Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | December 2024

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 8 DEC. 4, 2024 JAN. 9, 2025

Targeting short-term rentals

Key

Short-term rentals

City limits

West University

610

Bellaire

288

Meyerland

1,096 total listings in Bellaire, Meyerland and West University as of October 19% increase from October 2019 SOURCE: AIRDNACOMMUNITY IMPACT

W. BELLFORT AVE.

City ocials to implement new regulations for Houston homeowners

get somebody to do something,” she said. City ocials met in April to start the process of gathering information on short-term rentals in Houston, and over the course of nine months have put together a potential plan to regulate the market.

During a Nov. 9 public comment session, Houston resident Susan Sajadi recounted an incident where she heard gunshots coming from an Airbnb close to her home and how nothing was done about it. “Unless there is a body in the street or somebody is killed, that is what it’s going to take to actually

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Houston ocials have begun discussing the best way to regulate short-term rentals this year after many residents have shared concerns about the unregulated market causing a disruption to their quality of life.

CONTINUED ON 10

Also in this issue

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Education: Learn why Houston ISD residents voted down both propositions included in the district’s $4.4 billion bond package (Page 8)

Development: Check out The Astrodome Conservancy’s $1 billion plan to revitalize the vacant Astrodome (Page 12)

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Impacts

seasonal favorites and limited-time o ers. • 8845 W. Loop S., Ste. D, Houston • www.nothingbundtcakes.com

OPELOUSAS ST. SEMMES ST.

W E S T H E I M E R R D .

10C

GREENWAY PLAZA

10B

9 Ti m Hortons The Canada-based co ee shop is anticipated to open on West Holcombe in early 2026, according to lings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 2438 W. Holcombe Blvd., Ste. 100, Houston • www.timhortons.com 10 Michelin Star Guide Six restaurants in Houston were awarded Michelin Stars in November in the rst-ever Texas ceremony, including three near Bellaire, Meyerland and West University. • A Le Jardinier, 5500 Main St., Ste. 122, Houston • B BCN Taste & Tradition, 4210 Roseland St., Houston • C Musaafer, 5115 Westheimer Road, Ste. C-3500, Houston • www.guide.michelin.com/th/en Phoe ni x Rising The new online car club is set to launch in January. This group combines its passion for high-end vehicles with its mission to give back to Houston veterans. • www.phoenixrisingmythics.com Ada & E dith The Houston-based style-drive womenswear online clothing store by Houston designer Ukonwa Ojo launched in November with the announcement of the Fall/Winter 2024 Collection, which features eight curated pieces made from Italian fabric. • www.adaandedith.com

LYON S A V E .

M O

10A

West University Place

288

HERMANN PARK

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

SPRUCE ST.

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

EVERGREEN ST.

FONDREN RD.

Bellaire

RICEBLVD.

BEECHNUT ST.

Meyerland

BRAYS BAYOU

TIMES BLVD.

610

AMHERST ST.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

5 Pu rple Inspired by vintage and utilitarian concepts, the clothing store provides innovation in product development with a particular emphasis on t and fabric. • Opened Nov. 23 • 5085 Westheimer Road, Ste. B2516, Houston • www.purple-brand.com/pages/stores 6 Krewe This luxury sunglass and eyewear company provides frames culturally inspired by New Orleans. The Rice Village location will be the brand’s rst brick-and- mortar location in Houston. • Opening Dec. 7 • 5515 Kelvin Drive, Ste. 125 Houston • www.krewe.com

Now open

1 M eltwi ch The fast-casual restaurant specializes in grilled cheese and poutine, and o ers customizable grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers along with loaded fries. • Opened Nov. 11 • 2518A Rice Blvd., Houston • www.meltwich.com/us 2 Moder n A nimal The membership-based veterinary clinic o ers primary care, preventive care, diagnostics, surgery and dentistry services for cats and dogs. • Opened Nov. 11

Closings

11 Big L ots The location on Kirby Drive ocially closed after the company led for bankruptcy. • Closed mid-November • 8210 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.biglots.com

• 6027 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.modernanimal.com

Expansions

Coming soon

12 Evergreen Park and Pool Complex The city of Bellaire is looking to redevelop and expand the neighborhood park by creating an all-inclusive playground, renovating the swimming pool and providing a green space for recreation and relaxation as well as an event venue.

