Lake Houston - Humble - Kingwood Edition | March 2024

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Lake Houston Humble Kingwood Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 11 MARCH 22APRIL 22, 2024

Nanda Kirkpatrick (left), executive director of Care Net Pregnancy Center, said expectant mothers decide to carry their babies to term about 90% of the time after seeing an ultrasound.

TONY BULLARDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Following decade of decline, fertility rates rise in Harris County

said Texas was one of 10 states that saw an increase in fertility rates in 2022, and teen fertility rates rose for the rst time since 2007. Gregory said this trend could impact the Lake Houston area’s workforce, child care availability, maternal mortality rates and poverty rates.

eects take a while to be felt, so it wasn’t until 2022 that you would start seeing whether there was an eect on fertility,” said Elizabeth Gregory, the director of the UH women’s gender and sexuality studies program. Texas had 16,147 more births in 2022 than in 2021, while the national fertility rate continued a downward trend, according to the report. Gregory

BY DANICA LLOYD

Fertility rates among Harris County women were up in 2022 after nearly a decade of decline. A Janu- ary report from the University of Houston attributes this trend to the state’s ban on abortion beyond six weeks of pregnancy in 2021. “The data takes a while to come out, and the

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: Ann’s Teahouse now serving boba in Kingwood (Page 6)

Education: Kingwood High School unveils ood gate system (Page 14)

Community: Lake Houston-area summer camp options (Page 22)

Business: JMP Wines oers tastings in Humble (Page 25)

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Impacts

Now open

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

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1 Three B’s On The Green This Oakhurst Golf Club eatery offers soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and wings, and a full bar. • Opened Feb. 16

MARKET PLACE DR.

1485

12B 17

• 20700 Mills Branch Drive, Porter • www.threebsonthegreen.com

99 TOLL

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

99 TOLL

1314

Porter

2 Kingwood Bicycles This mobile bicycle repair company is now also offering bicycle maintenance and repair services at its new storefront in Kingwood. • Opened Feb. 12 • 1210 Hamblen Road, Ste. 500, Kingwood • www.kingwoodbicycles.com 3 The Turf Zone This indoor sports complex features six batting cages and also offers sports agility and fitness classes. • Opened Feb. 29 • 24432 FM 1314, Ste. B, Porter • Facebook: The Turf Zone 4 Ava Wray Boutique Owned by Dana Poitevint, this store sells women’s clothing, accessories and gifts. • Opened Feb. 17 • 20669 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Humble • www.avawrayboutique.com 5 Rogers Premier Salon Suites This Valley Ranch Town Center salon offers hair care, massages, skin treatments and nail care. • Opened March 1 6 PetSuites of America The new Kingwood pet resort offers boarding, day care, grooming and training services for both dogs and cats. • Opened Feb. 28 • 25748 Loop 494, Kingwood • https://kingwood.petsuitesofamerica.com • 22186 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.rogerspremiersalonsuites.com

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LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK

OLD SORTERS RD.

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MILLS BRANCH DR.

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LAKE HOUSTON

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7 Quench IV Studio This business offers IV hydration therapy, iron infusion and IV vitamin drip spa services. • Opened Dec. 4 • 9360 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Ste. 150, Humble • www.quenchivstudio.com/humble-fall-creek 8 Evolve Orthodontics This orthodontic practice offers clear ceramic braces, metal braces, clear aligner therapy, early intervention treatment and adult orthodontic care. • Opened Jan. 27 • 11501 N. Sam Houston Parkway, Ste. A, Humble • www.evolve-orthodontics.com 9 CareNet This nonprofit offers pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, educational classes, material assistance, consultation with nurses and post-abortion counseling. • Opened Jan. 2

