Katy Edition | September 2022

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KATY EDITION

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1 SEPT. 21OCT. 18, 2022

ONLINE AT

Ocials plan for long-term benets of Fort Bend County EpiCenter

The 230,000-square-foot facility was designed for agriculture, sports, and local school district events, ocials said. (Rendering courtesy Stonehenge Holdings LLC)

Upon opening in summer 2023, the Fort Bend County EpiCenter will sit on 52 acres in Rosenberg, attracting visitors to the area for events from sur- rounding counties, ocials said. Located in the heart of Fort Bend County along Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 36, County Judge KP George said he antic- ipates the EpiCenter will bring millions Stonehenge Holdings. In late July, the county also entered into an asset management agreement with the rm to provide $27 million for the facili- ty’s pre-operation costs—a decision that was met with pushback from Pre- cinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, who represents Sugar Land and Missouri City. CONTINUED ON 34 Rosenberg venue will hold space for countywide emergency shelter, entertainment, events to the county over the next decade in the form of venue rentals, hotel stays, naming rights and a draw to new busi- nesses in the surrounding area. “One beautiful thing is this facility is located in the middle of Fort Bend County; that is why we are calling it the EpiCenter,” he said. In February 2021, the county opted to enter a public-private partnership with site developer Stonehenge Hold- ings LLC to lease the multipurpose building with the intention of eventu- ally owning it, George said. The oper- ational costs will be paid for through events at the facility, he said. Work began on the center in late 2021 and is estimated to cost more than $120 million. Construction costs are funded by the county and BY ASIA ARMOUR

Comment period ends on FM 529 project

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

We’re excited to announce the grand opening of our newest pediatric location in the Cross Creek Ranch community and hope you come and join our family! At Texas Children’s Pediatrics Fulshear, we offer convenient access to high-quality pediatric care for all children – from newborn to 18 years old. We’ll help you develop a trusted, long-term relationship with expert pediatricians backed by the #1 hospital in Texas. At Texas Children's Pediatrics, everything we do is to ensure your family’s tomorrow is a healthier one. Our family just got bigger!

Make an appointment by calling 281-885-6000, or learn more at texaschildrenspediatrics.org/fulshear.

Texas Children’s Fulshear | 6623 West Cross Creek Bend Lane | Fulshear, Texas 77441

KATY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022

• Rheumatology • Surgery • Urology

• Orthopedics – Surgery • Pediatrics • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Spine • Pulmonary Medicine/ Sleep Medicine

• Cardiology • Dermatology • Endocrinology • Family Medicine

• Gastroenterology • Internal Medicine • Neurology • OB/GYN • Orthopedics – Sports Medicine

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. Now in 2022, CI is still locally owned. We have expanded to include hundreds of employees, our own software platform and printing facility, and over 30 hyperlocal editions across the state with a circulation to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM AMY: In this month’s edition, we take a look at the EpiCenter, an anticipated mixed-use development being constructed in Rosenberg. We also sat down with a new business, Project Halo Brewing, to take a rst look. Amy Martinez, GENERAL MANAGER

Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

FROM HUNTER: Hello everyone, I am Hunter Marrow, and I am happy to be stepping into the role of editor for the paper. I’m coming into this position as Laura Robb pursues other career opportunities, and I wish her the best. In this edition, Katy reporter Asia Armour explores the ins and outs of the upcoming EpiCenter mixed-use development. Hunter Marrow, EDITOR

Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.

WHAT WE COVER

Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive the latest headlines direct to your inbox. communityimpact.com/ newsletter DAILY INBOX Visit our website for free access to the latest news, photos and infographics about your community and nearby cities. communityimpact.com LIVE UPDATES

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Martinez

EDITOR Hunter Marrow REPORTER Asia Armour

GRAPHIC DESIGNER La’Toya Smith ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tracy Drewa METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Schaer COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CORPORATE LEADERSHIP PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Tess Coverman CONTACT US

BUSINESS & DINING Local business development news that aects you

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT Regular updates on area projects to keep you in the know

SCHOOL, CITY & COUNTY We attend area meetings to keep you informed

HOW WE'RE FUNDED

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support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. As a thank you, we’ll message you with perks along the way including exclusive newsletters, swag and engagement opportunities.

CORRECTION: Volume 10, Issue 12 Page 17 of the August edition incorrectly listed the fourth grade math STAAR scores for West Memorial, Williams, Wilson, Winborn, Wolfe, Wolman and WoodCreek elementary schools. For these schools, 48%, 85%, 96%, 71%, 77%, 99% and 95% of students, respectively, passed.

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WE’VE TEAMED UP TO BRING YOU MORE OF THE STORIES YOU CARE ABOUT

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KATY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

CLAY RD.

PEEK RD.

MORTON RANCH RD.

99 TOLL

FRANZ RD.

Mimosa Boutique

CANE ISLAND PKWY.

KATY FORT BEND RD.

COURTESY MIMOSA BOUTIQUE

1ST ST.

HIGHWAY BLVD.

