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Pearland Friendswood Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4 MARCH 14 APRIL 12, 2024
Blast o A SpaceX rocket carrying a payload from Houston-based Intuitive Machines launches toward space Feb. 15 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The payload landed Feb. 22 and gathered data from the moon.
COURTESY NASA
Aerospace industry in Houston set to boom as numerous projects hit key milestones
It ended with Texas A&M signing a lease with NASA to build a $200 million space institute at Johnson Space Center. The projects are some exam- ples of e orts to achieve new feats in outer space.
which is headquartered at Houston Spaceport, launching a payload to the moon from Florida. “It’s like when your team makes the playo s,” said Jim Szczesniak, aviation director for the Hous- ton Airport System, which oversees the spaceport.
BY JAMES T. NORMAN
Feb. 15 was a day to remember for Houston’s aerospace industry. Two projects with Houston origins passed key landmarks. It started with Intuitive Machines,
CONTINUED ON 16
Also in this issue
Impacts: Brunch Junction opens up in Pearland (Page 6)
Education: Friendswood ISD nds use for AI in classrooms (Page 8)
Government: Pearland joins in monkey lab opposition (Page 11)
Community: Check out summer camps in the area (Page 21)
Our care revolves around you, to get you back on your game and keep you there. Whether you need relief from tendinitis or a torn ligament, you’ll get the same leading-edge treatments that we provide to the Houston Rockets. To help you come back sooner and stronger. This is orthopedic care designed around you. memorialhermann.org/orthopedics You are in the hands of unparalleled orthopedic care.
Advancing health. Personalizing care.
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Impacts
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5 Future Explorers Academy The business offers full-time, and before- and after- school programming. They served children aged 6 weeks to 12 years old. • Opened Nov. 6
• www.exoticpetshouston.com
Now open
3 Papa’s Gyro & Grill The restaurant serves several items that are halal, including gyros, kebabs and shawarma. • Opened Feb. 9 • 9603 Broadway St., Ste. 105, Pearland • https://papasgyroandgrill.godaddysites.com 4 The Cookie Jar The bakery sells an assortment of cookies, including chocolate chip, oatmeal cream, peanut butter cup and snickerdoodle. • Opened Dec. 18 • 1921 N. Main St., Pearland • www.cookiejar-company.com
1 KNP Social The business offers food and drink, arcade games, axe throwing and sports simulators. • Opened Nov. 17 • 11720 Broadway St., Ste. 102, Pearland • www.knpsocial.com 2 Exotic Pets Houston The business is a reptile supply store and offers terrariums, plants, nutrition and health products, as well as a large selection of reptiles. • Opened Jan. 24 • 2407 W. Parkwood Ave., Ste. 100B, Friendswood
• 10522 Iowa Colony Blvd., Rosharon • www.futureexplorersacademy.com
6 Gracie Barra The Brazilian jiujitsu academy offers martial arts and self
defense classes. • Opened Jan. 1 • 450 E. NASA Parkway, Webster • www.graciebarra.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
7 BoomerJack’s Grill & Bar The sports bar offers nachos, quesadillas, wings and tenders, as well as a drinks menu. • Opened Feb. 19 • 20951 Gulf Freeway, Webster • www.boomerjacks.com MedxWaste and OnTime Shredding The company’s specialties include disposing medical equipment, shredding and recycling.
12 The Rustic at Hobby Airport The bar will offer local craft beers, cocktails and a variety of food, including quesadillas, soups and salads, brisket tacos and crab cakes. • Opening this summer • 7800 Airport Blvd., Houston • www.therustic.com
Now open
Relocations
• Opened in December • www.medxwaste.com
13 Mama Bear’s Hot Diggity Dogs The hot dog stand serves hot dogs loaded with a variety of toppings, including nacho cheese, avocado, sour cream, jalapenos and chili. • Relocated Feb. 1 • 17723 Pearland Sites Road, Pearland • Facebook: Mamabearsteffi 14 B&C Clever Designs The paint store offering chalk mineral paint, relocated to Alvin from its former location in Rosharon. • Relocated Feb. 2 • 1507 W. Hwy. 6, Alvin • Facebook: DesignSewClever 15 A Dog’s Best Friend The family-owned mobile dog grooming service moved to Pearland. They will still offer the same services, such as full-body clips, shaving or trimming, hand massage baths, and ear cleanings. • Relocated Feb. 1 • 2202 Park Ave., Pearland • www.adogsbestfriendgroomer.com
Coming soon
17 Brunch Junction The restaurant offers a scratch menu, as well as housemade sauces and farm-fresh eggs. • Opened Feb. 12 • 3030 Business Center Drive, Pearland • www.brunch-junction.com
8 Friendswood Community Hospital The hospital will be the first in Friendswood and have more than 25 physicians, more than 40 registered nurses and 75 or more ancillary medical staff. • Opening in October
