery, which prompted council members to keep the tax rate the same.

Funding breakdown

Radios, microphones, extension cables, chargers and batteries: $184,300 Two vehicles: $110,911 Live-action camera contract: $103,750 Air support system: $89,997

SOURCE: HUMBLE CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

officers] for the job they do, because they keep a bunch of the criminal element pushed out of the actual city of Humble and into these other areas. ... The [new equipment systems] will just help with that a lot,” Police Chief Ken Theis said on Oct. 24. In case you missed it On Sept. 26, the council approved $1.44 mil- lion for the lease of 14 new patrol vehicles and traffic radar equipment for the Humble Police Department.

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Education

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Recommendation on fate of Fagen’s contract with HISD expected by Nov. 22

How it played out

2022 March: Humble ISD Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen discloses her relationship with former HISD Athletic Director Troy Kite to the board of trustees. 2023 May: Title IX complaint is filed against Kite by an athletic department staff member; Fagen recuses herself from the investigation. 2024 April: Trustees vote to release findings of the Title IX investigation and accept Kite’s retirement. May: Trustees place Fagen on paid administrative leave and appoint Deputy Superintendent Roger Brown to serve as acting superintendent. July: Trustees vote to propose the termination of Fagen’s contract. October-November: Fagen appeals the board’s decision, and a hearing is held by an independent hearing examiner appointed by the Texas Education Agency. Nov. 22: Deadline for the independent examiner overseeing the proceeding to issue a recommendation

The fate of Humble ISD Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen could be decided by the end of November, following the completion of her three-day hearing appealing the board of trustees’ proposed termina- tion of her contract. The overview The hearing—which was held on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 6 by an independent hearing examiner appointed by the Texas Eduction Agency—repre- sented the first time Fagen has publicly addressed the board’s decision to propose the termination of her contact in July. Throughout the hearing, lawyers representing the district argued Fagen’s relationship with former HISD Athletic Director Troy Kite—who Fagen mar- ried in 2023—had negatively affected the district’s ability to fairly respond to a Title IX complaint filed

against Kite in 2023. The district’s legal team also argued the relation- ship led to more than $1.3 million in legal fees spent litigating several Title IX complaints stemming from the original complaint filed against Kite. Meanwhile, attorneys representing Fagen argued she was a nonfactor in the Title IX proceedings and the district’s decision to obtain outside counsel because she had recused herself from all proceed- ings related to the Title IX complaint in May 2023. What’s next? Karen Egbuna, the hearing officer appointed to oversee Fagen’s appeal, said she will release her recommendation by Nov. 22. HISD trustees will then consider the recommendation and take a final vote on whether to move forward with the termination of Fagen’s contract.

SOURCE: HUMBLE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY HANNAH BROL

Major trac improvements coming to IAH ahead of the holiday travel season

“Houston is a world-class city. When we invest in infrastructure, we ensure that our airport remains a gateway that reects our city’s innovation, growth and excellence.”

Five years of trac delays at George Bush Intercontinental Airport are coming to an end as construction winds down on the Mickey Leland International Terminal, Houston Airport System ocials announced in an Oct. 17 news release. Current situation Construction began in 2019 on the new terminal, which will include the International Central Proces- sor, or ICP, for ticketing and baggage claim; a 17-lane Transportation Security Administration checkpoint; the international gates and the U.S. Customs space. Since then, road closures and limited curb capacity have aected both passenger pickup and drop o. According to the release, current trac conditions at IAH involve a congested three-lane entry along North Terminal Road that narrows to a single lane at critical points, causing delays and bottlenecks for

passengers arriving at Terminals C, D and E. What’s being done IAH ocials have outlined the following plans to reopen closed roadways and add curb capacity: • Before Thanksgiving: North Terminal Road will be restored to its original four-lane congura- tion, eliminating the current merge point at the entrance to Terminal D. • Before Christmas: The temporary international arrivals curb at Terminal E will be closed, and six lanes of the new ICP arrivals level will be opened; the four-lane exit will also be restored. • Mid-January: United Airlines will permanently shift its Terminal E operations to the new ICP, which will coincide with the complete opening of the ICP arrivals and departures West Curb. The