3 The T ailor ed Tail The pet salon o ers styling services that include assessing a dog’s coat, removing unwanted hair, bathing, blow drying and a brush out, as well as teeth brushing, ear cleaning and nail trimming.

7 Birke nst ock This brand is known for its signature sandals, clogs and other shoes with contoured cork soles. The business will replace the previous tenant, Allbirds. • Opening early 2025 • 2503 Amherst St., Ste. A121, Houston • www.birkenstock.com

• Opened late November • 5201 Spruce St., Bellaire • www.thetailoredtail.com

• 4500 Evergreen St., Bellaire • www.weareevergreen.org

13 Episcopal High School The private college preparation campus will expand to include a new two-story chapel, two new buildings adjacent to the athletic eld for restrooms, concession stands and batting cages, and a new entrance and exit

4 Houston Federa l Credit Union The bank opened a new location inside the Weslayan Tower. HFCU provides a full range of nancial products and services such as auto loans, online banking and walk-up ATMs. • Opened Sept. 17 • 24 Greenway Plaza, Ste. 300, Houston • www.houstonfcu.org

In the news

8 Nothing B undt Cakes The Las-Vegas based dessert shop is anticipated to open a new location in Meyerland, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Nothing Bundt Cakes o ers bundt cakes in 10 staple ¢avors with

access road o of Loop 610. • 4650 Bissonnet St., Bellaire • www.ehshouston.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ASIA ARMOUR & CASSANDRA JENKINS

Worth the trip

Coming soon

14 Ho use of Core The luxury Pilates studio will open as the rst franchised location outside of California and will o er 12 signature classes with advanced equipment and private training options. Each class at House of Core Houston will be capped at eight participants to ensure personalized, one-on-one attention in a small group setting. • Opening mid-December • 4001 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. B, Houston • www.houseofcore.com

15 Meow Wolf Houston’s own highly-anticipated Meow Wolf exhibit, “Radio Tave,” is an explorable radio station that features dozens of interactive mysteries, immersive multimedia displays, local art and music.

• Opened Oct. 31 • 2103 Lyons Ave., Bldg. 2, Houston • www.meowwolf.com/visit/houston

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Government

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

West U proposes alternatives to new re station, civic center West University Place council members Nov. 11 discussed alternative options to phases 2-4 of the Facilities Master Plan, which includes the construction of a new city hall, re station and civic center. The setup According to the agenda, the proposed alter- natives scrap the new re station and instead construct a new city hall in the current location of the civic center. The current municipal building would be repurposed into a public safety building. The new city hall would house city administration, public works, municipal courts and human resources in a new or renovated two-story build- ing at Rice Boulevard and Auden Street.

Ocials approve new zoning district Bellaire ocials voted unanimously Nov. 18 to allow the building of townhomes or small attached units inside a new zoning district. The full story The new zoning district is a R-6 Small-Lot Residential Attached District. The topic was rst discussed in July with three suggested amendments, including: • Adding the de nition of a townhouse dwelling • Creating a new small-lot residential attached district to encompass the provi- sions for townhomes • Changing the minimum site area per dwelling unit in the multifamily district However, changes to the multifamily district were removed.

West U City Council originally approved the Facilities Master Plan in 2022.

The plan consisted of four phases:

New public works facility

Phase 1

New senior center, library and community building

Phase 2

Phase 3

New re station

Municipal building renovation and police station expansion

Phase 4

SOURCE: CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE COMMUNITY IMPACT

The public safety building would host both the reconstructed re station and the expanded police department along with the emergency operations center and IT department. This alternative would allow both departments to remain on-site and fully operational during the construction.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HANNAH BROL, CASSANDRA JENKINS, EMILY LINCKE & ANNA LOTZ

LGBTQIA+ commission presents rst report Members of Harris County’s rst LGBTQIA+ commission presented the organization’s inaugural report during the Nov. 12 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting. The backstory Spearheaded by Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, the court voted in June 2023 to create the county’s rst LGBTQIA+ commission, which is made up of 10 volunteer members appointed by the court. The commission serves in an advisory function to the court providing recommendations regarding improvements for the LGBTQIA+ community. Major takeaways The commission hosted a series of listening sessions, during which LGBTQIA+ residents and allies voiced concerns on issues like safety, access to mental health resources, representation and support for LGBTQIA+ youth encountering 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. In May, the county animal shelter saw a surplus of at least 300 animals, totaling approximately 690 animals in the shelter.