• 3201 FM 528, Friendswood • Facebook: FriendswoodCH
9 Kiddie Academy The company focuses on life essentials, which are based on several traits to prepare children for life.
• Opening in summer 2025 • Meridiana Parkway, Manvel • www.kiddieacademy.com
18 Spanish Schoolhouse The business held a grand opening in January. It also has plans to open a new location in Pearland in June. • 501 S. Friendswood Drive, Ste. 125, Friendswood • www.spanishschoolhouse.com/friendswood
10 Boot Barn The company offers a broad selection of cowboy and work boots, jeans and Western wear. • Opening in 2024 • 260 North Bypass 35, Alvin • www.bootbarn.com 11 Top Soap Car wash The business will offer express car washes, free vacuum services and unlimited monthly memberships. • Opening late 2024
In the news
Closings
16 Central Texas Style BBQ The business was recognized by the Texas Historical Commission as a historical business after more than 50 years of service. • 4110 West Broadway St., Pearland • www.centralbbq.com
19 Alvin Antique Center & Marketplace The business sold antique homewares, furniture and jewelry over the past 27 years. • Closed Feb. 21 • 2500 S. Loop 35, Alvin • www.alvinantiquecenter.com
• 8013 Broadway St., Pearland • www.topsoapexpress.com
YES, WE DO.
4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit *Fees could apply Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded September, 2022 OOOOO 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded September, 2022 OOOOO 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded September, 2022 OOOOO 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank *Fees could apply Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit *Fees could apply Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit
commitment to serving the Pearland community.
4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses*
4 Real estate purchases 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit 4 Free app for your smartphone 4 Send money to friends and family using their email or phone number* 4 Instant debit card transaction alerts with SecurLock Equip 4 Move money easily between external accounts* 4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses*
YES, WE DO.
Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager 4 Free app for your smartphone 4 Send money to friends and family using their email or phone number* 4 Instant debit card transaction alerts with SecurLock Equip 4 Move money easily between external accounts* 4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses*
*Fees could apply Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit
We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community. Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager
We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community.
OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded September, 2022 OOOOO 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank *Fees could apply
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Loan decisions are made locally by people who
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Education
BY HALEY VELASCO
Teachers find use in AI tools
Zooming in
Many educators across the U.S. are exploring how AI tools can be used to save them time, according to a 2023 report from the Office of Edu- cational Technology, which shows teachers spend about half their time on non-student activities. The University of Houston has a group of about 100 faculty and staff contributing to findings they have made while using AI in their coursework. Jeffrey Morgan, a mathematics professor and associate provost for education innovation and technology at UH, uses programs such as ChatGPT, a language processing AI platform, to see how effective it can be in lessons. At FISD, Silveira said she uses AI to help with many daily activities, including grading, commu- nicating with parents, and creating lesson plans. This has cut back on her non-student hours.
Workweek breakdown
Some officials believe AI can help teachers cut back on time they don’t directly spend with students.
As artificial intelligence, or AI, becomes more prevalent in society, some school districts and higher education institutions are hoping to use it as a resource. AI refers broadly to a computer’s ability to automate actions based on associations with data, according to the U.S. Office of Educational Technology, which is under the U.S. Department of Education. Friendswood ISD officials created an AI committee, made up of teachers and administrators, in January to explore AI, Executive Director of Communication Dayna Owen said. Staff was also asked in a 2023 survey about the importance of AI. FISD is also looking at challenges with AI, like plagiarism, privacy and incorrect data. “We have to teach the students how to use AI effectively—using it more as a tool, not just a cheat code,” FISD teacher Katya Silveira said.
10.5 hours: Preparation
6.5 hours: Evaluation and feedback
5 hours: Administration
3 hours: Professional development
16.5 hours: Student instruction
4.5 hours: Student coaching 3.5 hours: Student skill development
SOURCE: U.S. OFFICE OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What’s next
Kate Johanns, the marketing and communications director for the Association of Texas Professional Educators, which advocates for educators, said she believes teachers should be cautious of privacy with AI. Other concerns include information from AI not always being correct—something both Morgan and Silveira have found while using the various AI platforms. “I think what we want all Texas educators to be aware of is ... to [not] rush into using a tool before you know what is happening with the data that you’re uploading,” Johanns said.