JOHN WHITMIRE, HOUSTON MAYOR

new ICP will have eight lanes on the lower level and 11 lanes on the upper level. • Late summer 2025: The existing Terminal D lobby will be closed and the new ICP will be fully open. Terminal D’s curbside drop o will be permanently closed, and dedicated entrance lanes will open along North Terminal Road. Ocials noted the opening of the ICP for United Terminal E check-ins will also divert trac from the Terminal C ticket lobby, as the ICP will oer a new TSA checkpoint.

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Holiday Events Guide

2024

Mini Holiday Vibe Market Vibe Artisan Markets will host this event featuring over 50 artisans, live music, craft beers and photo opportunities with Santa. • Dec. 1, noon-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Megaton Brewery, 808 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood • www.vibeartisanmarkets.com

Kingwood Christmas Market 2024 The annual Christmas Market will feature artisanal crafts, Christmas gifts, handmade items, complimentary trackless train rides and photo opportunities with Santa.

• Dec. 14, noon-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.towncenterevents.com

Christmas in the Park This 21st annual Christmas festival will feature a tree lighting, vendors, eateries and artists. • Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.towncenterevents.com ‘Light the World’ Sola Gratia is holding a Christmas choir concert to support the opening of J’s House. • Dec. 7, 4:30 p.m. • $20 (admission) • Strawbridge UMC, 5629 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.solagratiamusic.org Jingle & Mingle Night Market The night market will feature local vendors, a letters to Santa station, a snow experience and live music. • Dec. 7, 5-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • 21572 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.shopvrtc.com/jingleminglemarket2024 ‘The Nutcracker’ The Kingwood Ballet will present its full-length production of “The Nutcracker.” • Dec. 7, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 8, noon and 5 p.m. • $25-$30

• Atascocita High School, 13300 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.kingwoodballet.org/nutcracker-ballet ‘Sounds of the Season’ This holiday performance by Opera Leggera will feature classic carols as well as Christmas pop favorites. • Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 7 p.m.; Dec. 15, 4 p.m. • $23-$28 • The Nathaniel Center, 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood • www.operaleggera.com EMCID’s A Holiday To Remember Enjoy a holiday market featuring ice skating, a car show, local vendors, and indoor and outdoor activities. • Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, 5-10 p.m.; Dec. 14-15, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Dec. 16-19, 3-9 p.m.; Dec. 22, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • 21310 Valley Ranch Bend Drive, Porter • www.emcholiday.com Christmas Paint and Sip Attendees can paint a Christmas stocking at this Kingwood Branch Library event.

November

Home for the Holidays Gift Market Attendees can shop for holiday items and gifts. • Nov. 22-23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov. 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • $6-$10 • Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com L3 Turkey Day 5K & Kids Wishbone 1K Proceeds from this 5K and 1K walk/run will benefit the L3 Foundation, which funds children’s cancer research. • Nov. 28, 8:30 a.m. • $20-$35 • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.runsignup.com/race/tx/kingwood/l3turkeyday5k

December

Christmas Parade of Lights The city of Humble’s parade of lights will feature a “Polar Express” theme on historic Main Street.

• Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Historic Main Street, Humble • www.cityofhumbletx.gov

• Dec. 19, 2-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 4400 Bens View Lane, Kingwood • www.hcpl.net

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PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733

KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115

HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202

ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100

Community

BY HANNAH BROL

Volunteer Guide

2024

Learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities in Lake Houston, Humble and Kingwood. For specific volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly. This list is not comprehensive.