12 Crust Pizza Co. Construction is slated to begin soon on two new Lake Houston-area locations of this pizzeria. • Opening date TBA • A 14433 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Houston B 11985 N. Grand Parkway, New Caney • www.crustpizzaco.com 13 Chuy’s Construction began Dec. 13 on the Valley Ranch Town Center location of this Tex-Mex restaurant. • Opening date TBA • 21225 Valley Ranch Parkway, New Caney • www.chuys.com 14 CareNow Urgent Care After almost a year of delay, construction on this urgent care began Jan. 3 in Valley Ranch Town Center. • Opening date TBA • 11845 Grand Parkway, New Caney • www.carenow.com

Now open

18 Ann’s Teahouse The business offers a variety of beverages ranging from milk teas and fruit teas to smoothies and coffee, with a slate of toppings and add- ons patrons can use to customize their drinks. Ann’s Teahouse also boasts a menu of banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, rice plates, spring rolls and bubble egg waffles. • Opened Feb. 25 • 4327 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.annteahouse.com Smalls Sliders Officials with this cheeseburger slider restaurant announced its expansion into the Greater Houston area in February with a location planned for the Summerwood area. An exact address and projected opening date have not been announced. • Address TBD • www.smallssliders.com

• 9232 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.friendsofcarenethouston.com

In the news

Coming soon

15 Pepperoni’s Construction on the Humble location of this pizza chain is set to begin in March, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. A projected opening date has not been announced. • 12235 Will Clayton Parkway, Ste. 8, Humble • www.pepperonis.net 16 Nothing Bundt Cakes Construction on this Valley Ranch Town Center bakery is set to begin in March, according to a TDLR filing. A projected opening date has not been announced. • 21856 Market Place Drive, Ste. 200, New Caney • www.nothingbundtcakes.com 17 Valley Ranch Town Center Construction wrapped up Jan. 10 on 16 Tesla charging

10 Beem Light Sauna This business will offer infrared saunas, chromotherapy and red-light therapy. • Opening in early April • 2845 W. Town Center Circle, Ste. B, Kingwood • www.beemlightsauna.com 11 La Marketa de Porter This shopping center will soon welcome nine new tenants: La Michoacana Plus, Teloloapan, Ostioneria Michoacan, Amtex Insurance, Damar Multiservice, Quinceanera Boutique, Petaly Flower Shop, a laundromat, and a barbershop. Build-outs are expected to finish within 30 days, and the stores will be operational about two weeks after that.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston

Ronald McDonald House Houston and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston have merged into one organization. • www.rmhchouston.org

• Opening in April or May • 24151 Hwy. 59, Kingwood • www.arg-properties.com

stations in Valley Ranch Town Center. • 11985 N. Grand Parkway, New Caney • www.shopvrtc.com

LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE

County fails new air quality rules

Harris County air pollution map Fine particulate matter, micrograms per cubic meter annual average, 2013-15*

5.1-8

8.1-10

10.1-12

Higher than 12

In AAH’s December 2023 report, researchers cited emissions from 47 industrial facilities in eastern Harris County cost the community more than $313 million annually in asthma-related medical expenses. Harris County is inundated with multiple sources of fine particulate matter, said Inyang Uwak, AAH’s research and policy director. “It affects almost every system of the body,” Uwak said. “It’s a very, very tiny particle. What makes this particle very dangerous to health is when you inhale the particles, it can easily pass through all the protections in your respiratory tract.” Harris County Public Health Director Barbie Robinson said she believes commitment from policymakers, industry professionals and community partners must be made to address these issues. “Leadership from all groups must make a concerted effort to improve environmental conditions and address the health disparities caused or exacerbated by air pollution,” she said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced new national air quality standards Feb. 7 that put Harris County in noncompliance along with nine other Texas counties, including in the Austin and Dallas-Forth Worth areas. The new standards require no more than 9 micrograms per cubic meter level of fine particulate matter—a pollution emitted by power plants, vehicles and industrial facilities that federal officials said can have dangerous and costly health effects. The previous national standard required no more than 12 micrograms per cubic meter. Based on EPA air quality data spanning 2020-22, Harris County air was measured to have roughly 11.4 micrograms per cubic meter annually. The county is also being projected by the EPA to not be able to meet the standards by a 2032 deadline. In a 2023 health disparities annual report released by the Harris County Public Health department, officials said the conditions of where people live and work can have significant effects on one’s health and overall quality of life. Air pollution also impacts residents’ health care costs, according to researchers with Air Alliance Houston.