Educators across Texas are adjusting and preparing to navigate through the challenges of AI, as well as for the uncertainties it may bring, officials said. Morgan said he believes it will force people to think in ways they didn’t before, and give people access to information they might not have had available to them. “I think [AI] will be tremendously beneficial; I just don’t know how,” Morgan said. “It’s going to change everything—we just don’t know exactly how it’s going to do it.”
FISD's teachers' opinions on the importance of students learning how to use AI
Not important Slightly important
Very important
9%
24%
11%
Fairly important
25%
Important
31%
SOURCE: FRIENDSWOOD ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY HALEY VELASCO
New schools at Alvin ISD open job positions Sta ng positions for Barbara Bennett Ele- mentary and two Iowa Colony schools are now open after Alvin ISD’s board of trustees approved them at its Feb. 13 meeting. The gist The positions for the two new schools are currently unspeci ed, but come as both Bar- bara Bennett Elementary School and Iowa Colony Junior High School are expected to open in the fall. With 12th graders being added to Iowa Colony High School in the 2024-25 school year, the following positions are open: • Additional administrator • Counselor • Multiple teaching positions Iowa Colony HS open positions
Pearland ISD calls for $105M bond election The Pearland ISD board of trustees at its Feb. 13 meeting approved the calling of a $105 million bond election for May 4. The overview PISD’s new bond proposal breaks down into two separate propositions, titled Proposition A and Proposition B. The rst, which makes up the bulk of the total bond package, will go mostly toward construction upgrades and renovations throughout the district, according to agenda documents. The second will be for technology upgrades and expansions throughout the district. Trustees will canvass the results on May 14. What they’re saying The board approved Proposition A of the bond in a 7-0 vote, and approved Proposition B in a
PISD bond breakdown
Proposition A: $75M Construction upgrades
and renovations throughout the district
Total: $105M
Proposition B: $30M Technology upgrades
and expansions throughout the district
SOURCE: PEARLAND ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
6-1 vote, with trustee Kris Schoe er as the lone vote against it. He said he was concerned with excessive screen time, students’ mental health and teachers being dependent on technology to teach. Trustee Amanda Kuhn supported both propo- sitions. She said she believes both propositions are vital and will allow PISD to keep up with other surrounding school districts. Early voting for the May 4 election will run from April 22-30, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
SOURCE: ALVIN ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Pearland ISD denies chaplains to be school counselors
"I do not want to alienate any person that wants to give back to the kids in the right way, but I want
chaplains to either volunteer or be hired by the district, according to agenda documents. A chaplain is a person who conducts religious exercises in circumstances that are not explicitly religious, according to AdventHealth University. PISD’s resolution will continue to allow chap- lains to visit or become volunteers, as long as they adhere to the volunteer policies stated on the district’s website.
Pearland ISD will not be allowed to employ chaplains as school counselors after the district’s board of trustees approved a resolution at its Feb. 13 meeting. What’s happening? In 2023, the 88th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 763, which requires school boards to vote before March 1 to adopt a policy allowing
to make sure that we protect our kids at all times from the things that they need to be
protected from." LARRY BERGER, PISD SUPERINTENDENT
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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
HAPPINESS where life streams
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY RACHEL LELAND
Pearland city o cials joined Brazoria County, as well as nearby city and state o cials, in opposing the development of a holding facility that could potentially house thousands of monkeys in a quarantine space for observation and socialization. The facility, which would be built out by biomedical company Charles River Laboratories, calls for housing 8,600 monkeys, company spokesperson Sally Philbin said in an email. On Jan. 22, Pearland City Council voted 6-1 to support Brazoria County in opposing the project. Brazoria County Commissioners Court in its Nov. 28 resolution said it was “concerned about the public’s health and safety, the animal welfare and pathogen introduction with the development of this facility.” Vote tallies supporting resolutions Multiple cities have voted for resolutions denouncing the facility. Votes “for” re ect support for resolution. Monkey lab in Brazoria County draws concern
Diving in deeper
Proposed Brazoria County facility
The facility would be built on 538 acres, which the company acquired in March 2023, located o CR 2 in southern Brazoria County, according to county agenda documents. Although the county’s resolution opposes build- ing the facility in Brazoria County, the county does not have the authority to halt the development if the company meets necessary guidelines, Brazoria County Commissioner David Linder said. Despite this, the development has attracted attention from animal welfare activist organiza- tions, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, which has sent more than 4,000 letters to residents within a 10-mile radius of the proposed facility, PETA Senior Science Advisor Lisa Jones-Engel said. PETA o cials are also speaking with state and federal o cials about concerns they have with the development, Jones-Engel said.