Causes

Human services

Civic

Friends of Octavia Fields Library This volunteer group helps raise funding for the Octavia Fields Memorial Library programs. • Sample activities: sorting donations, shelving donations, helping at events, outreach in local areas • Donations accepted: new or gently-used books,

puzzles, DVDs and magazines • 1503 S. Houston Ave., Humble • www.foofml.org Precinct 3 Volunteer Program with Community Centers

Addi’s Faith Foundation This foundation funds childhood cancer research and financial assistance for families who are receiving treatment for childhood cancer. • Sample activities: volunteering during events such as the Holiday Home Tour Dec. 6-7 • Donations accepted: monetary and items listed on the organization’s Amazon Wish List • 2410 Riverway Oak Drive, Kingwood • www.addisfaith.org

FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center This center offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, support groups, counseling, court-approved anger management and parenting classes, case management, and a temporary shelter. • Sample activities: hotline assistance, hospital accompaniment, event assistance, providing classes at the emergency shelter, special projects • Donations accepted: monetary, gift cards, new clothing, toiletries, laundry pods, new gift items • 1203 S. Houston Ave., Humble • www.familytimeccc.org

Eight community centers in Harris County are operated by Precinct 3 offering residents of all ages sites to enjoy group activities, fitness classes, educational seminars and social support. • Sample activities: craft making; working outdoor festival activities; holiday decorating; exercise classes; and helping with Summer Kids programs, game days, art classes and senior citizen trips • Donations accepted: monetary • Location varies (transportation provided for scheduled trips) • www.pct3.com/explore/community-centers

Environment

Human services

Education

Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center This 312-acre nature preserve—which features eight miles of pedestrian trails, a playground, a replica 1830s Homestead and Akokisa Native village—offers free education programs and events thanks to the help of volunteers. • Sample activities: assisting with a variety of park conservation projects, gardening projects, invasive plant removal, living history reenactments and park festivals • Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind • 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble • www.pct3.com/jjp Trees for Kingwood This volunteer organization is committed to reforestation efforts to secure, plant and nurture Texas native trees where many trees have been lost to storms and drought. • Sample activities: identifying areas in Kingwood that would benefit from newly planted trees; clearing overgrowth to create sustainable sunlight for young trees; supervising planting to Trees of Kingwood standards; following up with watering when rainfall is insufficient for the first three years after a tree is planted; mulching and pruning trees when needed until the trees are established • Donations accepted: monetary, non-dyed mulch • 1075 Kingwood Drive, Ste. 100, Kingwood • www.treesforkingwood.org

Humble Area Assistance Ministries This interfaith social service organization connects individuals and families to community resources, and aims to build stronger futures by inspiring hope. • Sample activities: serving as a pick-up driver or warehouse worker at the food pantry; providing data entry and administrative assistance; assisting with Meals on Wheels or at the HAAM resale store • Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind, non- perishable food, hygiene items • 1204 First St., Humble (HAAM Resale Store); 1302 First St., Humble (HAAM Social Services); 22310 Loop 494, Kingwood (Black Cat Junction Resale Store) • www.haamministries.org

Humble ISD Contribute to the education of Humble ISD students in grades pre-K-12. The district is home to more than 48,000 students throughout the Humble, Kingwood and Lake Houston area. • Sample activities: volunteering at a school book fair, mentoring, being a student’s reading buddy, serving as a crossing guard, helping a teacher assemble materials • Donations accepted: monetary donations accepted through the Humble ISD Education Foundation • 49 campus locations • www.humbleisd.net/volunteer Humble ISD Education Foundation This foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for innovative education projects within Humble ISD classrooms. • Sample activities: committee service opportunities, special event assistance, pro-bono services • Donations accepted: monetary, sponsorship opportunities

Youth sports

Lake Houston Family YMCA This local YMCA serves the Lake Houston community through programs and social services designed to help individuals and families learn, grow and thrive. • Sample activities: fundraising, joining the board of directors or a committee, coaching sports teams, become a Buddy for adaptive sports program members, assisting with event planning and activities • Donations accepted: monetary • 2420 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood • www.ymcahouston.org

• 10203 Birchridge Drive, Humble • www.humbleisdfoundation.org

LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Increasing international presence From the cover