Humble

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Houston

Gulfton

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Missouri City

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Pearland

*THE 2013-15 DATA WAS THE MOST RECENT AND COMPREHENSIVE VISUAL OF HARRIS COUNTY’S AIR POLLUTION LEVELS.

SOURCE: ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The details

What’s next

dioxide and particulate matter. Under new air quality standards, AAH officials said adverse health effects should be reduced the most in communities of color, where particulate pollution has been the most prevalent for decades.

A significant amount of air pollution in Harris County stems from petroleum refineries, power plants, chemical plants and manufacturing facilities, according to AAH’s report. Large amounts of chemicals are released into the air that include air pollutants such as sulfur

Officials with the Houston-Galveston Area Council are working with the EPA on a 13-county climate action plan, which aims to develop aggressive strategies, programs and policies over the next three years to reduce air pollution, emissions and greenhouse gases in the region. The H-GAC was among entities chosen by the EPA in September to receive $1 million in federal grants for the plan. At a Feb. 27 meeting of the Harris County Commissioners Court, commissioners voted to accept roughly 28% of the funds, or $238,750. The final plan was submitted to the EPA on March 1. On March 8, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against President Joe Biden’s administration in efforts to block the EPA’s new federal air quality standards. Paxton said in a news release the federal standards are not based on sound science and will impose economic harm on Texas.

Types of air pollution impacting Harris County

Research by the environmental group Air Alliance Houston has found several specific pollutants that are worsening air quality in Harris County.

Term

Definition

Health effects

A mixture of particles such as dust, dirt, soot and smoke emitted by industrial sources, vehicles, construction sites, fires or unpaved roads Highly reactive carbon compounds released by vehicle exhaust, refineries and other industrial sources

PM 2.5 can cause short-term health effects, can affect lung function, and can worsen asthma and heart disease. Breathing VOCs can damage the central nervous system, liver, kidneys and other organs. Some VOCs can cause cancer.

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5)

Volatile organic compounds (VOC)

A group of gases that come from fossil fuel combustion at power plants and other industrial facilities

Sulfur oxide (SO2)

SO2 is tied to excess mortality and asthma hospitalizations.

SOURCE: AIR ALLIANCE HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Humble adopts new tree preservation ordinance Humble City Council voted Feb. 8 to approve a new tree preservation ordinance, which aims to protect green spaces as development continues. Two-minute impact The approved ordinance sets new minimum requirements for trees on commercial and residen- tial developments, and requires new permits for tree removal efforts. Current residential lots will not be required to meet the new minimum tree requirements, but permitting will be required to remove existing trees greater than 4 inches in diameter from residential properties. What else? Commercial properties will have similar require- ments for planting trees in new developments. For street-facing commercial locations, a minimum of

Council approves $1.7M budget change Humble City Council members approved a $1.7 million budget amendment using exist- ing revenues during the Feb. 22 meeting. What you need to know The $1.7 million will help pay for a variety of city projects, including: • $320,000 for a new fence at Hirsch Park • $1 million to purchase a property on Wil- son Road, which will house a new vehicle maintenance facility for the city • $85,000 for contracted IT services for the Humble Police Department • $40,000 for election equipment • $23,112 for employee iPhone service and replacements • $7,000 for the annual Music On Main festival security coverage

New tree requirements Under the new ordinance, new residential developments will have the following tree minimums based on lot size:

Lots 80 feet or greater in width

Front yard: 3

Backyard: 2

Lots 60-80 feet in width

Front yard: 2

Backyard: 1

Lots less than 60 feet in width

Front yard: 1

Backyard: 1

SOURCE: HUMBLE CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

one tree every 40 feet along the roadway will be required, as well as one tree per 10 parking spaces in parking lots. The ordinance is effective immediately.