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O cials with Charles River Laboratories said in an email the facility in Brazoria County would serve as a quarantine space for 8,600 monkeys .
Alice is home to Texas’s largest facility for holding monkeys. Inspection reports dating back to 2014 show 11,259 monkeys was the most inspected at the facility at one time.
SOURCES: CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY IMPACT
What they’re saying
“The concern that I have is mosquito control and those types of things. Where are these animals housed? Outside?
“With some of the details being up in the air right now, I don’t know that I necessarily want to ... take a position
City
For
Against
Inside? Are they going to be open to mosquitoes and other things, and then spreading to other parts of the county?” KEVIN COLE, PEARLAND MAYOR
for or against it at this time until they kind of esh out some of those details.” ADRIAN HERNANDEZ, PEARLAND CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WHO VOTED AGAINST THE RESOLUTION
0 1 2 0 0
5 6 3 5 4
Brazoria County Pearland Sweeny West Columbia Lake Jackson
SOURCES: CITIES OF PEARLAND, SWEENY, WEST COLUMBIA, LAKE JACKSON; BRAZORIA COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT THIS LIST IS NONCOMPREHENSIVE
The takeaway
was projected based on earlier plans, Philbin said in an email. Those with the company, which specializes in new drug treatments and laboratory research, are further assessing the site, which is “likely to take signi cant time, perhaps months,” Cianciaruso said in the email. “In the interim, we will suspend any future permitting requests, actions or activities at the site,” Cianciaruso said in the email.
Representatives from Charles River met with county o cials in December and were alerted to the property’s potential ooding issues, Amy Cianciaruso, Charles River Laboratories chief communications o cer, said in an email. “This location is a problem that they chose, and the residents recognize it,” Linder said. Company o cials have also since said they are looking at lowering the number of monkeys to 8,600—down from roughly 43,000, which
Linder said he was not opposed to research in the pursuit of lifesaving medicine, but felt the area where the proposed facility would be built was ood-prone, thus posing a potential public health risk to county residents if any waste leaked into the surrounding environment. Since the end of September, hundreds of Brazoria County residents called him expressing similar concerns, Linder said.
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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
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
YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY RACHEL LELAND
Pearland residents list top priorities in survey Having a safe community and sound infrastruc- ture ranked as the top priorities among Pearland residents in attendance at the city’s annual State of the City luncheon on Feb. 8. The details The State of the City, hosted by the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, saw about 500 residents— made up of community members, leaders and city staff—meet at the First Church of Pearland. At the event, residents were surveyed on which of the city’s six strategic priorities—approved in 2023—was most important to them. “Since we were talking about strategic priorities at State of the City, and we knew council would have their strategic retreat a few weeks later where strategic priorities are a central focus, it seemed like a natural place to collect feedback,” Communica- tions Director Josh Lee said.
May 4 ballot set for Pearland, Friendswood Pearland will have just one competitive race for City Council, while Friendswood saw no challengers to its incumbents. What you need to know Those who filed in Pearland include: • Tony Carbone for City Council Position 2 • Clint Byrom and Veronica Kreuder Longoria for City Council Position 4 Adrian Hernandez, who currently holds Position 4, is not running for re-election. According to the city of Friendswood’s website, the candidates up for re-election include: • Mike Foreman for mayor • John Ellisor for City Council Position 1 • Trish Hanks for City Council Position 3
Strategic priorities Attendee’s of Pearland’s State of the City luncheon were surveyed on the strategic priorities that were most important to them.
Safe community: 43%
Whole community: 9% Trusted government: 6% Strong economy: 15% Sound infrastructure: 23%
Resilient finances: 5%
SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Diving in deeper More than 40% of residents chose safe commu- nities, which comes as the city has opted to provide more resources for Pearland’s police and fire departments, according to the city’s website. This includes dedicating about 4.4% more reve- nue to public safety services in the city’s fiscal year 2023-24 budget compared to last year, city budget documents show.
Pediatric Care you can trust
Peace of mind and hope. That’s what Jessica and Milton Lewis found for their son, Olin, at UTMB Health.
