Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | March 2026

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 11 MARCH 7APRIL 6, 2026

2026 Camp Guide

Poor Farm Ditch construction to be underway by summer

Project details

Construction start: By early summer 2026 Project duration: 2-4 years Cost: $32 million

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, WEST UNIVERSITY PLACECOMMUNITY IMPACT

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Design work on the human-made, concrete-lined Poor Farm Ditch has been underway since 2015. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)

Project area

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

POOR FARM DITCH

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

BELLAIRE BLVD.

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

Also in this issue

Learn about what factors are contributing to an 18% decrease in enrollment at HISD Education 10

See what three major sporting events in Houston are gearing up to bring in $2B worth of economic activity News 15

Find out which popular coee shop will debut in Houston for the rst time in 2026 Impacts

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Impacts

Coming soon

8 Cowboys Red River The new honky tonk destination off of Bellaire Boulevard offers live music and free dance lessons, as well as a mechanical bull, pool tables and valet. The dance hall will be the first to open in Houston and the third in Texas. • Opening March 21

12 9

MID LANE

FOUNTAIN VIEW DR.

W E S T H E I M E R

A V E .

FARNHAM ST.

BELLAIRE BLVD.

• 7500 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. C-18, Houston • www.cowboysdancehall.com/houston

CEDARST.

West University Place

HERMANN PARK

9 Federal American Grill Serving a range of dishes, the restaurant’s menu offers seafood, steaks, burgers and sandwiches, along with starters such as jumbo lump crab cakes, sticky ribs and

BISSONNET ST.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

HERMANN PARK DR.

Bellaire

truffle beef carpaccio. • Opening late March

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

• 2400 Mid Lane, Houston • https://thefederalgrill.com

610

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

RICEBLVD.

CHIMNEY ROCK RD.

10 Floor & Decor Replacing the former Randall’s supermarket in Meyer Park, the specialty retailer of hard surface flooring is preparing for a Q2 opening in 2026. The store offers flooring, related accessories, installation materials and free design services. • Opening Q2 of 2026 • 4800 W. Bellfort Ave., Houston • www.flooranddecor.com 11 Body Fit Training The group fitness program combines progressive programming and personal training tactics designed to improve fitness levels and goals through a combination of HIIT, cardio and weight lifting. • Opening in April 12 Opera Gallery Houston Known for its modern and contemporary art collection, the major international art gallery is poised to open a new location in Houston, alongside cities such as New York, London and Dubai. The gallery will present three to four curated exhibitions annually. • Opening March 20 • 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. A115, Houston • www.operagallery.com • 2720 Bissonnet St., Houston • www.bodyfittraining.com

TIMES BLVD.

BEECHNUT ST.

288

Meyerland

BRAYS BAYOU

AMHERST ST.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

F O R T A V E .

brand has opened its fourth studio in Houston inside Rice Village. The location utilizes airbrush tanning that workers use by hand to mist the client’s skin. • Opened Feb. 23 • 2401 Times Blvd., Ste. 100, Houston • www.sugaredandbronzed.com 5 Cedar Street Pilates Owner Robyn Atlas opened this new Pilates studio in Bellaire for those wanting smaller, community- focused classes. The studio offers five reformers and a variety of workouts.

Now open

1 Bistro Mistral Offering a French dining experience, the restaurant serves authentic cuisines with modern interpretations, including dishes that utilize escargot, chicken and red snapper. • Opened Feb. 4 • 5313 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. A, Bellaire • www.bistromistral.net 2 Pinkerton’s Barbecue This BBQ establishment provides Texas-style pit barbecue, including slow-smoked brisket, pork ribs, beef ribs, sausage and chicken. The restaurant was founded by award-winning pitmaster and native Houston resident Grant Pinkerton. • Opened Jan. 20 • 3801 Farnham St., Houston • www.pinkertonsbarbecue.com 3 Kemo Sabe The high-end Western wear store known for its handcrafted cowboy hats, custom boots and accessories is open in Rice Village as a pop-up shop through March 15 for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. • Opened Feb. 26 • 2414 University Blvd., Ste. 180, Houston • www.kemosabe.com 4 Sugared + Bronzed Set as a destination for spray tans and sugaring, a hair removal process that uses sugar, water and lemon, the

• Opened in early January • 5104 Cedar St., Bellaire • www.cedarstreetpilates.com