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Education

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Student population growth in Humble ISD is expected to level o in the coming decade, according to a January report by demographic rm Population and Survey Analysts. Since 2013, the fast-growth district has added nearly 10,000 students, bringing its current student population to roughly 48,600. However, PASA Demographic Consultant Justin Silhavy said growth has slowed in the last few years. While Silhavy said a decrease in the number of projected new housing units and a rise in charter schools in the area have led to lower enrollment projections, he noted some areas in the southern portion of the district could still see higher rates of growth. HISD enrollment projected to plateau

What they’re saying

A closer look

Silhavy said roughly 9,400 new housing units are projected to be added to HISD’s boundaries over the next decade, including: • Townsen Landing: 560 units • Harmony Cove: 412 units • Balmoral: 517 units • The Groves: 272 units PASA President Stacey Tepera said the growth in these areas could aect some campus’ capacity. According to the report, enrollment projections in the moderate-growth scenario would put the following campuses over capacity by the 2033- 34 school year: • Centennial Elementary: 137% • Groves Elementary: 115% • Humble Elementary: 121% • Lakeland Elementary: 120% However, Tepera noted several renovation and expansion projects included in the $775 million bond package will help prevent the district’s secondary schools from seeing similar overcrowding in the next decade. While the district doesn’t have any current plans to rezone campus boundaries, Fagen said the report will allow ocials to address potential capacity issues moving forward. Fagen said ocials are in the process of identifying underutilized facilities to space out oerings like dual- language and bilingual programs across the district.

“Long term, we see some slight overcrowding at ... Humble and Lakeland [elementaries]. ... All of those can

be accommodated by either rezoning, moving programs or ... [classroom] additions.” STACEY TEPERA, POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS PRESIDENT

“We would be looking at underutilized buildings for dual-language and bilingual programs that we don’t currently

have in Kingwood. … Those students travel to Humble [Elementary], which overcrowds that school.” ELIZABETH FAGEN, HUMBLE ISD SUPERINTENDENT

Humble ISD projected growth

Humble ISD’s student enrollment has increased by 27.02% from the 2013-14 school year to the 2023-24 school year. Low-growth scenario projection • 2033-34 enrollment: 45,210 • Change from 2023-24: -6.91% Moderate-growth scenario projection • 2033-34 enrollment: 47,922 • Change from 2023-24: -1.32% High-growth scenario projection • 2033-34 enrollment: 50,221 • Change from 2023-24: +3.41%

“We hate the word rezoning, but there are some opportunities to shift a little

bit here and there. There are also some opportunities to [move] programs [like dual- language] to really maximize the space that’s available.” ROBERT SITTON, HUMBLE ISD TRUSTEE

SOURCE: POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Ocials unveil Kingwood High School ood barrier project

Humble ISD ocials celebrated the completion of a $28 million ood barrier project at Kingwood High School on Feb. 23—more than six years after Hurricane Harvey ooded the campus with 5.5 feet of water in August 2017. The overview Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen said the project included the installation of: • Flood gates at each entrance of the campus • Barriers surrounding the exterior of the building • Flood-proof windows While the ood barrier project cost around $28 million, HISD ocials said the cost of campus repairs from Harvey came out to more than $56 million. Ocials noted the Federal Emergency Management Agency covered 90% of the total cost, with the Texas Division of Emergency Man- agement and HISD covering the remainder.