KATY FWY.

Houstonians Chance Comstock and Marcus Payavla opened the first location in Katy in 2008. The menu includes seafood gumbo, etouffee, po’boys, char-grilled oysters and boiled crawfish when in season. The Fulshear location’s bar menu expands on Katy’s with more spirits and wine. 346-688-5600. www.orleansseafoodkitchen.com 5 Coffee and bakery restaurant Tim Hortons held a soft opening at the first Texas location in Katy at 21811 Clay Road, restaurant officials announced Aug. 31. The location officially celebrated its grand opening Sept. 9, giving the first 50 guests to arrive on opening day free iced and hot coffee for a year. 346-406-1450. www.timhortons.com 6 The Dripbar opened a location in Katy at 9920 Gaston Road, Ste. 170, on July 30. The center offers intravenous vitamin therapies intended to provide nourishment for conditions including the common cold, headaches, cancer and chronic illnesses. 281-720-8218. www.thedripbar.com 7 The Cookshack , a Texas-based eatery known for its fried chicken and ribs, opened a new location in Katy on Aug. 8. The restaurant is located at 233 Mason Road, Katy, and serves a variety of chicken plates along with sides, such as french fries, macaroni and cheese, and Texas caviar. 346-637-3100. www.thecookshack.com 8 Culver’s opened Aug. 1 in Fulshear at 6677 Flewellen Way. The restaurant is known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard, and it is the first location in the West Houston area. 346-338-0646. www.culvers.com

K I N G

N D B

PIN OAK RD.

HIGHLAND KNOLLS DR.

1463

GEORGE BUSH PARK

S N E R

COMMERCIAL CENTER BLVD.

1463

90A

F R Y R D .

FLEWELLEN WAY

1093

MAP NOT TO SCALE

723

NOW OPEN 1 Mimosa Boutique opened its doors in July at 6727 FM 1463, Ste. 120, Katy, the clothing boutique confirmed. The store offers everyday and cocktail dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear and accessories. Founded in Lake Charles, Louisiana, roughly 11 years ago, the new Katy store has the same offerings, though slightly pared down. 346-257-4914. www.mimosa-boutique.com

2 Sake bar and sushi eatery Mafia Sushi held a soft opening in the Katy area July 29. The restaurant at 1321 N. Westgreen Blvd., Ste. 500, Katy, announced its opening via Facebook. In addition to classic special rolls, Mafia Sushi offers sashimi and handcut rolls, including tuna, salmon, shrimp and eel. The eatery also offers ramen, hibachi and a variety of tempura rolls. 281-676-4464. www.mafiasushi.com

studio at 1806 Ave. D, Ste. 102, Katy. The studio offers hands-on classes, children’s cooking camps, chef’s table dining and private group events. Owner and head chef Tim van Ee grew up in Europe. His wife, Patricia van Ee, is a sommelier and selects the wines. The class schedule and booking can be found online. 844-366-3473. www.flavorsonfirehouston.com 4 Orleans Seafood Kitchen opened its second location Aug. 25 at 6230 FM 1463, Ste. 550, Fulshear.

3 Flavors on Fire held a grand opening Aug. 27 for its cooking

Find one in your neighborhood.

WE TREAT NEWBORNS TO NANAS. Open 9am – 9pm, 7 days a week • nextlevelurgentcare.com

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR, RENEE FARMER & HUNTER MARROW

The Cookshack

Nothing Bundt Cakes

COURTESY THE COOKSHACK

COURTESY NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

9 Black Rock Coffee Bar opened a new Fulshear location July 29. The drive-thru coffee shop at 5770 FM 1463 starts service at 5 a.m. daily. The national brand’s menu features coffee drinks, served either hot or iced, and noncoffee drinks such as fruit smoothies and hot chocolate. 281-502-2807. www.br.coffee 10 Minuti Coffee opened a new location in mid-September at 7115 Katy-Gaston Road, Bldg. B, Richmond. Minuti Coffee sells Italian coffee as cold brew and espresso. It also serves tea, smoothies with seasonal fruits and hot chocolate. Along with drinks, customers can order sandwiches, pastries and breakfast. 281-206-7353. 11 Crown Pizza plans to opens in Katy next to Willy Burger at 6191 Highway Blvd., Ste. 302, the first week of October. The restaurant’s menu features creative combinations, such as a cheeseburger pizza topped with french fries, Cajun boudin pizza and Alfredo wings. It has another location in Beaumont 409-899-9550. www.eatcrownpizza.com. 12 Temptation’s Bite will open at 19901 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, during the last week of September. The shop will sell a variety of breads, including international, vegan and gluten-free options. 832-768-8081. www.temptationsbite.com 13 Construction on the Co-Op at Elyson shopping center finished in the spring at 6845 Peek Road, Katy. Seven www.minuticoffee.com COMING SOON