Facing a rare, currently incurable, chronic kidney disorder, Olin requires numerous appointments and medications to live a normal, healthy life. And thanks to his UTMB Health pediatric nephrology care team, the five-year-old flag football player is able to do just that. Whether you’re looking for a general pediatrician or a specialist, you can turn to UTMB Health for pediatric care you can trust.
Scan the QR code to read Olin’s story. Call (800) 917-8906 or visit our website at utmbhealth.com/pediatrics to find a doctor and schedule your next appointment today.
knows Pediatrics
The University of Texas Medical Branch is in-network for most major insurance plans.
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Transportation
Events
BY RACHEL LELAND
BY ASIA ARMOUR
Pearland o cials working on plans to fund future road work
and July. It’s an open-air market o ering baked goods, produce, meats, owers and co ee, among other things. • April 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1000 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood • https://friendswoodmarket.com Holi Extravaganza & 5K Color Run The celebration of Holi is the festival of colors to announce the arrival of the spring season. The event, located at Pearland Town Center, will include cultural performances, shopping, international food, interactive dancing and music. • April 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • $7 (entry), $30 (color run participation) Old Pearland Farmers Market Every third Saturday of the month, the market, located at Independence Park, hosts a number of vendors who all sell local, homegrown or handmade goods. Those goods include a variety of seasonal produce. • April 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • 3449 Pearland Parkway, Pearland • https://oldpearlandfarmers.wixsite.com/opfm • 11200 Broadway St., Pearland • www.visitpearland.com/holi
March
Spring Fling The event at the Pearland Canine Resource Center will feature Easter bunny photo-ops, Easter egg hunts for adults and children, a vendor market, food trucks,
After Brazoria County temporarily paused partnering with cities for road rebuilds, Pearland o cials are thinking about how the city will fund its road rebuilds. The full story In January, Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole called on Pearland City Council to put together a plan to address sidewalk and street maintenance. The request comes after roads in Brazoria County have deteriorated following droughts over the past couple of years, causing o cials to focus on paving roads instead of rebuilding them. As a result, the city is looking at how to fund future projects that need substantial work. The cost The city can pull about $1.5 million from local municipal utility districts, or MUDs, within the city, Cole said. It also has about $26 million from its 2023 bond for streets, bridges and sidewalks.
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music, and a silent auction. • March 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 3939 Allen Road, Pearland • Facebook: PearlandCRC
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April
A 2023 agreement with Brazoria County created plans to repave a few Pearland roads. The last two roads will be completed in 2024.
2024 Children’s Cluster-Soar to New Heights The South Belt Houston Chapter of the Jack and Jill Foundation will host an aviation event at the Lone Star
Puranava The sixth annual traditional Indian art and culture festival will be held at Pearland Town Center. It features a chariot fest with street performances; classical and folk art performances; Indian food; art exhibits; henna; cultural competitions, such as chess, quizzes, music and dance; as well as a kid
WALNUT ST.
BROADWAY ST.
Flight Museum in Houston. • April 6, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. • $85 • 11551 Aerospace Ave., Houston • www.jackandjillsbh.org
Completed
To-do
FITE RD.
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zone with art and games. • April 20, noon-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • 11200 Broadway St., Pearland • www.puranava-usa.org
been completed, and Walnut Street and Fite Road, which will see work this year, city sta said. That work will focus on overlay paving only, city sta said.
Next steps In fall 2023, the city entered an interlocal agreement with Brazoria County to restore Garden Road, Hawk Road and Hillhouse Road, which have
Friendswood Farmers Market The event is hosted in the parking lot of Stevenson Park on the rst Saturday of each month, except for January
SHADOW CREEK 11023 Shadow Creek Pkwy (281) 977-1027
PEARLAND 10555 Pearland Pkwy (713) 987-9205
ALMEDA 11130 Gulf Fwy (713) 910-3941
FRIENDSWOOD 3126 FM 528 (281) 648-5473
Blast o From the cover
Key players
The full story
At the heart of the industry in the area is NASA’s Houston-based Johnson Space Center, which, in addition to employing more than 10,000 people, has several plans and projects that have either begun or are set to begin in the near future. The center will host a few simulated missions to Mars, such as the Human Exploration Research Analog, or HERA, Campaign 7, which began in January. Another project, expected to last a year, will see a four-person volunteer crew work inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habit, according to a February news release from the agency. That project could begin in spring 2025, and NASA is looking for potential volunteers. Meanwhile, plans for actual space travel could nd a home in the agency’s Artemis missions, which, while delayed until 2025, could take astronauts around the moon, to the moon’s south pole and eventually to a new space station, named Gateway, that NASA is working to launch in 2025 with the help of other space agencies. Those priorities are re ected in its budget over the past decade, which has seen more resources dedicated to exploration, according to budget documents. While NASA’s budget overall has increased by about 40% from scal years 2014-15 to 2022-23, the exploration portion of its budget is up by more than 70% in that same time. NASA documents show many of these upcoming exploration projects will be controlled from JSC.