Sports Authority names new CEO, chair In November, Ryan Walsh and Juan C. Garcia were named the new CEO and board chair, respectively, of the Harris Coun- ty-Houston Sports Authority. What you need to know Eective immediately, Walsh—the former CEO and executive director of the Harris County Sports and Convention Corpora- tion—will be taking the place of former CEO Janis Burke, following her departure in October. Meanwhile, Garcia will be taking the place of former Chair J. Kent Friedman following his departure in October. Garcia’s term is eective immediately and expires Aug. 31, 2025. The HCHSA was created in 1997 to nance, maintain and build sports venues in Houston, and has since expanded to also promote the region for sports-related events.

“This commission is history-making and gives our community a voice we have

never had before.” BRAD PRITCHETT, HARRIS

COUNTY LGBTQIA+ COMMISSION CHAIR

hostility. The policy recommendations to consider: • Enhancing local data collection through a quality-of-life survey • Becoming the named LGBTQIA+ liaison and advisory council for the Harris County Sheri’s Oce, and other county departments • Introducing consistent LGBTQIA+ awareness and cultural competency training for Harris County law enforcement agencies • Developing a pipeline of qualied LGBTQIA+ residents for county boards and commissions • Investing in LGBTQIA+ educational resources

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 nonprot 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 eorts. 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 mil- lion 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.

5 largest Harris County nonprot donations made Oct. 29 Kids Meals, Inc. (provides meals to preschool-aged children)

$3.5M

Memorial Assistance Ministries (o ers 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, NONPROFITSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Education

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Failure of HISD’s $4.4B bond shows disconnect between community, district

Bonds over time Since 1989, Houston ISD voters have approved ve of the seven proposed bond referendums proposed.

March 1989: HISD voters passed $371M bond to fund construction of 15 new schools November 1998: Voters approved $678M bond to fund construction of 10 new campuses and repair 92 facilities November 2007: Voters approved $805M bond that included construction of 24 new campuses and renovations on 134 facilities

May 1996: Voters rejected $389M bond package that would have built 18 schools and upgraded 84 campuses November 2002: Voters approved $808.6M bond proposal that included construction November 2024: Voters rejected $4.4B bond that would have addressed aging campuses and worn- down heating and cooling systems of several new campuses, new air conditioning systems and learning centers for pre-K students

Houston ISD residents voted down both propositions included in the district’s $4.4 billion bond election Nov. 5, leaving ocials with limited options to address aging campuses and worn- down heating and cooling systems throughout the district. The details Roughly 58% of voters voted against both Proposition A and Proposition B during the Nov. 5 election. Proposition A would have provided $4 billion for school renovations, safety improve- ments and security upgrades, while Proposition B would have provided $400 million for technology improvements. The bond’s failure represented the rst time HISD voters have rejected a bond referendum in nearly 30 years. While proponents of the bond argued the money was needed to address aging infrastructure throughout the district, many voters argued the bond was a referendum on HISD Superintendent Mike Miles and the district’s board of managers, who were appointed by the Texas Education Agency to take over the district in June 2023. Miles expressed disappointment with the results on election night. “The politics of adults beat out the needs of our children,” Miles said in a Nov. 5 letter posted on the district’s Facebook page. Some context In addition to several campus replacements and renovations, the bond would have allocated

$1.35 billion toward health and safety improve- ments that would have aected every district campus. The improvements would have included: • Updated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems • Enhanced security infrastructure • The removal of lead from drinking water A closer look It remains unclear how ocials will address the aging infrastructure and issues with air condition- ing and heating at many of the district’s campuses. Miles said the conditions will continue to be unsuitable for both students and teachers, noting closures at some campuses could be warranted in the future. Additionally, Miles said district ocials will seek out grant funding and resources from the state to help pay for the security improvements that would have been included in the bond. District ocials said it’s too early to determine whether the district will pursue another bond. What they’re saying For months, many HISD community members have concluded their comments at board meetings with the phrase “no trust, no bond.” Ruth Kravetz, co-founder of Houston-based nonprot Community Voices for Public Education, said she believes voters’ rejection of the bond speaks to a broader lack of support for the TEA- appointed superintendent and board of managers. Veronica Garcia, executive director of nonprot

November 2012: Voters approved

$1.89B bond that funded

campus rebuilds, renovations and upgrades at 38 campuses.