businesses have leased space at the nine-suite center, officials from real estate firm New Regional Planning said. Veteran-owned bar and grill Scholars & Scoundrels will open in October, and all other signed businesses plan to open by the end of 2022. Signed leases include Contemporary Eye Care, Results Physiotherapy, Alchemy Bake Lab, Vitality Pharmacy and Drip Spa, The Lash Lounge and Ballet Elle. 14 After nearly three decades of disuse, construction is slated to begin this fall on the J.V. Cardiff & Sons Rice Dryer , located at 5321 First St., Katy. A permit for $2.1 million in construction to the dryers, estimated to start Oct. 1 and finish in January, was filed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The renovations include parking, the Katy Beer Garden building and a museum. RELOCATIONS 15 Firebird Tattoo relocated Aug. 9 from 20240 Park Row Drive, Katy, to a new shop at 24811 Katy Freeway, Ste. 320, Katy. Firebird creates customized tattoos by request and boasts artists with over 25 years of experience. 281-674-9435. www.firebirdtattoos.com ANNIVERSARIES 16 Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrated its 25th anniversary by giving away free cakes to its first 250 customers Sept. 1. The giveaway happened at all locations across the country, including the Katy location at 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. E160, Katy. 281-394-9262. www.nothingbundtcakes.com

Baker Hughes’ new headquarters will be in the Energy Corridor.

COURTESY BAKER HUGHES

FEATURED IMPACT RELOCATION Baker Hughes , a Houston-based energy technology rm, will relocate its corporate headquarters to the Energy Corridor by mid-2023. The new 130,000-square-foot oce space is at 575 Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, near many of the company’s energy partners. Around 1,400—or 20%—of employees will be aected by the move. One of Baker Hughes’ goals with the relocation is to honor the company’s purpose: to make energy safer, cleaner and more ecient for people and the planet, Chief Human Resources Ocer Deanna Jones said. Oce space will be reduced by 346,000 square feet through the consolidation of Baker Hughes’ Aldine Westeld Road, Westway Park Boulevard and Equity Drive oces. “Upon completion of the move, we will CLOSINGS 17 Yelo , a grab-and-go eatery serving Southeast Asian street foods, closed Sept. 4 to create more dining space for Malaysian restaurant Phat Eatery. Alex Au-Yeung, chef and owner of both restaurants, said in a press release that Phat Eatery has seen demand that exceeds its capacity. The eatery opened in Katy Asian Town in 2018 with Yelo

have achieved a nearly 50% reduction in our overall Houston oce space over the last two years—supporting our nancial goal to reduce costs through footprint consolidation and our sustainability goal to reduce emissions associated with our footprint,” Jones said in an email. The new building will oer new amenities to employees, enhanced sustainability features and workspaces designed for collaboration, Jones said. www.bakerhughes.com

MEMORIAL DR.

at 23119 Colonial Parkway, Ste. B3, opening in 2021. The eatery will close for two weeks in late September for renovations and reopen in early October with 40 additional seats. Phat Eatery will also have a full bar focused on signature Asian cocktails and a private dining room. Some Yelo menu items will move to Phat Eatery, including pan-fried dumplings and the beef noodle soup. www.phateatery.com

Expect Better SM from your Katy neighbors!

As your neighbors, who better to tell the story of our community and your home. Put our energy, enthusiasm and market expertise to work for you, getting you the results you deserve!

Mary Kiesewetter 713.725.0108

Linda Wade Team 281.492.5951

Bob Miles 281.797.1600

©2017 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens ® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.

KATY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022

Picture yourself living here. Connect with family and neighbors in extensive community spaces. Be inspired to move and reflect. Make Bridgeland your home.

New homes available from the mid $300s Bridgeland.com Scan to learn more about Prairieland Village ››

Homes within Bridgeland are constructed and sold by builders not affiliated with The Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC) or any of its affiliates, companies or partnerships. Neither HHC nor any of its affiliated companies or partnerships guarantees or warrants the obligations of, or construction by, such builders. Prices and specifications subject to change.

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

September & October events

COMPILED BY RENEE FARMER

Ranch Blvd., Katy. 832-265-0506. www.centralgreenpark.com 07 NERD OUT Night of the Nerds features lightsaber ghting, comics, games and a costume contest with a $50 Amazon gift card prize. The Houston Astronomical Society will also have a high-power telescope. The night will nish with a Jedi lightsaber battle performance and a showing of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” 5-9:30 p.m. Free. Central Green Park, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. 832-265-0506.www.centralgreenpark.com 07 THROUGH 09 CELEBRATE RICE HISTORY The Katy Rice Festival is hosted by the city of Katy and the Rotary Club of Katy. At the event, patrons can enjoy live music, a rice cooking contest, a carnival, food trucks, a Katy ISD art contest and craft beer. Net proceeds will benet the rotary’s fund for scholarships and donations to the Katy community. 6-10 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sat.), noon-6 p.m. (Sun.). Free (children 12 and under), $5 (seniors, military), $10 (adults). Historic Downtown Katy, 5718 Second St., Katy. 281-391-4800. www.katyricefestival.com