6 Chewy Vet Care Now open in Meyerland, the new clinic has a viewing window into treatment areas and a digital pet portal for records and prescriptions. The clinic is designed to keep pets calm during visits. • Opened Jan. 30 • 8845 W. Loop S., Ste. A, Houston • www.chewy.com 7 Pure Room Wellness Floor The InterContinental Houston by IHG hotel, located in the Texas Medical Center, unveiled a new dedicated 23-room floor in partnership with Pure Wellness where guests can stay in rooms that feature advanced air purification, hypoallergenic luxury bedding and a vitamin-infused shower. • Opened in February • 6750 Main St., Houston • www.ihg.com

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

13 Chipotle The fast casual concept will start construction on a new restaurant in September, with a targeted completion date of February 2027. The chain specializes in bowls, tacos and burritos. • 2337 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston • www.chipotle.com 14 Ramen Tatsu-ya According to TDLR, the authentic ramen shop started construction in February to replace the former Boston Market. A completion date is slated for late October. The spot sells classic and specialty ramen bowls. • 4672 Beechnut St., Houston • www.ramen-tatsuya.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

15 Cosmic Ice Cream Co. Construction on the Houston-based ice cream shop is projected to begin in March and wrap up in September. The ice cream shop serves flavors such as vanilla bean,

Now open

Coming soon

banana pudding and salted caramel. • 5400 Bissonnet St., Ste. 12, Bellaire • www.cosmichtx.com

In the news

16 Houston Zoo Officials with the zoo announced the start of a multiyear series of habitat upgrades and concessions improvements that started in January and will last through early 2027. Improvements will be implemented at the White Rhinoceros Habitat, McGovern Giraffe Habitat and Shani Market. • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.houstonzoo.org NRG Energy A new 455-megawatt major natural gas power project is slated to be built at the existing Greens Bayou facility in east Houston. The plant represents $617 million in capital investment and is expected to start producing electricity for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas region in 2028. • www.nrg.com

17 Mia’s Table Southern comfort food locale Mia’s Table opened its newest location in Bellaire with a menu that showcases burgers, country platters, fried chicken, ribs and catfish, as well as soups, salads

18 Merit Coffee The San Antonio-based coffee shop will launch its first Houston location this summer off Buffalo Speedway. The shop serves cold brew, espresso and slow pours, with coffee beans sourced from Central and South America. • Opening in June • 5115 Buffalo Speedway, Houston • www.meritcoffee.com

and sandwiches. • Opened Feb. 2 • 5413 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.miastable.com

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Government

Phase 1 of Cypress Ditch project aims for completion by 2029

Bellaire is moving forward with Phase 1 of the Cypress Ditch project, a mitigation project to reduce flooding in Bellaire during heavy rain events. Latest update Officials with Quiddity Engineering, the program managers contracted by the city, presented an update on the current status of the project during the Feb. 16 city council meeting. In the first phase, the city will decommission and demolish the current wastewater treatment plant and construct the north and south basins. As of Feb. 16, Bellaire is waiting for the city of Houston to finalize a land swap agreement to start treating Bellaire’s wastewater. Once collaborations between Bellaire, Houston and the Harris County Flood Control District are in place, Bellaire will be able to use an upgraded lift station to transport its wastewater to Houston’s wastewater treatment plant across the street, Deputy Program Manager Casey Goforth said.

Estimated project timeline

The first phase of the Cypress Ditch program includes three different categories of projects.

Tasks

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

Q3 Q4

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

South Basin projects North Basin

projects Channel projects

SOURCE: CITY OF BELLAIRE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

basins are underway, Quiddity engineers said. Construction for the south basin is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027, with the north basin slated for the third quarter of 2028. The channel projects, which include widening the banks of the ditch and increasing outfall capacity, will wrap up in late 2029, Goforth said.

Then, demolition and reconstruction can begin. “Those two agreements need to be in place before we can start any of the work on the demo,” she said. Looking ahead While interlocal agreements are still being finalized, design and demolition plans for the two

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BY ROO MOODY, JESSICA SHORTEN & ARIEL WORTHY

FEMA releases updated draft flood maps Houston residents can now see preliminary Federal Emergency Management Agency map data through a new interactive dashboard from FEMA and the Harris County Flood Control District in the first countywide update since 2007. The big picture HCFCD spokesperson Emily Woodell confirmed the county’s 34 floodplain administrators received preliminary data and maps from FEMA in the first week of February. The Modeling, Assessment and Awareness Project (MAAPNext) kicked off in 2019 and aims to supplement FEMA maps while incorporating the data in an interactive dashboard. HCFCD Executive Director Tina Petersen said the preliminary data received from FEMA will help individuals understand potential floodplain impacts. However, she cautioned against using the data formally, as it is set to change.