A closer look Doug Coenen, who works with engineering rm Walter P. Moore, said the ood mitigation improvements will protect the campus from up to 8.5 feet of oodwater. To achieve this, Coenen said ood-proof barriers were installed along the exterior of the entire campus. Additionally, he said 3-inch glass windows set within heavy-duty aluminum frames were installed to prevent them from shattering in the presence of oodwater. Coenen said ood gates were also installed at each campus entrance that will automatically activate when water is approaching the building. “We may not be able to prevent future storms, but we can take steps to ensure that the impact does not have the same impact that it did in 2017,” U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, RHouston, said during the Feb. 23 ceremony. “I think that’s what we’ve done with this amazing project.”

Pictured mid-rise, these entryway ood gates will protect Kingwood High School from up to 8.5 feet of oodwater.

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BY WESLEY GARDNER & EMILY LINCKE

Humble ISD trustees approved Lake Houston Middle School as the ocial name of Middle School No. 11 during the board’s Feb. 20 meeting. The overview Slated to open for the 2025-26 school year, con- struction on the new school began in November. Funded through the district’s $775 million bond approved by voters in May 2022, ocials said the roughly 213,000-square-foot, three-story facility is expected to cost about $80.8 million and have the capacity for 1,250 students. The new middle school will serve students currently zoned to Autumn Ridge and West Lake middle schools, with the potential to take on Trustees select name for Middle School No. 11

Lone Star selects vice chancellor

Lone Star College leaders have chosen the college system’s new vice chancellor of admin- istration and nance, according to a Feb. 6 LCS

Humble ISD ocials noted this rendering of Lake Houston Middle School is subject to change.

ENCHANTED TIMBERS DR.

news release. In a nutshell

Kristy Vienne

Kristy Vienne, who has been serving as interim vice chancellor of administration and nance since November, began her duties in the role Feb. 5. Zooming in According to the release, duties of Vienne’s division include overseeing construction, facilities, budgeting, planning, payroll and auxiliary services.

1960

students zoned to Woodcreek Middle School. What’s next Once attendance boundaries have been approved, families within the campus’ boundaries will be invited to help select the mascot.

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Transportation

Events

BY HANNAH BROL

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Organization is holding its third annual Bluebonnet Bash Spring Fest. The family-friendly event will feature food, carnival games, balloon artists, face painting and inflatables. Sponsorship opportunities are available. • April 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (general admission), $10-plus (ticket packages) • 14910 Woodland Dawn, Humble • www.autumncreekpto.membershiptoolkit.com Gardenscapes: A Home & Garden Tour The Kingwood Garden Club is holding a garden tour and plant sale in Kingwood. Proceeds from this biennial event benefit students pursuing horticultural-related degrees and community-wide projects. • April 19-20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; April 21, noon-4 p.m. • $25 (admission) • Location TBD • www.kingwoodgardenclub.org Humble ISD Education Foundation Gala The Humble ISD Education Foundation is holding a gala with Western-themed activities, including music, ax throwing, bull riding, karaoke, cornhole and food. During the event, the top 10 finalists for Humble ISD Teacher of the Year will be announced. • April 26, 6:30 p.m. • $125 (individual tickets) • Stampede Houston, 11925 Eastex Freeway A, Houston • www.humbleisdfoundation.org

Completed projects

March

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

UPPER LAKE DR.

1960

TOWNSEN BLVD.

1 Atascocita Road restriping Project: This maintenance project restriped Atascocita Road from Old Humble Road to just south of FM 1960. Update: This project has been completed. • Timeline: Completed in fourth quarter of 2023 • Cost: $200,000 • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3 2 Will Clayton Parkway sidewalk installation Project: A 500-foot section of sidewalk was installed on the south side of Will Clayton Parkway from Cricket Mill Drive to Woodland Hills Drive. Update: This project has been completed. • Timeline: Completed in fourth quarter of 2023 • Cost: $50,000 • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

Spring Munchkin Market Creativity Shell is holding a spring market where Houston students in grades K-12 will sell their own handmade goods. Students will have the unique chance to gain business, social and entrepreneurial skills as they interact with customers. • March 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • 3939 Glade Valley Drive, Kingwood • www.creativityshell.org Easter Egg Hunt KDA Markets is holding an Easter egg hunt with vendors, raffles, games, face painting and photo ops with the Easter Bunny at Redemption Square. • March 30, 12:30-4:30 p.m. • Free (admission)

HOUSTON AVE.