OCT. 07

ENJOY A WINE FEST PALACIO MARIA BANQUET HALL

Touch-A-Truck Day at the Maud Smith Marks Branch Library. The library parking lot will be lled with rst responders and their vehicles to meet and learn about what they do for the community. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Maud Smith Marks Branch Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. 832-927-7860. www.hcpl.net 01 EXPERIENCE WORLD CULTURES Guests can celebrate dierent regions of the world through dance, music, food, art and traditional dress at the International Festival. Consulates and local organizations will share their culture at the festival. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Central Green Park, 23501 Cinco Taste wines from around the world at the 17th annual Katy Wine Fest hosted by the Cinco Ranch Rotary. The event will feature local restaurants serving light bites, live music, a wine pull and a silent auction. Proceeds will benet The Brookwood Community’s outreach program and other select Katy-area charities. 7-10 p.m. $30+. Palacio Maria Banquet Hall, 21728 Highland Knolls, Katy. 713-344-3451. www.katywinefest.com

The Bayou City Art Festival will return for a two-day event.

WORTH THE DRIVE Oct. 89: See art in downtown More than 220 national and international artists will gather in downtown Houston for two days of art, live music, food and entertainment at the Bayou City Art Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $5-$18. Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St., Houston. 713-521-0133. www.artcolonyassociation.org

SEPTEMBER 25 SEE ‘HENRY V’ PERFORMED LIVE The Woodlands-based Points North Theatre Company will give an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s “Henry V.” 5 p.m. Free. Central Green Park, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. 832-422-8348.www.pointsnorththeatre.org OCTOBER 01 CELEBRATE FIRST RESPONDERS Celebrate rst responders with

Find more or submit Katy-area events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

Amy Lookabaugh MBA, Broker Associate, CLHMS 832.236.0699 cincoranchrealtygroup.com amy@cincoranchrealtygroup.com A L k b h

16839 Seminole Ridge Drive

18602 Flagstone Creek Road

2322 Deerfield Drive

Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

KATY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022

The chart below shows current and future capacity at each school. The “max total capacity” includes the use of portable buildings. Based on projections, by 2032, 21 Lamar CISD campuses will be over capacity . CAPACITY CHALLENGES ON THE RISE

Stable Capacity

Approaching Max Capacity

At or Over Capacity

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

MAX TOTAL CAPACITY 1,118

CAMPUS Adolphus Elementary Arrendondo Elementary Austin Elementary Beasley Elementary Bentley Elementary Bowie Elementary Campbell Elementary Carter Elementary Culver Elementary Dickinson Elementary

Current 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 2031-32

970 676 641 368 1,123 461 451 908 1,001 545 1,031 1,218 912 553 293 1,116

907 634 580 409 775 512 431 1,018 803 529 1,058 515 1,331 1,161 633 327 1,204

926 620 565 435 914 468 418 1,123 906 510 1,139 636 1,379

942 619 549 465 449 461 401

572 611 537 479 513 450 401 1,391 873 452 697 836 1,119 987 593 343 899 508 635 658 757 1,064 715 482 728 485 338 1,083

550 607 509 500 563 447 376 1,547

543 613 490 531 592 459 353 1,652

554 630 484 572 635 483 334

579 650 489 619 687 515 316

609 650 496 619 754 515 300

854 713 688 1,294

958 854

1,249 1,012 470 681 739 1,466

1,761 1,013 385 745 1027 1,090 1,296 555 363 884 449 512 673 846 1,332 723 498 805 447 326 1,364 857 750 395 579 686 991 969 1095 831

1,880 1,059 368 764 1067 1,081 1,378 554 366 879 443 485 675 888 1,399 736 523 802 443 325 1,431

1,998 1,086 351 785 1108 1,086 1,485 554 366 873 440 459 672 925 1,470 736 551 795 439 324 1,478

1,162 1,030 810 1,118 854 1,514 1,250 854 546 1,206 854 1,074 854 920 854 854 895 854 807 738 1,030

915 427 709 919

958 404 730 989

Frost Elementary Gray Elementary

Hubenak Elementary Huggins Elementary Hutchinson Elementary Jackson Elementary Lindsey Elementary Jane Long Elementary McNeil Elementary Elementary #35 Meyer Elementary Morgan Elementary Phelan Elementary Pink Elementary Randle Elementary Ray Elementary Smith Elementary Tamarron Elementary Terrell Elementary Thomas Elementary Travis Elementary Velasquez Elementary Williams Elementary Melton Elementary

1,106 1,104 545 350 894 480 588 665 777 1,189 713 478 798 468 333 1,174

1,096 1,220 563 358 889 460 545 670 812 1,267 717 485 811 455 329 1,274 888 713 395 537 658 939 738 1004 731

943 630 340 852 556 692 708 849 692 515 532 538 353 941 777 659 426 454 660 821

843 610 340 875 536 667 742 958 711 508 620 512 349 987 843 659 416 464 638 878 359 625