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Houstonians for Great Public Schools, said she believes district ocials and community members need to nd a way to work together on infrastruc- ture improvements. “The needs of HISD students cannot be put on hold,” Garcia said. “We can’t aord to wait.”

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Transportation

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

West U aims for more pedestrian- friendly crosswalks, intersections

Pavement replacement

Intersection improvements

Four intersections along Bualo Speedway in West University Place will receive new concrete pavers after more than a dozen crosswalks have become a hazard to pedestrians. What you need to know The Texas Department of Transportation com- pleted a project along the Bualo Bayou Speed- way in September 2023 that included replacing the entire road surface, improving the drainage system and creating visual enhancements for the entrances at four major intersections between Bissonnet Street and Holcombe Boulevard. However, only a year after installation, West U ocials said several of the newly placed concrete pavers at the intersections started shifting, posing safety hazards for pedestrians using the crosswalks at four locations, including:

In similar news City ocials are also looking to make citywide enhancements for pedestrian safety at corridors that are frequently used by children on their way to school. The discussion was rst brought to the table by Mayor Pro Tem John Montgomery and council member Clay Brett, who placed the item on the agenda. “There is a gap in places in the city where kids traverse, and we have to think about ways to create safer mobility quarters,” Montgomery said. “The rst thought that occurs to me on this topic is that we haven’t done enough.” Potential measures include implementing crossing guards and/or trac calming measures at major intersections along Weslayan Street and Bualo Speedway, including University, Rice and Sunset Boulevards. Assistant Chief of Police Gary Ratli said in the last six months he has issued over 60 citations for drivers running red lights at the ve intersections. Public input A handful of West U residents attended the Nov. 4 meeting to express their concerns with close calls at the dangerous intersections. Jillian Waldo said she feels unsafe walking across the University and Bualo Speedway intersection with her four children due to several drivers running red lights. “We cross this intersection every single day,”

R S I T Y B L V D .

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

SOURCE: CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Holcombe Boulevard • University Boulevard • Rice Boulevard • Sunset Boulevard

she said. “One of the special things about our town is being able to walk to school, walk to the little league elds, ... but we’ve had a couple close calls at that intersection.” Waldo suggested City Council add a crossing guard, especially during rush hour times, and include better crosswalk markings or ¡ashing lights. Stay tuned Montgomery said the council will look to gather resident feedback on the issue and do a trac study before bringing a potential solution to the council at a future date.

During the Oct. 28 council meeting, West U ocials awarded Gulf Coast Pavers the task of removing all existing pavers to investigate the concrete slabs underneath and create a level surface before reinstalling the pavers. The $427,750 project will be funded with the bonds issued in 2022 for the Bualo Speedway Project and is anticipated to take approximately 90 days to complete.

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Targeting short-term rentals From the cover

What’s being done

Mapping it out

After a public comment session in March where nearly 40 residents had complaints on STRs, City Council members Sallie Alcorn and Amy Peck requested the administration evaluate the feasibility of registering or permitting STRs in Houston. By April, the Administration and Regulatory A airs Department started to gather data and facts to develop potential regulations. Julian Ramirez, Quality of Life Committee chair and an at-large council member, said regulations could require STR owners to register their properties with the city. “Hosts will be required to keep the registration current and will have to pay insurance and a fee of some kind,” he said. “If they fail to do any of these things, there will be a penalty between $100-$500 for each violation.” Ramirez said there could also be provisions under which a registration can be revoked, including: • If false information was provided in the application • If important changes were not reported to the city • If there are two or more instances when the city had to lessen a nuisance • If there are two or more citations that resulted in two or more convictions for violations • If someone who is staying at an STR or the owner was convicted of a listed criminal o ense Once a registration is revoked, Ramirez said the city will go to the platform where the rental was listed, such as Airbnb or VRBO, and have the property delisted. The proposed regulations need to be approved by Houston City Council before moving forward and are subject to change.

growth over the last ve years, but it’s strong year-over-year growth,” Gallagher said. However, while he said listings have not increased signicantly, the revenue has doubled in the last ve years. In October 2019, 920 listings brought in about $760,000 in revenue with a 53% average occupancy rate, which is the percentage of available space that is being used. In 2024, the 1,096 available listings accumulated $1.44 million with the same occupancy rate. Gallagher said the increase in revenue is attributed to a rise in rates. In the ve ZIP code areas, the average daily rate is $182.74 per night, according to AirDNA data.