TIMBER FOREST DR.

LAKE HOUSTON

1960

F I RST ST.

AEROBIC AVE.

Humble

WILL CLAYTON PKWY.

CRICKET MILL DR.

Atascocita

GARABIT DR.

GREENS RD.

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

MADERA RUN PKWY.

Kingwood Pops Orchestra: Classic Rock Concert The Kingwood Pops Orchestra is holding a concert featuring a rock band and a full choir that will perform classic rock music from the ‘70s and early ‘80s. • April 19, 7:30 p.m.; April 20, 3 p.m. • $15 (general admission), $1 (age 10 and under) • Woodridge Baptist Church, 5707 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.kingwoodpops.org

ALDINE BENDER RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

• 250 Assay St., Houston • www.kdamarkets.com

Update: This project is in the design phase. • Timeline: Estimated completion by first quarter 2025 • Cost: TBD • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3 4 West Lake Houston Parkway/ Will Clayton Parkway sidewalk, Phase 2 Project: A sidewalk will be constructed on West Lake

Houston Parkway from Aerobic Avenue to FM 1960 and on Will Clayton Parkway from Aerobic Drive to Garabit Drive. Update: This project is in the design phase. • Timeline: Estimated completion by the fourth quarter of 2025 • Cost: TBD • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

Upcoming projects

3 West Lake Houston Parkway Sidewalk, Phase 1 Project: Sidewalks will be constructed on both sides of West Lake Houston Parkway from Madera Run Parkway to Aerobic Avenue.

April

Bluebonnet Bash Spring Festival The Autumn Creek Elementary Parent Teacher

PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733 HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202

KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115 ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100

From the cover

Following decade of decline, fertility rates rise in Harris County

The breakdown

Harris County fertility rates

Births per 1,000 women, ages 15-44

Overall

Hispanic

Teens

Harris County’s fertility rate increased 2.88% in 2022. Gregory said women with limited access to contraception and out-of-state travel for abortion services have been impacted most. The age group with the highest fertility rate increase was 40-44 at 8.91%. “It often comes down to finances—’I can’t afford a child’ or ‘I can’t afford another child.’ … Half of our [clients] already have children,” said Nanda Kirkpatrick, executive director of Care Net Pregnancy Center, which has a location in Humble. Most Care Net clients are low-wage earners and may not be able to afford child care, she said. In addition to confirming pregnancies and counseling individuals through their decision- making process, the organization connects clients to Medicaid application assistance, employment resources, education and baby supplies. Two-thirds of Care Net clients have either already decided they want an abortion or they’re not sure what they want to do, Kirkpatrick said. “Maybe they don’t have support from [the] baby’s father; maybe they don’t have support from mom and dad; maybe they’re in school or unemployed, or have some health issues—you know, just complicated life circumstances,” she said.

100

September 2021 : Texas law banning abortions beyond six weeks of pregnancy goes into effect.

80.47

72.4

72.32

63.65

31.61

20.31

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2016

2017

Harris County fertility rate changes Harris County saw a decline in fertility rates from 2015 until 2022, when data began showing the effects of recent law changes. Texas banned abortions beyond six weeks of pregnancy in September 2021 and fully banned abortion in 2022.

Overall, 2016-21: -14.4%

Overall, 2021-22: +2.9%

Hispanic, 2021-22: +5.8%

Teens, 2021-22: +1.7%

SOURCES: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION; THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON’S INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN, GENDER & SEXUALITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Some context

additional 9,800 births statewide from April-December 2022.