597 801

564 738

693 702 639 487

652 769 659 518

566 369 1,073

547 355 1,141

724 649 441 461 664

894 672 400 476 639 879 465 752 516

833 797 394 630 727

485 518 579 704 545 563 659 557 908 691 397 501 645 903 591 875 618

814 797 392 685 727

854 854 851 810 810 854 854 854 854

598 438 493 697

1050 1238 1157 913

1110 1524 1222 1008

Elementary #36 Elementary #37 Elementary #38

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

MAX TOTAL CAPACITY

418 747 506 540 728 462 568 623 519 698 670 Current 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 2031-32 602 417 399 815 495 622 492 414 994 501 534 639 498 430 875 528 553 470 516 522 486 922 540 614 467 530 636 496 565 605 741 572 551 668 584 509 618 626 778 591 536 676 614 517 674 434 540 602 526 682 641

CAMPUS

650 650 650 650 650 650 650 650

Navarro Middle School Roberts Middle School Ryon Middle School

Steenbergen Middle School Wertheimer Middle School Wessendorff Middle School

Middle School #7 Middle School #8

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

MAX TOTAL CAPACITY

Current 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 2031-32

CAMPUS

Briscoe Junior High George Junior High Lamar Junior High School Leaman Junior High Reading Junior High School Wright Junior High School Banks Junior High School Junior High School #8

1,305 759 849 1,424 1,075 1,329

829 880 998

921 923

1,023 1,006 1,073 1,040 1,173 1,297 1238 1058

1,104 1,069 1,127 1,151 1,233 1,470 1381 1134

1,206 1,085 1,159 1,266 1,303 1,614 1421 1247

1,244 1,103 1,139 1,376 922 1,111 1445 1305

1,276 1,127 1,117 1,493 958 1,154 1468 1361

1,225 1,425 1,425 1,225 1,225 1,225 1225 1250

1,229 828 899 1,655 986 1,367

1,296 870 964 1,853 1,022 993

1,025 1,888 1,106 1,201 1133

1,567 1,061 1,097 1093

HIGH SCHOOLS

MAX TOTAL CAPACITY

Current 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 2031-32

CAMPUS

Foster High School Fulshear High School George Ranch High School

2,312 3,527 2,246 1,794 2,161 1,763 1151

2,126 3,657 2,292 1,847 2,283 1,846 1762

1,937 2,936 2,342 1,916 2,459 1,963 2389 907

2,079 2,683 2,469 2,034 2,694 2,097 2484 1691

2,199 2,525 2,619 2,157 2,943 2,234 2711 2284

2,384 2,788 1,928 1,969 2,148 2,121 2940 2551

2,075 2,075 2,075 1,875 2,075 1,875 2075 2575

2,394 2,469 2,504 1,781 1,255 1,756

2,539 3,194 2,269 1,806 1,904 1,675

2,751 3,708 2,256 1,810 2,050 1,693

2,589 3,031 2,072 2,055 2,296 2,286 3133 2760

Lamar High School Randle High School Terry High School Tomas High School High School #8

We’re STILL Grow

PAID ADVE

Proposition A $1,310,611,605

Proposition B $189,241,920

Safety and Security Additions and Upgrades Elementary #35 Elementary #36 Elementary #37 Elementary #38 500 Seat Additions, Additional Gym and Cafeteria Expansion Foster, George Ranch, Randle and Tomas High Schools 1000 Seat Additions, Additional Gym and Cafeteria Expansion for Fulshear High School Middle School #7 High School #8; Junior High #8;

Career and Technology Center

Classroom and District Technology and Equipment Proposition C $16,769,775 Proposition D $4,978,501

Traylor Stadium LED Lighting & Turf

Middle School #8 4 Elementary Sites 2 Secondary Sites New Portable Buildings Brazos Crossing Addition New Buses Technology Infrastructure 2020 Bond Inflation Coverage

Proposition E $194,904,700

Second Stadium Land Second Stadium (10,000 seats, band storage, locker rooms, and CTE classrooms)

EARLY VOTING October 24th through November 3rd

HOW WILL THIS BOND AFFECT MY TAXES?

If approved by voters and with 7% property value growth, the 2022 Bond Package is projected to increase annual property taxes by 1.5 cents on every $100 of taxable property value per year, or $42.75 per year for a $325,000 home.

ELECTION DAY November 8, 2022

wing STRONG!

3911 Avenue • Rosenberg, TX 77471 (832) 223-0000 • Info@LCISD.org • www.LCISD.org

ERTISEMENT

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

TxDOT plans for more electric vehicle charging stations

CHARGING KATY Electric vehicle charging stations can be found at 14 locations throughout the local area.

Charging station Charging station coming soon

SOURCES: RELIANT ENERGY, PLUGSHARE/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

D .

52% increase in alternative-fuel vehicle ownership over the past five fiscal years statewide President Joe Biden’s administration aims to have 50% of new car sales be electric vehicles by 2030 .