Bram Gallagher, director of economics and forecasting at AirDNA, a company that analyzes short-term rental data, said Houston markets have experienced a steady rise in short-term rentals over the past ve years. In Bellaire, West University and Meyerland, there were approximately 1,096 listings as of October. In October 2019, there were 920 listings—reecting a 19% increase. The most concentrated number of homes rented out were in the 77030 ZIP code, near the Texas Medical Center. The most available units across all ve ZIP codes contain one or two bedrooms. “It’s not incredibly shocking or dramatic

Number of short-term rentals

October 2019

October 2024

75 77005

Short-term rentals are accommodations that are available to rent for 30 days or less, according to the city of Houston.

-49.33%

77025

353

-11.33%

77005

313

77401

77030

353

+58.07%

77025

558

610

99 77096

77096

+64.65%

163

288

40 77401

-40%

SOURCE: AIRDNACOMMUNITY IMPACT

In comparison

West University Place

Bellaire

Houston

Owners of homes being rented out in residential districts must pay hotel occupancy taxes. Those renting out homes in nonresidential districts must purchase a rental permit, provide sketches of oor plans and provide proof of insurance. In West U, it is illegal for properties in residential districts to be rented for less than 30 days.

Bellaire does not have a specic ordinance prohibiting or regulating short-term rentals.

Hosts must register their properties with the city and pay a fee to obtain a short-term rental permit. Owners must keep their registration current, have insurance and report any major changes to the city. They are subject to a ne or penalty for violations. Houston does not have specic laws that regulate short-term rentals, but ocials are looking to change that. Potential regulations include:

The city requires a certicate of occupancy for all occupants prior to the house being leased. The occupant or the landlord must come to the Development Services Oce and apply for a certicate.

SOURCES: CITIES OF HOUSTON, WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, BELLAIRECOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Looking ahead

What they’re saying

Measuring the impact

Jackie McGraw, a communication special- ist for rental platform Airbnb, said Airbnb brought in more than 1.8 million guests to the city and contributed an estimated $1.6 billion in economic activity in 2023, including producing over $400 million in tax revenue. In Texas, STR owners must pay 6% of the cost of a room to the state’s hotel occupancy tax. Airbnb data for 2023 shows nearly $9 mil- lion was collected in Houston in local lodging and hotel taxes contributed by hosts. The average host in Houston also earned approximately $8,700 in supplemental income in 2023, according to the same data. A 2023 Airbnb survey of Houston showed: • 56% of hosts used the additional income to keep up with the rising cost of living. • 42% used the money to cover food and other basic expenses. • 10% said it helped them avoid eviction or foreclosure.

The proposed short-term rental regulations will return to the Quality of Life Committee on Dec. 9 for discussion. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment. Ramirez said once a draft is nished, the proposal will need to be placed on a future City Council agenda. He said the committee is aiming to have the nal regulations presented to the council by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

“I am in favor of reasonable regulations that do not impede on the average Houstonian’s ability to rent their homes, but we have to nd a

way to address the bad actors that are creating a problem for everyone.” ABBIE KAMIN, DISTRICT C COUNCIL MEMBER

“We don’t want to discourage the responsible short-term rental owners, and I think these

Quality of Life Committee Dec. 9, 2 p.m. Anna Russell Council Chambers,

regulations won’t, but this is a way for the city to have some kind of control.” SALLIE ALCORN, ATLARGE COUNCIL MEMBER

second oor of City Hall 901 Bagby St., Houston

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Development

BY CARSON WEAVER

New $1B Astrodome concept revealed

Stay tuned

Astrodome Conservancy ocials said they will propose Vision: Astrodome as a component of the NRG Master Plan, and will conduct a feasibility study to determine the economic viability of the concept.

On Nov. 13, The Astrodome Conservancy revealed plans for a $1 billion redevelopment concept—Vision: Astrodome—that would feature four buildings inside the arena with new arena space for events and entertainment. The redeveloped dome would be surrounded by restaurants, retail and oce spaces as well as commercial-use spaces, according to a Nov. 13 news release. The new plans also propose additional parking, storage and animal holding facilities underneath a new ground oor. Houston-based architect Gensler began designing the new vision for the Astrodome in 2023, which proposed 450,000 square feet of revenue-generating space, according to the release. A 2020 survey done by the Astrodome Conservancy showed 86% of respondents believe the world’s rst domed stadium,

Vision: Astrodome would bring a new event oor under the iconic roof of the Astrodome.