NASA’s budget
Projected
With new businesses moving in, missions incoming and developments locking in by the month, Houston aerospace industry o cials expect the city to be home to some of the most cutting-edge projects in the world and a hub of space exploration. At NASA, along with a slate of new missions taking place, the Johnson Space Center is planning a new development called Exploration Park, which will be home to research and testing for future space travel. There is no set timeline on when it could be built out, but in February, NASA locked in two partnership agreements for the site. Meanwhile, o cials expect the Houston Spaceport to be home to many new projects in the coming years, Szczesniak said. Spaceport o cials not only expect to add more businesses in the coming years—in a pursuit to make the spot a destination—but companies located there have plans to launch more of their creations into space. Meanwhile, companies like Aegis Aerospace, a woman-owned business founded in 2021, are adding to the commercial space sector. “[JSC] and the commercial work that goes into these space endeavors is a major driving force for the economy in the area,” said Brian Freedman, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.
$30B
$29.43B
$25B
$20B
$25.38B
$15B
Remainder of budget
$8.63B
$10B
$7.47B
$5B
Exploration budget
0
Fiscal year:
SOURCE: NASA COMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: DATA IS BASED ON REQUESTS, ENACTED BUDGETS AND OPERATING PLANS
“For more than 60 years, JSC has cemented its position as a hub for human space exploration,” JSC Director Vanessa Wyche said at a Feb. 15 con- ference. “The future of Texas’s legacy in aerospace is bright.”
500+ BUSINESSES
in the aviation and aerospace industry in Greater Houston area
1,500+ JOBS
Diving in deeper
when Intuitive Machines, Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace are fully built out at Houston Spaceport
The JSC is set to host a new $200 million space institute being built by Texas A&M, which will host the country’s rst—and the world’s largest—simu- lated lunar and Mars surfaces, Texas A&M Chan- cellor John Sharp said at a Feb. 15 conference. Once built, it will be the rst development on the 240-acre Exploration Park, Wyche said. That new area will host several entities that will research and test to prepare for future space travel. To help build out that area, NASA o cials signed a second agreement for the site on Feb. 29 with American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation, or ACMI. ACMI is calling the development the Space Systems Campus, according to a Feb. 29 release from NASA. It will be an “applied research facility” that partners di erent government, academia and
240 ACRES to be developed at Exploration Park
Exploration Park
SOURCES: GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP, NASA COMMUNITY IMPACT
CLEAR LAKE
N
commercial entities. They will look to help meet defense and aerospace needs for the area as well as facilitate manufacturing of space hardware.
After landing on the moon Feb. 22, o cials are calling Intuitive Machines’ payload launch a success.
COURTESY NASA
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JAMES T. NORMAN
Also of note
What’s next?
Working with NASA is the Houston Spaceport, which currently hosts three companies: Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines and Collins Aerospace. All three are slated to play pivotal roles in the space industry in the coming years, industry o - cials said. While Intuitive Machines just launched a payload to the moon, which landed Feb. 22, with materials to study the lunar surface, Axiom is looking to build the world’s rst commercial space station. The plan is to assemble it at its Houston location over the next few years. To assist in those e orts, the latest development for the spaceport is Taxiway Lima, Szczesniak said. The taxiway will connect the companies to Ellington Field Airport, allowing for international deliveries to be taken directly to the companies at the spaceport. It will come out of Houston Airport System’s enterprise fund, costing $16 million. The taxiway is also one piece of the larger puzzle to develop the spaceport into a destination, which
Murphy described the current state of the industry as almost a “golden era” of space. One possible hangup, however, is growth outpacing the available workers, she said. As a result, e orts to increase training are a priority. San Jacinto College’s EDGE Center, for example, is o ering aerospace courses to help train future workers in the area. “I think there’s an opportunity from universities and local community colleges that have gotten grant money to increase that training,” Murphy said.
The upcoming Taxiway Lima connects Houston Spaceport to Ellington Field Airport.
Ellington Field Airport
CLEAR LAKE CITY BLVD.