To support the growth of electric vehicles, Houston is addressing air quality concerns and long-term funding strategies for electric vehi- cles and charging stations across the area. Texas has also been allocated federal money to fund electric vehicle infrastructure, which will be distributed over the next five years. As of Sept. 13, there were over 20,440 electric vehicles registered in Harris County, according to data from Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities and the North Central Texas Council of Governments. However, electric vehicles account for 0.58% of all registered vehicles in Harris County. Meanwhile, there were more than 6,970 electric vehicles in Fort Bend County, accounting for 1.02% of registered vehicles; Waller County had only 175 electric vehicles, or 0.34% of vehicles, data showed. While electric cars are becoming more accessible, charging stations

are more difficult to find, said Harry Tenenbaum, director of commer- cialization and infrastructure at nonprofit Evolve Houston. “The first step is learning more and finding out how many people don’t have access to charge at home,” Tenenbaum said. The federal government and the state have invested in infrastructure to meet the growing demand and improve accessibility. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas estimates Houston will have 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2028, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Electric vehicle infrastructure requires generating enough power, transmitting energy across the grid and bringing energy through electric chargers, Tenenbaum said. Under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in November 2021, Texas is expected

MORTON RD.

FRANZ RD.

COLONIAL PKWY.

PIN OAK RD.

KINGSLAND BLVD.

1463

to receive more than $400 million from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program over the next five years. Beginning in 2023, an estimated $42 million-$43 million is expected to flow through the Houston-Galveston Area Council to deploy more electric vehicle chargers in the region.

“Fortunately, there are a lot of people and a lot of organizations that are not only interested in this, but passionate as well and provide whichever resources they can ... to investigate the impacts of the human health and environmen- tal impacts of transportation,” Tenenbaum said.

Public comment period closes on FM 529 widening project

362

MORRISON RD.

529

The Texas Department of Transportation closed the public comment period on a road project seeking to widen sections of FM 529. The agency held the public comment period from Aug. 30-Sept. 15 on the proposed project, which is designed to improve mobility and safety along a 12-mile stretch of FM 529 from the Grand Parkway to FM 362, according to TxDOT project documents. The FM 529 road portion from the Grand

Parkway to Katy Hockley Cut Off Road would be widened from two to six lanes divided by a raised median and an open-ditch drainage system to convey stormwater. From Katy Hockley Cut Off Road to FM 362, the road would be widened from two to four lanes divided by a raised median and outside shoulders. The proposed project comes as TxDOT projects traffic volume will grow almost six times the

KATY HOCKLEY CUT OFF RD.

existing volumes on FM 529 between the Grand Parkway and Katy Hockley Cut Off Road by 2045. TxDOT will next develop a project schematic, request project approval, acquire right of way and then begin construction, though the agency has not provided a timeline for that process. The project is expected to cost $123 million.

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY RENEE FARMER, HUNTER MARROW & ILANA WILLIAMS

UPCOMING PROJECTS

County approves engineering bill for Tamarron Crossing widening project During its Aug. 23 meeting, Fort Bend County Commission- ers Court approved a $44,000 invoice for engineering services for a county mobility project at Tamarron Crossing with plans that are now 95% complete. The $2.1 million project, using funds from a 2020 $218.2 million mobility bond approved in November 2020, is designed to construct the county’s portion of Tamarron Crossing—the northern portion—which extends from Tamarron Trace to FM 1463, according to county documents. The project includes the design and construction of two lanes of a four-lane divided boulevard with a concrete curb and gutter roadway. Meanwhile, the southern half of the road has already been constructed. Construction is antici- pated to start in the first quarter of 2023 with a five- month construction period, Fort Bend County Engineer Ike Akinwande said.

High-occupancy vehicle and high-occupancy toll lanes are now permanently open seven days a week to Harris County commuters. EASING THE DAILY COMMUTE

BAY HILL BLVD.

CINCO RANCH BLVD.

HOV and HOT lanes

INBOUND LANES Open Mon.-Sun. from: • 6:30-8 a.m. to vehicles with at least two people • 5-6:30 a.m. and 8-11 a.m. to all vehicles OUTBOUND LANES Open Mon.-Sun. from: • 4:30-6 p.m. to vehicles with at least two people • 1-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. to all vehicles

99 TOLL

Grand Parkway frontage road On Aug. 23, Fort Bend County com- missioners approved engineering services to add frontage roads along the Grand Parkway at the Cinco Ranch Greenway Village. It is part of a larger northbound frontage road project from Cinco Ranch Boulevard to Bay Hill Boulevard. This is one of seven frontage road projects to extend roads northbound from Fry Road to Highland Knolls Drive and southbound from Highland Knolls to FM 1093. Timeline: 2024-TBD Cost: $18 million Funding source: Fort Bend County

290

1960

610

METRO makes weekend use of high- occupancy vehicle, toll lanes permanent SOURCE: THE METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

ONGOING PROJECTS

PRAIRIE PKWY.