Public works facility to open in April West University will soon have a new public works facility that will be nearly three times the size of its current facility. The overview Mayor Susan Sample announced Feb. 16 that the $12.4 million facility is expected to open at the end of April and will house the entire public works operational division and the parks maintenance division, which will free up space in the recreation center. The new facility will be at Westpark Drive

Proposed flood hazard zones Draft floodway (extreme-risk) Draft 100-year floodplain (high-risk) Draft 500-year floodplain (moderate-risk)

610

288

BRAYS BAYOU

SOURCE: FEMA MAAPNEXT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

and Dincans Street. It will be over 17,000 square feet, two stories tall with three vehicle bays, an upgrade from the two at the current facility, officials said.

The timeline Petersen said any changes to insurance rates and requirements based on the maps won’t be consid- ered until they become official, which could not be until 2028.

WESTPARK DR.

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Education

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Houston ISD sees 18% decrease in enrollment Houston ISD has seen a growing decline in student enrollment since the state took over the district in June 2023. A closer look While HISD’s enrollment has seen a steady decline since the 2016-17 school year, the decline accelerated in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, according to a Jan. 15 report released by the University of Houston’s Institute for Education Policy Research and Evaluation. From the 2016-17 school year to the 2022-23 school year, the district lost 26,197 students , or about 12.1% of its total student population, per the report. From the 2022-23 to the 2024-25 school year, the district lost about 7% of its total population. The report states the steepest drop occurred at the high school level, particularly in ninth grade, where enrollment fell 15.1% in two years.

202627 academic calendar released Houston ISD board managers approved the district’s academic calendar for the 2026-27 school year, which will begin Aug. 10, 2026, and end May 28, 2027. The details Board managers approved the 2026-27 academic calendar at their Feb. 12 meeting. The new calendar will remain consistent with the district’s 2025-26 calendar with 181 total days. HISD students will have two week-long breaks and one two-week break through- out the year, as well as 10 holidays and sta development days o, according to the calendar. Summer classes will be held from June 8-July 15, except holidays on June 18, July 2 and July 5.

Houston ISD student enrollment Since the 2016-17 school year, Houston ISD has seen nearly 40,000 students leave the school district.

-18% decrease

300K 200K 100K 0

School year

SOURCES: HOUSTON ISD, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Enrollment declines were driven by HISD students moving to neighboring school districts and charter schools, as well as students choosing to leave Texas public education entirely, per the report. HISD ocials said the enrollment decline mirrors trends seen throughout the state and nation, and that there is “no single cause” for the decline.

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Transportation

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Ongoing project

Upcoming project

WANDA LN.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

ABERDEEN WAY

West University Place

610

BELLAIRE BLVD.

METRO North Braeswood Boulevard Project: METRO mobility improvements focus on enhancing the customer experience, which includes a new fare system, bus and rail fleet upgrades, route restructuring, road repair and infrastructure improvements such as new shelters and bus stops. Update: Bus routes 4 Beechnut, 41 Kirby/Polk and 68 Braeswood from Aberdeen Way to Main Street started construction in February. • Timeline: January-March • Cost: TBD • Funding source: METRO

Intersection Safety Improvements Project: This project aims to reduce the number of crashes at the Fondren Road and South Braeswood intersection by upgrading signals, restriping and adding American with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps and push buttons. Update: Houston City Council submitted an application Feb. 11 to the Texas Department of Transportation to receive funding for the project.

Comprehensive Safety Action Plan Project: West University Place officials will launch a comprehensive safety action plan in the summer to study pedestrian safety across the city, including a holistic look at roads and sidewalks. Update: Mayor Susan Sample announced in mid- February that the city was awarded a federal grant to launch the plan and will consider an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration soon. • Timeline: summer 2026-TBD • Cost: $250,000 • Funding source: FHWA

• Timeline: TBD • Cost: $634,041 • Funding source: TxDOT

HOUSTON’S HEALTHCARE SAFETY NET FOR 60 YEARS.