Leading up to 2022, Harris County saw a steady decline in fertility rates starting in 2015. Teen fertility rates dropped about 67% nationally since 2007. Gregory attributed this to economic factors and increased access to contraception. The Texas Legislature banned abortion after six weeks of pregnancy in 2021 through Senate Bill 8. Community Impact previously reported the bill included a medical emergency exception but offered no exception to victims of rape, sexual assault or incest. “All of us are united by the truth that our creator endowed us with the right to life,” Gov. Greg Abbott said at a January 2023 Texas Rally for Life event in Austin. “With your help, we made transformational changes in Texas law [during the 87th Texas Legislature]—life-saving changes. We promised we would protect the life of every child with a heartbeat, and we did. … All of you are lifesavers, and thousands of newborn babies are the result of your heroic efforts.” A report from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated this policy led to an

Abortions in Texas

About a year after the state law passed, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which led to Texas fully banning abortion as of August 2022 unless the mother’s life is at risk. The Dobbs case overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade case that ruled abortion was a fundamental right. The UH report indicates 20 additional states have passed abortion bans since, including neighbor- ing states Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. New Mexico is Texas’ only border state without abortion restrictions. Despite it being illegal in Texas, Kirkpatrick said the abortion pill is easily accessible online, and many women travel to other states where abortion is still legal. Care Net also employs medical profes- sionals who educate women about their options. “With abortion being illegal, … girls don’t have a medical professional to talk to,” Kirkpatrick said. “They’re not being told about risks and complica- tions of taking the abortion pill.”

-66.1%

-99.8%

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

The state of the issue No abortion restrictions Abortion is illegal except in medical emergencies

New Mexico

Oklahoma

Arkansas

Houston

Texas

Louisiana

SOURCES: TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION; THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON’S INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN, GENDER & SEXUALITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DANICA LLOYD CONTRIBUTIONS BY EMILY LINCKE & HANNAH NORTON

Current situation

Looking ahead

Gregory said she believes a rise in fertility rates due to abortion restrictions could have significant socioeconomic implications. “Some people may think, ‘Oh, that’s good. We want more people,’” she said. “But if you assume that will be a largely impoverished group and that it will be skewed by race and ethnicity based on access to reliable contraception … then you ask questions about equity in your community.” The Turnaway Study from the University of California, San Francisco, found those who

were denied an abortion were more likely to face economic hardship, stay in contact with a violent partner, raise their child alone and face more serious health problems. Gregory also said there are health implications as Texas women with pregnancy complications have been denied abortions. Community Impact reported in 2022 that Texas’ maternal mortality rate was 14% higher than the national average, and those rates are particularly high for women of color and those 40 and older.

Care Net Pregnancy Center served 2,200 women at its Champions and Cypress locations in 2023, and Kirkpatrick said that number increases 8%-10% each year. A third center opened in Humble in January. Sandra Pickett, executive director of New Life Adoption in northwest Houston, said a record 20 adoption placements were completed last year compared to 10-12 in an average year. “They’re just not ready to be parents, and they don’t have the time or the resources to travel to New Mexico for an abortion, so they just move forward in their pregnancy,” she said. Pregnancy Assistance Center North is a local nonprofit that offers classes, baby supplies, med- ical testing and support for new and experienced mothers in the north Houston area from its Spring and Humble locations. PACN Director Monica Branham said she has recently seen an increased demand for items such as diapers and baby clothes.

46% of people are reluctant to move to states with abortion

Women earn 9% more over

Texas fertility rates are expected to increase an

bans, while 14.6% desired to move to states with restrictive abortion policies, per a survey conducted by the University of Houston.

additional 5.1% in 2023 following the total abortion ban—a larger increase than any other state.

their lifetimes for each year of delaying

motherhood after college.