BRAYS BAYOU

Astrodome area

RENDERING COURTESY GENSLER ARCHITECT

which has been dormant for 15 years, can and should be reused. Astrodome Conservancy Chair Phoebe Tudor said in the release that the dome’s status as a Texas historical landmark could leverage private investment funding, minimizing public investment.

610

288

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486

HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722

WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

The median sales price of homes in the 77025 ZIP code rose by 107.88%, jumping from an average of $360,781 in October 2023 to $750,000 in October 2024. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

October 2023

October 2024

+87.5%

+100%

-78.13%

+6.67%

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

77005

77401

77030

Median home sales price

77025

October

2023

2024

610

$1,701,200 $360,781 $1,650,000 $370,000

$1,554,450 $750,000 $1,055,500 $417,000 $1,223,500

77005

77096

288

77025

77030

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 2819612944 WWW.SPARROWREALTY.COM

77096

$871,500

77401

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

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Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Holiday Events Guide

2024

feature hot chocolate and a balloon artist. • Dec. 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. • $25 • 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire • www.preludemusicfoundation.org

December

Toys for Tots Adult sports league Sportsmonkey will hold a softball tournament at Feld Park to collect toys. • Dec. 6, 6:40 p.m.; Dec. 7, 8 a.m. • $175 • 6406 Ave. B, Bellaire • www.sportsmonkey.com H E B Feast of Sharing This drive-thru series of festive gatherings will include food and music. Volunteer opportunities are available. • Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1 NRG Park, Houston • www.nrgpark.com

Houston 12K of Christmas This Christmas-themed run features an appearance from Santa, and options for a 6K and a Kids 1K or family walk. • Dec. 21, 7:30 a.m. • $20-$55 • 1000 Bagby St., Houston • www.houstonrunning.co/houstons12kofchristmas Mixers and Elixirs: New Year’s Eve Guests can come to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for live music and champagne at midnight. • Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

The Nutcracker The Houston Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at the Wortham Theater Center in downtown Houston this holiday season. • Nov. 29-Dec. 29, times vary by date • $45-$145

• 501 Texas Ave., Houston • www.houstonballet.org

• $50-$60 (regular ticket); $120 (VIP) • 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.hmns.org

Cocoa & Candy Canes Holiday Concert This family-friendly interactive caroling event will

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Community

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR & ATIRIKTA KUMAR

Volunteer Guide

2024

Animals and wildlife

Community aid

BARC Houston The animal shelter is dedicated to helping animals in Houston and provides sheltering and veterinary care for pets as well as adoption, fostering programs and live release initiatives. • Sample activities: animal care, administrative help, facility beautiication and construction, working at special events, fostering, assisting with adoptions at BARC or off-site • Donations accepted: money, personal checks, dog and cat food, toys, treats, leashes and collars, flea shampoo, towels, detergent, litter, unopened rubbing alcohol, dish soap • 3300 Carr St., Houston • www.houstontx.gov/barc/ Coastal Prairie Conservancy The organization is focused on conserving the Texas coastal prairie. The work by the organization addresses the need to preserve open spaces for communities in Texas. The CPC was formed in 1992 to conserve the Texas coastal prairie for people and wildlife. • Sample activities: helping with various activities throughout the week, planting native plants, keeping up with the nursery • Donations accepted: check or cash donations Special Pals Rescue Resource Center The organization is the oldest no-kill shelter in Houston. The nonprot organization facilitates adoptions, fostering, low-cost vaccinations and rescue boarding. • Sample activities: take care of animals and complete administrative duties • Donations accepted: money, dog and cat food, trash bags, puppy pads, laundry detergent, carabiners and disposable rubber gloves • 3830 Greenhouse Road, Houston • www.specialpals.org • 5615 Kirby Drive, Ste. 867, Houston • www.coastalprairieconservancy.org

farmers operating ve urban sites and four rural sites. Its mission is to support independent farmers with refugee backgrounds in developing sustainable farming businesses that produce healthy food. • Sample activities: helping urban farmers weed, mulch and compost; working at a local farmers market; being a veggie guide content creator • Donations accepted: Venmo, PayPal, mailed check, stock Houston Area Women’s Center This organization works to end domestic violence, sexual assault and sex tracking. • Sample activities: joining a committed volunteer fundraising committee, helping at events, offering holiday gift items, assembling essential supply kits • Donations accepted: monetary contributions, food items, brand new clothing, toys, diapers, hygiene products, beauty products, irst aid items, luggage, detergent, smaller appliances • www.hawc.org