Following a pilot program this summer that opened the Metro- politan Transit Authority of Harris County’s high-occupancy vehicle, or HOV, and high-occupancy toll, or HOT, lanes for use on weekends, the board voted Aug. 25 to make the program permanent. Under the program, the lanes will be operational seven days a week on a permanent basis. The addition will cost the agency up to $3.3 million, according to Nader Mirjamali, METRO HOV/HOT lane project manager, adding $644,500 to the agency’s contract with TransCore ITS to operate the lanes. “This is part of an effort to say that, yes, our job is to connect people to jobs, but it is also to connect people to recreational opportunities, weekend

trips, leisure trips, trips to schools, universities, you name it,” METRO board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran said at the Aug. 25 meeting. The plan includes METRO’s five HOV and HOT lanes along I-45 North, I-45 South, I-69 North/Hwy. 59 North, I-69 South/Hwy. 59 South and Hwy. 290. The summer pilot ended Sept. 5 with the permanent program commencing Sept. 10. By seven weeks into the pilot period Aug. 13-14, use of the lanes had increased 82% to 6,379 vehicles on Saturdays and 70% to 3,419 vehicles on Sundays, according to Mirjamali. The lanes see 70%-80% more use on Saturdays than Sundays. Mirjamali identified I-69 South/Hwy. 59 South and I-45 North as the corridors that saw the most weekend use.

LAKEVIEW WAY

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF SEPT. 15. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT KTYNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. the Katy Boardwalk District. Timeline: May-September Cost: $1.86 million Funding source: KDA cash funds Prairie Parkway extension Extending Prairie Parkway from Boardwalk Drive to Kingsland Boulevard by the Katy Development Authority will wrap up in September. The project will extend the four-lane parkway and create mobility within

S. FIRETHORNE RD.

1463

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KATY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022

PROPOSITION A

Sustaining quality teachers and staff Sustaining student success Sustaining community investment

What is Katy ISD’s Tax Rate Election (TRE)? It’s an election to generate additional revenue through the existing school district tax rate for the purpose of funding teacher and staff pay raises. How are school districts funded? School districts generate funding from revenue streams that include: local property taxes, state allocated funding, and a very small portion of federal dollars. The Interest & Sinking (I&S) Tax Rate ($0.3900) funds payments on the debt service and can only be used to finance school building and capital improvement projects. The Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Tax Rate ($0.9617) funds teacher and staff pay, classroom materials, and operational costs like student transportation and utilities. Together, these two rates are known as the school district tax rate and total $1.35.

If voters approve the TRE, Katy ISD teachers and staff would see an immediate pay raise.

How is teacher and staff pay funded? T eacher and staff pay is funded by the M&O Tax Rate.

Will my tax rate increase with a TRE? No. The state wants school districts like Katy ISD to reduce the M&O portion of their school district tax rates. Katy ISD taxpayers are being asked to SUSTAIN the current school district tax rate. How would funds from the TRE be used? Funds generated by the TRE would be used exclusively for teacher and staff pay raises so Katy ISD can remain competitive with neighboring districts and keep high quality teachers and staff right here, in Katy.

$1.35 School District Tax Rate Before & After Election

$0.96 M&O

$0.39 I&S

VOTING INFORMATION Last Day to Register to Vote: Oct. 11 Early Voting: Oct. 24 - Nov. 4 Election Day: Nov. 8 More information here: bit.ly/KISDTRE

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION Elevated vehicle, gas costs affect Houston commuters, economy

DRIVING UP COSTS Demand for new vehicles since the start of the pandemic and low inventory due to part shortages have caused the average vehicle purchase price in Houston to increase.

Average cost of vehicles, Houston metro

June 2018 June 2019 June 2020 June 2021 June 2022

$36,765

BY DANICA LLOYD

$38,662

Additionally, Jankowski said interest rates could increase another one to two points or more this year, inflating the cost of financing vehi- cles with higher monthly payments. While demand bounced back, supply plummeted as manufacturers faced part shortages. Jankowski said nationwide there were 500,000 vehicles on dealers’ lots waiting to be sold in February 2020, and as of July that number had dropped to about 100,000. He also said new car buyers are also paying more in financing after put- ting down a down payment—$38,000 now versus $32,000 in early 2020. “So if you add the fact of having to finance a bigger amount and the this year, if not more, it’s going to make purchasing cars even more expensive,” he said. Inventory should improve as vehicles become less affordable and supply chain issues are eventually resolved, Jankowski said. However, he said he does not anticipate signifi- cant change in the next six months. “You’re not going to find the perfect car, especially in this market. If it’s really close to what you want, don’t hesitate because it’s not going to be there tomorrow,” he said. fact that we know interest rates are going to continue to go up at least another 1 to 2 percentage points

+37%

$41,225

Houston-area residents may be see- ing more of their monthly expenses go toward transportation costs. According to Patrick Jankowski, senior vice president of research for the Greater Houston Partnership, factors may include the rising cost of vehicles due to low inventory and rising interest rates as well as a spike in gas prices starting earlier this year. “During the early stages of the pandemic ... you didn’t want to spend any money because you did not know if you were going to need that money further down the road, and people just stopped buying cars,” he said. Vehicle sales in the Houston metro dropped from 17,425 in March 2020 to just 9,657 the following

$43,867

$50,487

SOURCES: TEXAUTO FACTS, GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

FINANCING FUEL Gas prices averaged $2.69 per gallon throughout 2021, but the average price per gallon increased 54% from January to June this year.