SOURCES: UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA; THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON’S INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN, GENDER & SEXUALITY; IZA INSTITUTE OF LABOR ECONOMICS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Data shows Lake Houston-area homes sold faster in February 2024 than in February 2023, and the majority of homes sold in February were in the $200,000-$399,999 price range. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

February 2023

February 2024

-2.5%

+9.09%

+25.93%

+60%

+4.05%

+208.33%

77044

77338

77339

77345

77346

77396

99 TOLL

77339

77345

Median home sales price

77346

77338

LAKE HOUSTON

February

2023

2024

77386

$295,000 $239,950 $320,000 $388,950 $319,320 $318,250

$309,995 $257,750 $320,000 $402,000 $322,000 $300,000

77044

77338

77339

Homes sold by price point

77345

77346

February 2024

77396

$800,000+

$600,000-$799,999

Median days on market -2.94 -25%

$400,000-$599,999

-37.93%

-65.52%

-18.92%

-43.9%

166

$200,000-$399,999

<$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

Cancer care focused on you.

When it comes to cancer treatment, you deserve a team that is focused on human-based care. Our experts get to know you, then tailor treatments to help fit your needs—which could include radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, cellular therapy, genetic counseling, or a customized lifestyle management plan.

Learn more about the nationally ranked NCI-designated Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine at StLukesHealth.org/DLDCCC .

LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Community

Camp Guide

2024

The Karate School • Type: day, sports • Ages: 5-12 • Dates: May 31-Aug. 6 • Cost: $85 registration, $188 weekly

Parents looking for summer activities for their children to enjoy in the Lake Houston area have a variety of camps to choose from. This list is noncomprehensive.

• 18455 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Humble • www.cordovanartschool.com

Imagine Early Education and Childcare of Eagle Springs Type: academics, day Ages: 5-13 Dates: May 31-Aug. 7 Cost: $50-$350 for daily and multiday options • 6002 Atascocita Road, Humble • www.imaginechild.com/eagle-springs JC Sports Type: day, sports Ages: 4-13 Dates: June 3-Aug. 2 Cost: $80-$350 for daily and weekly options • 18610 Page Forest Drive, Humble • www.jcsportshouston.com

Humble

• The Karate School-Atascocita, 7021 Atascocita Road, Humble; The Karate School-Fall Creek, 8650 N. Sam Houston Parkway, Ste. 140, Humble • www.karatehumbletx.com

Armored Sports Type: day, religious, sports Ages: 4-12 (varies by location)

Dates: June 24-July 25 (varies by location) Cost: $130-$150 weekly (varies by location) • Atascocita Methodist, 19325 Pinehurst Trail Drive, Humble; Second Baptist Church-North Campus, 22770 Hwy. 59, Humble • www.armored-sports.com

Kingwood

Creativity Shell Type: academics, arts, day

Ages: 3-5 (Creativity Sprouts preschool camps), 5 and older (sewing camps, cooking camps, arts/craft/STEM camps) Dates: June 3-Aug. 2 Cost: $250-$300 weekly • 3939 Glade Valley Drive, Kingwood • www.creativityshell.org

Art Camps at Cordovan Art School Type: arts, day Ages: 6-16

Dates: May 28-Aug. 18 Cost: $200-$569 weekly

Summer is Better at the Y!

From summer camp to sports clinics, swim lessons and enrichment activities, your child or teen will find adventure and fun this summer at the Y!

JOIN US: Healthy Kid s Day 2024 Visit your local YMCA on Saturday, April 20 at 10 am for a day of family fun! Learn more about programs and enjoy a variety of engaging activities. This event is open to the community. Visit our website to learn more today!

ymcahouston.org

18455 West Lake Houston Parkway, Atascocita, Texas (713) 405-3505 CordovanArtSchool.com ART CAMPS BUY 3, GET THE 4TH CAMP FREE Or $25 OFF Sale Applies to 5-Day, Half-Day Camps Only Ends April 30th, 2024 Use Code ATA24

YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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communityimpact.com