3
N
Industry timeline
2024: HERA Campaign 7 begins at JSC, with four simulated Mars missions planned for the year Summer 2024: Space Institute to potentially break ground at Johnson Space Center 2025: Gateway, the world’s rst space station to orbit around the moon, expected to launch Spring 2025: New yearlong simulated Mars mission to begin 2030s: NASA will decommission International Space Station; Axiom Space will also look to launch their own space station 2026: Taxiway Lima to be built out September 2026: Artemis III to land crew near lunar south pole September 2025: Artemis II mission to take a crew of astronauts around the moon (delayed from October 2024)
2024
could mean developments spanning beyond just aerospace, Szczesniak said. “Houston’s got a tremendous [reputation] historically, but also tremendous potential going forward,” Szczesniak said.
2025
What they’re saying
2026
“In a nutshell, Houston is Space City, and there was an understanding for Houston that we need to take advantage of
“I think we’re going to continue growing. The private and public partnerships … have been such a successful model. …
that. … By 2040ish, [industry leaders] think space might be a trillion-dollar industry.” JIM SZCZESNIAK, DIRECTOR OF AVIATION FOR THE HOUSTON
It opens up the entrepreneurial spirit here for these companies that are small and nimble.” STEPHANIE MURPHY, OWNER OF AEGIS AEROSPACE, WHICH
2027
OPERATES TESTING FACILITIES IN SPACE
AIRPORT SYSTEM, WHICH OVERSEES THE SPACEPORT
2030
SOURCES: AXIOM SPACE, HOUSTON SPACEPORT, NASA COMMUNITY IMPACT
Faster Pay, More Savings, Better Checking
11555 Magnolia Pkwy., Suite 170 Pearland, TX 77584 713.852.6700
TexasBayCU.org Insured by NCUA
Because H-Town Doesn’t Settle!
17
PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
Less homes were sold in all but one ZIP code in January of this year compared to 2024. Meanwhile, median home price and days on the market fluctuated for each ZIP code. Residential market data
Number of homes sold
January 2023
January 2024
-22.2%
+39.39%
-35.48%
-34.57%
-21.43%
77546
77578
77581
77583
77584
45
77581
521
518
77584
77583 77578
Median home sales price
January
2023
2024
77546
288
6
35
$374,000 $470,000 $365,000 $285,000 $349,075
$328,700 $403,434 $396,000 $350,000 $348,500
77546
N
77578
Homes sold by price point
77581
January 2024
77583
3
$800,000+
77584
14
$600,000-$800,000
55
$400,000-$600,000
Median days on the market -18.8% -13.92%
117
+96.97%
+32%
-43.18%
$200,000-$400,000
3
<$200,000
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 ALINAWROGERS@YAHOO.COM
77546
77578
77581
77583
77584
Golfcrest Country Club 2509 Country Club Dr., Pearland TX 77581
Mayor Kevin Cole’s 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Mayor Kevin Cole's 3rd Annual Benefit Golf To
April 15, 2024
foreverparksgolfevent@gma
FOREVERPARKSFOUNDATION.ORG
Scan to register to play, make a donation, or show your support with a Hole Sign for just $120 by 4/5/2024
Join us! We are fundraising to support the Inclusive Play Initiative improvements at Independence Park to increase accessibility and opportunities for people of all abilities to play together.
19
PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
CLEAR CREEK FEDERAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PROJECT
Plan ahead and protect those you love.
Join the Harris County Flood Control District for a virtual community engagement meeting to discuss the Clear Creek Federal Flood Risk Management Project, a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project’s Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA)* will be available for review during a 30-day public comment period from March 27 – April 26, 2024.
CREMATIONS | LIFE CELEBRATIONS | FUNERALS
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FREE Planning Guide: DignityMemorial.com
Join online at: PublicInput.com/C03 Or by phone: 855-925-2801 with Meeting Code: 6958
Forest Park South FUNERAL HOME 832-553-0160
*Note: A printed copy of the SEA will be available in English and Spanish at the Harris County Flood Control District’s office, located at 9900 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77092, during the 30-day public comment period. A digital copy and a comment form will also be available at hcfcd.org/C03.
For more information about the project or the public meeting, visit hcfcd.org/C03.
www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Community
BY JAMES T. NORMAN
Camp Guide
2024
Parents looking for camps for their children have a number of options to choose from in the Pearland- Friendswood area. This list is not comprehensive.