Average gasoline prices, U.S. Gulf Coast

In June 2022, the average gas price was $4.57.

+54%

$4.09

$2.04

$2.97

$2.24

Gas prices dipped as low as $1.53 in May 2020.

“I LOOK AT VEHICLE SALES AS A GOOD INDICATOR OF CONSUMER CONFIDENCE.”

SOURCE: U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Jan. 2022- July 2022

Jan. 2020- Dec. 2020

Jan. 2021- Dec. 2021

month, he said. But sales began to pick up again later that summer and drove prices up. According to

Gas prices As the summer vacation season has passed and high gas prices are resulting in fewer drivers on the road, gas prices should be leveling out, Jankowski said. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average price-per-gallon in the Gulf Coast region was down to $4.09 in July and is expected to reach $3.21 by December following a 54% increase in prices from January to June. “We entered the summer driving season with low inventories. Also, people were driving more so the demand was up. We had crude prices

spike, and those are probably the three biggest factors,” Jankowski said. The war between Russia and Ukraine interrupted exports of crude and refined products, which impacted prices at the pump. Jankowski said the U.S. has also lost refining capacity in recent years. “What we saw was companies that were in the refining business, they either converted their refineries to things like biodiesel or other prod- ucts. ... Others simply shut them down because they were no longer profitable,” he said. Mikah Boyd contributed to this report.

PATRICK JANKOWSKI, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF RESEARCH FOR THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP

a TexAuto Facts report by marketing consultant firm InfoNation, the aver- age vehicle sales price in the region as of June was $50,487—up $6,620 from one year ago. “Initially, it was people getting caught up, and now people are feel- ing a little bit more comfortable about their financial situation and willing to take a 48- or 60-month note and buy a car,” Jankowski said. “I look at vehicle sales as a good indicator of consumer confidence.”

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KATY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022

Contact me for all your Real Estate needs! LINDA LEIBY 281-610-8644 23922 Cinco Village Center Blvd #123 Katy, TX 77494

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©2016 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens ® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.

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2022 VOTER GUIDE COMING SOON

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INSIDE INFORMATION

2022 VOTER GUIDE

Sans 2014, Texas shows steady voter growth since 2012 COMPILED BY HANNAH NORTON Data for the last ve election cycles shows high growth in registered voters and the percentage of those who voted between 2012 and 2020. The numbers in the Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin metros have grown in the three presidential elections. Mid-term elections had the lowest voter turnout in 2014, while the midterm election in 2018 was 20%-30% higher than the 2014 election. In order to vote in the Nov. 8 general election, Texans must register to vote or update their infor- mation by Oct. 11.

VOTER ELIGIBILITY According to the Texas Secretary of State’s Oce, an eligible voter must:

New voters can ll out an application online and mail it to their county’s election oce. All applications must be postmarked by Oct. 11. Texans can also register to vote when obtaining, renewing, replacing or updating their Texas driver’s license or ID card. On Nov. 8, voters must bring one of seven forms of identication to the polls. These include:

be a United States citizen; be a resident of the county where they submit their application; be at least 18 years old on Election Day; not be a convicted felon (although some felons may be eligible to vote upon completion of their sentence, probation and parole); and have not been determined to be totally or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a court exercising probate jurisdiction.

• Texas driver’s license • Texas election ID certicate • Texas personal ID card • Texas handgun license

• U.S. citizenship certicate • U.S. military ID card • U.S. passport

For more information about Texas’ voter identication law, visit www.votetexas.gov.

VOTER TURNOUT

Percent of registered voters who voted in the election Percent point change

AUSTIN

SAN ANTONIO

HOUSTON

TRAVIS COUNTY

BEXAR COUNTY

HARRIS COUNTY

GALVESTON COUNTY

71.06%

65.08%

68.14%

67.87%

61.66%

56.54%

61.99%

NA*

9.4

8.54

6.15

WILLIAMSON COUNTY

GUADALUPE COUNTY

FORT BEND COUNTY

WALLER COUNTY

75.64%

69.68%

73.62%

75%

64.83%

62.89%

65.19%

54.3%

10.81

6.99

8.43

20.7

HAYS COUNTY

COMAL COUNTY

BRAZORIA COUNTY

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

71.58%

76.87%

68.61%

73.24%

60.43%

NA*

57.51%

66.1%

11.15

11.1

7.14

DALLAS

DALLAS COUNTY

DENTON COUNTY

TARRANT COUNTY

COLLIN COUNTY

66.15%

74.41%

70.75%

76.02%

60.42%

62.73%

63.44%

65.88%

5.73

11.68

7.31

10.14

*COUNTY DATA IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS YEAR

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, COUNTY CLERKS FOR EACH NAMED COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

KATY EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022

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