Second Servings of Houston The nonprot rescues surplus perishable food from retailers, distributors and manufacturers, and delivers it to local nonprots. • Sample activities: assisting drivers with food rescues, helping with Pop-Up Grocery Stores • Donations accepted: surplus food, money • 8825 Knight Road, Houston • www.secondservingshouston.org

Girls Empowerment Network The organization advances self-ecacy—or the belief in oneself to succeed—in girls in grades third through 12th through programs that foster condence, coping skills, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and change-making. • Sample activities: writing role model letters, creating bookmarks, signing up to volunteer at Radiant G Conferences or in-school Radiant G Circle programs. • Donations accepted: monetary donations, merchandise sales, car donations, stock donations Workshop Houston The nonprot’s mission is to provide creative, technical and educational resources to young people who are involved in the arts. • Sample activities: working with students during after-school programs once a week during the semester • Donations accepted: checks, in-kind materials • 3615 Sauer St., Houston • 4660 Beechnut St., Ste. 102, Houston • www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org

• Fondren: 10595 Fondren Road, Houston • Westbury: 12581 Dunlap St., Houston • www.plantitforward.farm

Youth and families

Community aid

Be a Resource The nonprot works to provide resources to children in Child Protective Services in Houston, as well as children who are referred to the organization. • Sample activities: helping with community events, creating hygiene packs and school bags, hosting drives, participating in virtual volunteer opportunities such as hosting donation drives year- round • Donations accepted: money, hygiene products for babies and children, toys, books, diapers, clothing in all sizes, blankets and stuffed animals

Houston Food Bank The nonprot collects, inspects, sorts, stores and distributes food to community partners such as pantries, soup kitchens and schools. • Sample activities: sorting food, building home delivery kits, assisting with hot meals, distributing food and school supplies • Donations accepted: monetary donations, food, vehicles and stocks • www.houstonfoodbank.org/volunteernow Plant It Forward The Houston-based nonprot works with more than 60 farmers with refugee backgrounds, including

• www.workshophouston.org This list is not comprehensive.

• 3572 E. T C Jester Blvd., Houston • www.bearesourcehouston.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY ASIA ARMOUR

The shop provides oral arrangements with owers from local vendors and gift baskets.

Owner Elaine Oulsey-Nevarez said her owers last longer because of a preservative used to hydrate and kill bacteria.

PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Elaine’s Florist maintains shop through connections Staying in business for 32 years is no small feat, said Elaine Oulsey-Nevarez, owner of Elaine’s Flo- rist and Gift Baskets in Meyerland, but she accom- plished it by building meaningful connections. What they oer

Elaine Oulsey-Nevarez said she used her corporate background to apply strategy to the business.

a lot of churches, and we donate to all of them because that is my clientele,” she said. “I also belong to several networking groups. People want to work with people they know.” Diving in deeper In addition to her professional network and emphasis on face-to-face interactions, what makes Elaine’s Florist a Meyerland mainstay is its state and national certication as a woman-owned business, Oulsey-Nevarez said. She said it’s helped her secure some of her largest clients. “I look at it as a win-win for the [companies],” she said. “We do great work with high-quality owers, and they work with a woman-owned business.”

610

The boutique oral shop, which sells “high-end” oral arrangements, houses plants and gift baskets comprised of gourmet and holiday-themed treats, candies and balloons, was established in 1992. Since then, Oulsey-Nevarez has bought out seven local orists and secured contracts with organizations such as MD Anderson and University of Houston. She credits her shop’s continued suc- cess to networking and community investment. “We have a lot of schools in our community and

BE E C H N U T S T .

4782 Beechnut St., Houston www.elaines orist.com

Scan For FREE Consultation

Personal Injury

Estate Planning

Attorney & Meyerland Neighbor Sydney Womack

(713) 322-9993

Se Habla Español

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

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Making spirits bright in the heart of Houston.

This holiday season, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible community that makes Rice Village so special. For generations, Rice Village has been more than just a shopping destination—it’s been a place where traditions are celebrated, memories are made, and holiday magic comes to life. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, savoring festive meals with loved ones, or simply strolling through our inviting spaces, Rice Village is here to make your holidays bright.

Happy holidays from all of us at Rice Village!

Kirby & University, Houston, TX

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

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