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Community

BY ROO MOODY & ARIEL WORTHY

Camp Guide

2026

Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 1-Aug. 7

Crossing Borders Crossing Borders is designed to help children of all ages develop their language skills in a fun environment. Type: academic / day Ages: 3-10 Dates: June 1-Aug. 7 Cost: $395-$420 a week • 2353 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.crossingborderspreschool.com/programs/camps J Camps J Camps is a full-day camp experience for kids of all ages, offering traditional camp settings and specialties like art. Cost: $435-$500 per week (members), $521-$770 per week (non-members), Note: Prices vary for multi-week sessions and specialty camps. • Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston • www.erjcchouston.org/summer-camp Camp Zoofari An immersive camp at the Houston Zoo that provides campers a chance to connect with the animals and learn about wildlife conservation. Type: academic / day Type: art / day / sports Grades: preschool to 9th Dates: June 1-Aug. 7

Bellaire

Cost: Starts at $410-$1,200 per week • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.houstonzoo.org/camp

collaborative theater experience with a variety of activities such as creating plays, performing on stage and playing theater games. Type: art / day Ages: 6-12 Dates: July 6-July 31 (Bellaire camps); June 8-Aug. 7 (Rice Village camps) Cost: $350 per week (Bellaire camps); $350 per week or $550 per two weeks (Rice Village camps) • Bellaire Parks & Recreation Center, 7008 5th St., Bellaire (Bellaire camps); MST Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston (Rice Village camps) • www.mainstreettheater.com/summer-camps

cooking school, robotics and 3D printing to art studio, coding and engineering. Type: academic / day Ages: 3-12 Dates: June 8-Aug. 7 Cost: $385-$435 per week • 5410 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. A, Bellaire • www.idealabkids.com Language Kids World The immersion camp helps children learn international languages, such as Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese and ASL, through activities, games and cultural surprises. Type: academic / day Ages: 3-10 Dates: June 8-Aug. 7 (Bellaire camp) June 22-Aug. 7 (Museum District camp) Cost: $195-$385 per week • 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire; 4600 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire; 5501 Beechnut St., Houston; 4949 Caroline St., Houston • www.languagekids.com/camps

Bellaire

Kidventure: Camp West U This camp is designed to help children grow more

Camp Paseo Camp Paseo is a day camp tailored to children ages 5-12 that provides a safe, fun and structured program. Type: day camp with activities Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 26-Aug. 7 Cost: $255-$286 (per regular session) • Bellaire Recreation Center, 7008 5th St., Bellaire • www.bellairetx.gov/701/Camps Nature Discovery Center Summer Camp The science- and nature- themed camp will feature hands-on activities, games and art projects. Type: academic / day Ages: 5-10 Dates: June 1-July 17 Cost: $350-$400 per week • Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire • www.naturediscoverycenter.org/programs IDEA Lab Kids A STEAM-powered camp with activities that range from

independent and foster social skills. Type: academic / art / day / sports Grades: entering grades 1-5 Dates: June 8-Aug. 7 Cost: $360-$390 per week • 4210 Bellaire Blvd., Houston • www.kidventure.com

Discovery Camp-Weekley Family YMCA YMCA Discover Camp offers campers hands-on STEM activities, outdoor adventures, creative arts and sports. Type: academic / art / day / sports Ages: 5-11 Dates: June 8-July 31, 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Cost: $200 per week, $45 registration fee • Weekley Family YMCA, 7101 Stella Link Road, Houston • www.ymcahouston.org This list is not comprehensive.

Elite University Summer Camps Elite University Summer Camps specializes in providing nature, sports, culinary and STEM activities for children. Type: academic / art / day / sports Ages: 3-13 Dates: June 8-Aug. 7 Cost: $250-$400 per week • Camp Bellaire at Southwest Presbyterian Church, 6033 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire • www.elitesummercamps.com

Houston

Building Brains Building Brains uses LEGO and K’NEX educational kits to build math and science skills. Type: academic / day Ages: 3-12 Dates: May 26-Aug. 7 Cost: $280-$480 per week • Scout House, 6108 Edloe St., Houston • www.westutx.gov/1350/Parks-Recreation

Main Street Theater Main Street Theater camp offers children a

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486

HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722

WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144

Election

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

The special election will be held April 4, with the winner of the race lling the role on City Council until January 2028.

Candidates are listed in ballot order.

Why are you running for oce?