160K sq. ft. addition to Terminal D 499K sq. ft. encompassing Terminal D with the expansion

The overview

Terminal D Gates D1-D6

Construction of the Terminal D-West Pier—which spans the length of a seven-story building—began in November 2019 with the demolition of the old Terminal C-North facility, IAH ocials said. Szczesniak said the Terminal D-West Pier includes six new gates built to accommodate wide- body airplanes that can also be converted to accommodate 10 narrow-body airplanes. “We haven’t had new gates here in more than 20 years,” Szczesniak said. “These six new gates really give us the capacity to market to the airlines to come in here [during peak international travel times].” Szczesniak said the facility also features space for 16 restaurants and businesses, noting several of the tenants featured in the new terminal are locally owned, including: • The Kitchen • The Annie Restaurant • Houston Supply Company Additionally, Szczesniak said the D-West Pier features amenities including new seating, a children’s play area, a sensory room and a mother’s room. Szczesniak noted the Terminal D area as a whole now encompasses more than 499,000 square feet, which is about three times the size of the eld at Minute Maid Park. Ocials also noted all four lanes of North Terminal Road will open ahead of Thanksgiving, which they said should provide passengers arriving at Terminals C, D and E with less trac during the holidays. “These improvements will reduce congestion and improve the passenger experience,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement.

Businesses (now open): 1 The Annie Restaurant 2 Jamba Juice 3 Jetero News & Coee 4 The Lego Store 5 Semi Sweet Confections 6 Einstein Bagels & Coee 7 The Kitchen 8 Houston Supply Company 9 Sunglass Icon Businesses (coming soon): 10 Urban Crave Bar & Grill 11 Velvet Taco

10K sq. ft. architectural ceiling

380 ft. long LED wall covering 11K sq. ft. of wall space

12 Popeye’s Chicken 13 Hip and Humble Amenities: 14 Mother’s room 15 Sensory room 16 Children’s play area 17 Relaxation area

8 new art commissions by Houston-based artists

16 spaces for restaurants and businesses

17 13

SOURCE: HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The impact

piece, and that gets poured back into the economy,” Szczesniak said. Szczesniak said he believes the newly completed Terminal D expansion and other improvements to the airport help make the Houston area an attrac- tive option for international events. In February, FIFA ocials announced Houston was selected to host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup at NRG Stadium. “This infrastructure gives us the ability to con- tinue to push the levels so that we can get to over 200 nonstop destinations,” Szczesniak said.

of that revenue is created as a result of travelers spending money at local businesses and restau- rants. High noted the additional ights out of the new terminal should result in even more spending by travelers. “Some of those wide body planes carry 260 pas- sengers, [with six planes arriving] multiple times a day,” High said. “It starts to add up.” Additionally, Szczesniak said the Terminal D expansion resulted in the creation of around 250 new jobs at the airport. “Those [new workers] are all generating their

According to a Greater Houston Partnership economic report conducted before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel through IAH, William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Airport contributed roughly $36.4 billion to the Houston-area economy in 2019. While Szczesniak said the 2019 report was the most recent economic analysis available, he said a new economic report would be made available by the end of 2024. Gary High, chief development ocer of Houston Airport System’s infrastructure division, said much

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY WESLEY GARDNER CONTRIBUTIONS BY HANNAH BROL & SHAHERYAR KHAN

Also of note

Zooming out

What they’re saying

The Houston Airport System’s $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program represents the single largest investment the city of Houston has contributed to IAH, Szczesniak said. The Terminal Redevelopment Program consists of three primary phases, with the new Terminal DWest Pier concluding the second phase. The rst phase of the project, which included a revamp of Terminal D, was completed in 2023, ocials said. Szczesniak said the third phase of the project will include the construction of the airport’s new International Central Processor ticketing hall and security checkpoints, which he believes should improve trac ow. Szczesniak noted the remaining work included in the Terminal Redevelopment Program is scheduled to be completed in two phases in 2025. “The light is not at the end of the tunnel,” Szczesniak said. “We’re at the end of the tunnel.”