Manvel
Alvin
Victory Camp Type: day Ages: grades 1-12 Dates: Camps vary throughout June
Cost: $235-$269 per camp • 1407 Victory Lane, Alvin • www.victorycamp.com
Friendswood
First Baptist Friendswood Type: day Ages: grades K-6 Dates: July 22-26 Cost: $242 • 111 E. Heritage Drive, Friendswood • www.connectcamps.com/friendswood
SMART Core Labs Type: academics Ages: 5-16 Dates: May-August Cost: $300 per week
• 10237 Bailey Road, Ste. 105, Manvel • 2809 Miller Ranch Road, Ste. 401, Pearland • www.smartcorelabs.com/summer-camp
Friendswood Summer Day Camp Type: day Ages: 6-13 Dates: May-August Cost: $150-$355 (depending on session and residency) • 901 Buckingham Drive, Friendswood • www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/565/friendswood-summer- day-camp
Bricks & Minifigs Type: day Ages: 5-12 Dates: Five-day camps in June and July Cost: $155 per five-day camp • 11200 Broadway St., Ste. 710, Pearland • www.bricksandminifigs.com/pearland-tx/summer- camps Chara Christian Dance Academy Type: day Ages: 3-10 Dates: June-July Cost: $240 per 4-day camp • 1570 Old Alvin Road, Pearland (programming also in Friendswood) • www.charadance.com Crosspoint Church Type: day Ages: grades K-12 Dates: Five-day camps in June for different ages Cost: $242-$575 depending on the camp • 1134 Old Alvin Road, Pearland • www.crosspointchurch.tv Grappling Zone Type: sports, day Ages: 4-12 Dates: May 30-Aug. 15 Cost: $200 per person per week, $50 registration fee
• 2849 Miller Ranch Road, Ste. 505, Pearland • www.grapplingzone.com
iCode Type: day Ages: 5-18 Dates: May-August Cost: $429 per 5-day camp • 3414 Business Center Drive, Ste. 150, Pearland • www.icodeschool.com/pearland School of Rock Type: arts Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 3-July 26 Cost: $299-$425 per camp • 3422 Business Center Drive, Pearland • www.schoolofrock.com/locations/pearland
The Knight School Type: day Ages: 5-12 Dates: June-August Cost: $200-$500 per camp • 1809 Streamside Drive, Friendswood • www.theknightschool.com
Pearland
A B Sea Preschool Type: academics Ages: 2-8
Dates: June 3-July 26 Cost: $225 per week • 4540 Broadway St., Pearland • www.abseapreschool.com
Webster
Kids Scuba Camp Type: day, sports Ages: teens 10 years old and older
Alpha Omega Gymnastics and Dance Type: day, arts Ages: 3-13 Dates: June-August Cost: $144-$267 per week • 11720 W. Broadway St., Ste. 136, Pearland • www.pearland.alphaomegagymnastics.com
Dates: June-August Cost: $695 per week • 20814 Gulf Freeway, Ste. 60, Webster • https://sportdivers.com/courses/scuba-camp
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Community
BY ASIA ARMOUR
4 H group in Manvel teaches care for animals The welfare of animals is paramount for the newly established 4-H youth group in Manvel, called Team Xtreme, said Natalie Hoelscher, team leader and 30-year riding instructor. The impact Hoelscher, along with some of her riding stu- dents, created Team Xtreme after hearing about the “alarming” mistreatment of horses in the area, she said. “It’s important to teach these kids ... that this is a living animal,” she said. “They’re trusting you to care for them, and they’re trusting you to be kind. And that’s where the focus needs to be.” But just as enriching as the animal care aspect, Hoelscher said, is the opportunity she has had to teach Manvel’s youth to utilize local resources and see them build community with each other. “What I have found with the kids that are in
Manvel 4 H group Team Xtreme’s projects include a horse quiz bowl, horse judging, veterinary science and consumer education.
PHOTOS COURTESY TEAM XTREME
Team Xtreme right now is that they were really looking for a place to build friendship,” she said. “They want to learn more things rather than focus strictly on competitions.” About the program 4-H is a national program where children and teens complete hands-on projects in elds such as health, science, agriculture and civic engagement, according to the organization’s website.
The 4 H organization has hands-on programs for children and teens.
MERIDIANA
512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu highschool.utexas.edu
Experience Vacation Living in Manvel
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Pricing from the $ 290 ’s
· 40’ & 6 0’ Homesites · On-site Schools · Amenity-Rich Community · Alvin ISD
Prices and availability subject to change without notice. You are hereby advised against making any decisions based solely upon this information without first verifying it with the controlling authority. CoventryHomes.com
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