What are your priorities for pedestrian safety, bike lanes and public transportation improvements in the district? Everyone deserves to feel safe walking, biking or taking transit. I support safer intersections, protected bike lanes and better sidewalks, especially near schools and transit stops. Improving intersections with more lights and stop signs are essential. Better lighting and visibility will reduce accidents, improve trac, and strengthen mobility. Houstonians should not fear walking, cycling, and driving across our city. We must coordinate priority street safety infrastructure projects within the High Injury Network with local TIRZ boards, the county, TxDOT, and city departments. Public transportation in our city must also be reliable, responding to data derived from ridership trends. District C has some of the most tracked areas in Houston, so ensuring safer intersections, protected bike lanes, and reliable public transit corridors are top priorities for having a safer district. That means increasing pedestrian safety with lighting, crosswalk visibility, and calming trac. Transportation planning should reduce accidents ... I use all modes of transportation, and I want them to be as normalized across the district as they are where I live near 11th and Nicholson Trail. I support and advocate alongside Link Houston for frequent and reliable transit. Sidewalks throughout District C need repair. Someone was just killed in a hit-and-run two blocks from my home. Pedestrian safety is a public safety priority. I’ll push for better crosswalks in high-incident areas. Support dedicated bike infrastructure where it connects neighborhoods safely. Advocate for reliable METRO service and transit-oriented development near existing lines. I ran to make our streets safe for everyone. My priorities are ensuring safe crossings at schools and parks; targeting Houston’s High Injury Network with proven safety upgrades; collaborating with TIRZs to accelerate Safe Routes to School programs; and reducing bus wait times to 15 minutes.

Houston City Council, District C Angelica Luna Kaufman Occupation & relevant experience: Harris County, chief of sta; managed county budgets; disaster response; procurement

I’m running because District C deserves experienced, accountable leadership focused on results. After years of serving more than ve million residents in the third-largest county in the United States, I’m ready to bring that experience to City Hall to strengthen services, improve safety and deliver measurable progress for every neighborhood. I want to tackle city problems by studying issues Houstonians face and prioritizing data-driven policy solutions to make our city easier to live in. I have children growing up in District C, and want to make sure it is safe, aordable, healthy, and a place in which they can thrive. represented when decisions are made, and I understand both policy and the narratives that shape whether legislation actually passes. Our politics are producing the same results: a fortress around city hall without input … District C deserves leadership that can meet the city’s challenges without feeding existing dysfunction. I want underrepresented communities

reform; public safety initiatives www.angelicaforhouston.com

Audrey Nath Occupation & relevant experience: Harvard-trained triple-board certied MD/PhD epileptologist, clinical assistant, professor, community organizer, and advocate. www.audreyforhouston.com Sophia Campos Occupation & relevant experience: elementary school teacher with 10 years of legislative experience, lobbying and organizing throughout Texas www.sophiafordistrictc.org Laura Gallier Occupation & relevant experience: retired CPA, former small business owner, community organizer, third of Patrick Oathout Occupation & relevant experience: articial intelligence safety lead; platoon leader, U.S. Army; Poe, Lanier, and Lamar graduate www.patrickforhouston.com Joe Panzarella Occupation & relevant experience: renewable energy developer managing multimillion-dollar projects, Freedmen’s Town Super Neighborhood president, experienced community organizer www.joeforhouston.com Nick Hellyar Occupation & relevant experience: real estate broker, small business owner staer at Houston City Hall and Texas Legislature www.nickforhouston.com ve generations in District C www.lauraforhouston.com

I am at City Council often and have generational ties to the district. To give nancial oversight to the city, TIRZ, Houston First, Houston Housing Authority. Use my training in seeing structural inequity and dialoguing constructively on polarizing topics. To advocate for community-driven solutions.

After Jan. 6, I joined the Army to defend democracy abroad. Now I’m home to defend it here. Greg Abbott and Donald Trump want to override Houston’s local control. I’ll protect Houston’s values while delivering on infrastructure, public safety, and aordability for the district that raised me.

I am running for oce because District C deserves safe streets, aordable housing, transparent leadership, and outstanding constituent services for all. My experience as a community leader and renewable energy developer equips me to shepherd transformative infrastructure projects through [the] council, and push safe and just policies for every Houstonian. The passion for problem-solving, with two decades of helping people at City Hall and the [Texas] Legislature. As a full-time council member, I will focus on solving problems and listening to neighbors in every part of District C. I want to help people x the everyday issues that aect their lives.