Phil Grith, vice president of airport operations for United Airlines, said the airline’s’ $2.6 billion, 765,000-square- foot Terminal B expansion project is currently underway. Grith said the project will include the construction of the Terminal B North Concourse and is expected to be completed in 2028.

“This new Terminal DWest Pier is more than just an addition. It boosts our economy by creating jobs, but it also reminds us that we must continue modernizing all our airport infrastructure to meet the high standard this pier has set.” JOHN WHITMIRE, HOUSTON MAYOR

Terminal B expansion project

22 mainline narrow-body gates for large passenger planes 18 larger regional jet gates in the south concourse 115,000 square feet of food and retail space $2 billion in funding from United Airlines and $600 million in funding from the city of Houston

“Airports provide local businesses with access to the global market ... [and] enable the movement of people and goods.” STEPHANIE WIGGINS, PARTNERSHIP LAKE HOUSTON CHIEF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

SOURCE: UNITED AIRLINESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

Real estate

Residential market data

Number of homes sold

October 2023

October 2024

+4.88%

+44.12%

+2.63%

+29.17%

-6.1%

Approximately 68% of the homes sold in October were in the $200,000-$399,999 price range.

99 TOLL

77044

77338

77339

77345

77346

77396

77339

77345

77346

77338

Median home sales price

LAKE HOUSTON

77386

October

2023

2024

77044

$299,000 $255,500 $320,000 $377,000 $329,995 $285,000

$399,990 $235,000 $270,000 $413,000 $341,500 $270,400

77044

77338

Homes sold by price point

77339

77345

October 2024

77346

$800,000+

77396

$600,000-$799,999

$400,000-$599,999

Average days on market +33.33% +88.24%

185

$200,000-$399,999

-20%

+37.5%

+16.28%

+24.14%

<$199,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY DEBORAH ROSE MILLER • BROKER/AGENT WITH ROSE REALTY 281-380-0332 • DEBORAHROSEREALTOR@GMAIL.COM 2022-24 CHAIR OF HUMBLE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION 2023 FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL

77044

77338

77339

77345

77346

77396

12310 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. Houston, TX 77044 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

The birria quesadilla plate ($17.99) includes three birria quesadillas with slow-cooked birria broth and rice.

The carnitas plate ($16.99) incudes pork carnitas on a plate of grilled onions served with rice, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, tortillas and a secret taco sauce.

PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Loco Cantina celebrates 1 year serving Tex-Mex Originally from Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, Miguel Jaurigui said his ambition in the restaurant industry began when he was just 13 years old work- ing at family members’ and friends’ restaurants.

Craving Tex-Mex? At Loco Cantina customers can enjoy authentic Tex-Mex with fajitas, enchiladas, carnitas and drinks, including skinny margaritas and palomas. “Our fajitas are so tender you can literally grab a fork and cut it, and our enchiladas are so cheesy and the prole of the gravy is just a good comple- ment to a Tex-Mex enchilada,” Jaurigui said. The restaurant uses produce imported from regions of Mexico that Jaurigui said oer the high- est quality avocados, dried peppers and tomatoes. “I’m very proud of saying that I’m 100% Tex- Mex, and I use authentic ingredients from Mexico, and I combine them with Texas because I live in both worlds,” Jaurigui said.

Owner Miguel Jaurigui serves a plate of enchiladas.

After successfully opening his rst restaurant, Patron, in Livingston in 2015, Jaurigui said he decided to take a risk and move to the Houston area to open his second restaurant, Loco Cantina, in Kingwood in November 2023. What’s in a name Jaurigui said the name of the restaurant reects the risk he took by selling his rst restau- rant to move to Houston and open a second Tex-Mex restaurant.

MAGNOLIA COVE DR.

LAKE HOUSTON

1660 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 107, Kingwood www.lococantinakingwood.com

LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

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