We need all modes of transportation—walking, biking and riding—and all must work together for our city to function. Safety must be a priority. As the former interim director of BikeHouston, I am uniquely aware of the dangers bikers face. Building our streets for all to share is key.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 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. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

News

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Houston sporting events to generate $2B in economic activity

65,000 visitors and $150 million in economic impact, according to the Houston First Corporation. Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First Corporation, said these major events “will shine a signicant spotlight on Houston.” “These events collectively will generate signicant economic activity for Houston as a whole, but very specically will support our hospitality industry, from hotels to restaurants and beyond,” he said.

County-Houston Sports Authority. The city also hosted several events in the wintertime, including the Chevron Houston Marathon, the Simone Biles International Invitational and the NCA All-Star National Championship. The NCA Championship, which moved to Houston for the rst time in 2026, was conducted at the George R. Brown Convention Center from Feb. 27-March 1. The three-year contract is expected to bring over

Houston is gearing up to host several big-time sporting events in 2026, including the World Baseball Classic, the NCAA Men’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, and the FIFA World Cup. The local impact The three major sporting events are projected to bring in around $1.6 billion in overall economic activity this year, according to a report by the Harris

World Baseball Classic

NCAA Men’s Sweet 16 & Elite Eight

FIFA World Cup

March 6-11 & 13-14

March 26-28

June 14-July 4

An international baseball tournament featuring top professional players from around the world competing for their home countries. It is held every four years and showcases 20 national teams. • Daikin Park: 501 Crawford St., Houston • Teams participating: Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, United States and Brazil • Tickets: $10+

The regional seminal and nal rounds of the Division I basketball tournament feature the nal 16 teams out of 68 competing in the Elite Eight, with the Elite Eight producing the top four teams that will compete in the Final Four. • Toyota Center: 1510 Polk St., Houston • Tournament host: Rice University • Tickets: $163+

The premier international soccer tournament is hosted every four years. It is one of the world’s most-watched single-sport events and is often considered the most prestigious title in soccer. • Houston Stadium: 1 NRG Parkway, Houston • Teams participating: Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Curacao • Tickets: $140-$700+

1 st

7 th

First-time host city

Seventh-time host city

First-time host city

Estimated economic impact: $112M+

Visitor expectation: 400,000

Estimated economic impact: $10.5M+

Visitor expectation: 54,000

Estimated economic impact: $1.5B+

Visitor expectation: 500,000

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY, HOUSTON FIRST CORPORATION, HOUSTON ASTROSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Poor Farm Ditch construction to be underway by summer From the cover

The project

Poor Farm Ditch project scope

City boundary

Construction zone

Impacted area

Construction of a vital ood control project across three cities is set to begin by early summer. The $32 million Poor Farm Ditch project aims to reconstruct a longstanding failing concrete lining along the human-made ditch. Design work on the project has been underway since 2015, though studies into the stormwater conveyance channel date back to the 1990s, Harris County Flood Control District ocials said. After more than 10 years of design work, Poor Farm Ditch is moving forward—with a boost in funding from city, county and federal dollars. Flood district ocials gave a formal update during a Feb. 3 public meeting at the West University Place administration building, detailing the ood mitigation project that runs from just south of Greenway Plaza to Brays Bayou through the cities of Houston, West University Place and Southside Place. Months earlier, during a Dec. 8 West University City Council meeting, Public Works Director Michael Leech said the work will last at least two to four years. This particular channel restoration project will start at the end of the channel along Bellaire Boulevard and move north toward University Boulevard.

1,330 acres: Amount of stormwater drainage Poor Farm Ditch provides 100-year storm event: Capacity to carry the amount of stormwater produced in very intense rainfall events

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

West University Place

610

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

BELLAIRE BLVD.

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

POOR FARM DITCH

BRAESWOOD BLVD.

BRAYS BAYOU

BELLAIRE BLVD.

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Digging deeper

The context

Council member John Bertini said a third of West U homes in the oodplain are drained by Poor Farm Ditch. As decisions are being made, maintaining a high-performing ood project should be a priority, he said. “I have a hard time explaining to those thou- sands of homeowners, because we’re saving one or two trees, we are doing something less than ideal for the major drain artery,” Bertini said. “So, you know, trees are wonderful, but we can do without one or two to preserve the best possible ditch.” West U resident Mardi Turner lives one block away from the ditch and said she is excited about the ood control project moving forward and its impact on residents. “Poor Farm Ditch south of University [Boulevard] is literally falling on itself,” Turner said. “Kudos to [Harris County Flood Control District] for nally taking this on.” West U ocials said in December that they would notify at least 31 property owners aected by the planned widening along the

Poor Farm Ditch north of University Boulevard has enough stormwater storage capacity to with- stand a 100-year storm event, but the channel’s capacity downstream toward Bellaire Boulevard would need to be enlarged by as much as 75% to withstand the same water capacity, according to a 2004 HCFCD feasibility study. Channel improvements By replacing failing concrete lining along the channel, the project will restore the channel to its original design.

West University Place estimated percentages of ood risk by year Taking into consideration ood reduction projects in the city and high-intensity rainfall events, research nonprot First Street’s data model estimated a moderate risk for the city.

Hurricane Harvey in 2017 impacted 3,021 homes or 56.2% of properties.

2026 82.1% of properties 2041 80.7% of properties 2056 79.4% of properties

8-inch-thick reinforced concrete overbank pavement

Fencing

12-inch-thick main concrete channel

SOURCE: FIRST STREETCOMMUNITY IMPACT

POOR FARM DITCH

city’s southern edge. By February, Leech said the handful of residents he spoke with sup- ported the changes needed to meet the county’s project requirements, such as fence encroach- ments that will need to be moved.

Limits of material to be removed and disposed of

Geo-composite strip drains

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, WEST UNIVERSITY PLACECOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MELISSA ENAJE

A closer look

The framework

The $32 million in funding to improve Poor Farm Ditch was secured from multiple entities, including federal and state funding, two cities and one county. “We’re getting a massive project with very little expense on our part,” council member John Barnes said. “The money that’s going to be put in by the city of West University Place is not going to be passed onto taxpayers—it’s already paid for.”

West U ocials budgeted $200,000 for project enhancements at several infrastructure points, such as replacing the pedestrian bridge that runs through both Southside Place and West University. The plan includes adding root barriers along Virginia Court to support future city trees or landscaping, Leech said. This includes an approved plant list that has minimal impact on the ditch’s structure. In most locations after construction, HCFCD will install a 6-foot permanent chain-link fence along the channel limits to secure access,

according to City Council agenda documents. Some locations will also have a maintenance walkway inside the fence. Homeowners may be allowed to reinstall a fence after construction, Leech said, but they must negotiate directly with HCFCD on a case-by-case basis. Any approval on county property will come from an agreement between both parties, he said. If HCFCD needs access to project areas in the future, the homeowner must remove the fence at their own expense, he said, and cannot block access.

The cost

Total $32.8M

State of Texas: $16.9M Federal funding: $9.9M

What to expect during the estimated 24 year construction timeframe City ocials will also provide project updates at City Council meetings, council member John Barnes said.

Harris County Flood Control District: $5.7M West University Place: $150K Southside Place: $150K

Temporary fencing to be installed along work zone

Trees, shrubs and garden beds to be removed as needed

Potential location for a construction access point

City ocials to watch where worker vehicles are parked

SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Timeline of events

The timeline

2004: Harris County Flood Control District rst conducts study on Poor Farm Ditch

2015: HCFCD noties Southside Place and West U about design funding being identied

2017: Hurricane Harvey damage reassigns Poor Farm Ditch construction funding

2018: Harris County Commissioners Court authorizes funding support with state grant

Emily Woodell, HCFCD chief external aairs ocer, said the project design for Poor Farm Ditch is complete, with bids for potential contractors opening in February. Construction is anticipated to start in early summer and occur in 500-foot segments to minimize impact to residents. Woodell said the entire project is set to be completed by 2030.

2000

2010

2020

2030

2019: HCFCD puts project on hold

2021: Harris County approves the completion of the Poor Farm Ditch project design and construction stages

2023: Full project funding secured

2026: Construction to begin

2030: Project completion date

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, U.S. REP. LIZZIE FLETCHER, WEST UNIVERSITY PLACECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Events

BY ROO MOODY

Easter Spring Festival The festival at Colonial Park will feature games, bounce houses, face painting and a photo station with the Easter Bunny. • March 28, 9-11 a.m. • Free (admission) Spring Through the Silk Road Celebrate Asia's rich springtime traditions, such as the Persian New Year and Eid al-Fitr, with dance, music, storytelling and hands-on crafts designed for all ages. Registration is required. • March 28, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. • Free (admission), $5 (performance ticket) • Asia Society Texas, 1370 Southmore Blvd., Houston • www.asiasociety.org/texas • 4130 Byron St., West University Place • www.westutx.gov/475/news-and-events

March

Little Artists Families with children around the ages of 3 to 5 are invited to make art projects and tour the galleries with a Museum of Fine Arts Houston teaching artist. • March 8, 1-2:30 p.m. • $10 (per person) • 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston • www.mfah.org/events/little-artists Movie Night in Helix Hall Enjoy a screening of Despicable Me 4 on a big screen with picnic blankets, fresh popcorn and candy. • March 13, 6-8:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • TMC Helix Park, 1885 Old Spanish Trail, Houston • www.helixpark.com Meet the Animals The Nature Discovery Center welcomes families to learn about behavior and ecology in this interactive event with both live animals and natural history specimens. • March 21, 2-3 p.m. • $5 (member), $10 (non-member) • 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire • www.naturediscoverycenter.org

Wine and Tapas Hosted by the Patrons for Bellaire Parks, the 16th annual gala will include an evening of live music, dancing, tapas and an auction in support of Evergreen Park. • March 28, 6-11 p.m. • $175 (general admission) • Bellaire Parks and Recreation Center, 7008 5th St., Bellaire • www.bellaireparks.org/wineandtapas

April Disney on Ice

Relive classic Disney adventures as Mickey and friends travel through tales such as “Toy Story”, “Frozen”, “Encanto” and the Disney princesses.

• April 2-5, times vary • $23-$94+ (per ticket) • NRG Stadium, 1 NRG Parkway, Houston • www.nrgpark.com

E aster at First Presbyterian Church Join us as we celebrate our risen Savior! 8 & 11:15 AM | CLASSIC 9:30 AM | MODERN

Scan QR code for full Easter activities.

5300 MAIN ST. HOUSTON, TX 77004 | 713.620.6500 | FPCHOUSTON.ORG

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY ROO MOODY

Dr. Kathy Frazar, right, and Dr. Coury Zachary from The Houston Dentists.

Frazar said her team is the reason she loves going to work on Mondays.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE HOUSTON DENTISTS

Local dentist builds path forward for women

The practice is located in Bellaire, near the intersection of Bissonnet Street and Locust Street.

women, and now, she said, it’s her team that keeps her from burning out after all these years. What they oer At The Houston Dentists, clients receive cosmetic dental services in a spa-like environment designed to put nerves at ease. Frazar said one of the biggest misconceptions she hears about dentistry is that it hurts, but she believes it should never be painful. Why it matters Throughout the past few years, Frazar said she’s seen more women attend dental school. When she thinks about her legacy, Frazar said she wants to be remembered as an example for other women—especially her only daughter.

Twenty-ve years ago, Dr. Kathy Frazar estab- lished The Houston Dentists to form the same type of camaraderie that physicians who worked in hospitals experience, because she said dentists tend to work alone. “When I graduated, there were not many women in dentistry, and I didn’t have a mentor,” Frazar said. “There were no women that I could look up to.” She said it was rare for women to start their own practice at the time, but she was willing to risk it. The framework Frazar said she gured that if she had the high- est-trained team making the highest salary, then people wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. So, part of her business plan became investing in

610

BELLAIRE BLVD.

4914 Bissonnet St., Ste. 200, Bellaire www.drfrazar.com

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Scan, call 512.989.1000 or email ads@communityimpact.com

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Real estate

Homes in January spent more time on the market in almost every ZIP code, except for Bellaire. Homes in that area spent 19 fewer days on the market. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

January 2025

January 2026

-39.13%

-30%

-17.39%

-33.33%

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

77005

77401

77030

Median home sales price

77025

610

January

2025

2026

$1,255,000 $410,000 $658,750 $385,000 $906,500

$1,450,000 $281,500 $300,000 $470,000 $939,500

77096

77005

288

77025

Homes sold by price point

77030

77096

January 2026

77401

$1,000,000+

$750,00-$999,999

Average days on market +7.4%

$500,000-$749,999

+0.97%

+117.81%

+13.41%

-16.52%

$250,000-$499,999

<$250,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CB&A REALTORS 832-678-4770 • WWW.CBAREALTORS.COM

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

YOUR SOLUTION IS HERE. daily marketing

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