Katy North Edition | March 2024

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Katy North Edition VOLUME 12, ISSUE 7 MARCH 26APRIL 24, 2024

Future leader of economic development in county unclear The Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council helped facilitate an economic development agreement with Katy and Fort Bend County for the Katy Mills mall’s development in the 1990s, according to the FBEDC’s website. KELLY SCHAFLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

explore their options. Katy City Administrator Byron Hebert said the FBEDC was “instrumental” in facilitating an eco- nomic development agreement with the Katy Mills mall’s developer in the 1990s. “How the deal was put together was a little before my time, but ... they had a lot to do with being able to get the Mills Corp. to come into the city,” he said.

announced it could dissolve in June. This came after a strategic planning rm, as part of a long-range plan, gave the FBEDC’s board of directors two options of how to move forward—both of which involved reorganizing the board and laying o its sta members, ocials said. However, multiple board members told Community Impact they disagreed with the rm’s recommendations and instead delayed the vote to

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Some city and county ocials disagree on what organization should facilitate future economic development activity in Fort Bend County, but a new 14-person committee aims to make roles more clear. The Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, a public-private partnership, has been in limbo since December, when the organization

CONTINUED ON 22

Also in this issue

Impacts: Monster Mini Golf swings into Katy (Page 6)

Education: KISD trustees decline chaplain changes (Page 9)

Community: 23 summer camps happening in the area (Page 18)

Business: AGR Sports oers family-friendly space (Page 24)

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

Amy Martinez General Manager amymartinez@ communityimpact.com

Ronald Winters Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Account Executive Tracy Drewa Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Art Production Manager Kaitlin Schmidt

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Impacts

GEORGE BUSH PARK 5 IKEA At the new store, customers can’t take products home the same day, but IKEA experts will deliver or schedule orders to be retrieved from the on-site pickup location. • Opened Feb. 28 • 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. G130, Katy • www.ikea.com/us/en 6 Pace Pickleball Club The club features indoor courts, a players lounge and bar, a mezzanine lounge, a red light therapy room, a cold plunge, and lessons, clinics, leagues and socials. • Opened Feb. 20 • 830 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy • www.pacepickle.com 4 X-Golf The California-based golfing enterprise offers a virtual golfing experience featuring indoor golf simulators. • Opened Jan. 13 • 3329 Grand Parkway, Ste. 100, Katy • www.playxgolf.com 2 LaLa Pocha The late-night Korean restaurant and karaoke bar has a menu focusing on Korean and Soju pairings. • Opened in December • 510 S. Mason Road, Ste. G, Katy • Toast: Search “LaLa Pocha” 3 Mandito’s Tex Mex The concept serves “elevated” Tex-Mex cuisine, which includes from-scratch menu items, margaritas and other cocktails, salads, burrito bowls and family platters. • Opened Feb. 19 • 9910 Gaston Road, Ste. 200, Katy • www.manditostexmex.com 7 Studio 6 An extended-stay branch of Motel 6, the pet-friendly hotel offers 55 guest rooms that include amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an outdoor grill and a coin laundry. • Opened in December • 1425 Westborough Drive, Katy • www.motel6.com

529

CLAY RD.

MORTON RANCH RD.

KATY FORT BEND RD.

2855

99 TOLL

WESTBOROUGH DR.

FRANZ RD.

CANE ISLAND PKWY.

E. THIRD ST.

GRAND W. BLVD.

JORDAN RANCH BLVD.

K I N G S L A N

KINGSLAND BLVD.

KATY MILLS CIR.

HIGHLAND KNOLLS DR.

1463

Katy

GEORGE BUSH PARK

S N E R

CROSS CREEK BEND LN.

1463

99 TOLL

F R Y R D .

MAP NOT TO SCALE

1093

FULSHEAR GASTON RD.

Fulshear

sandwiches and waffle fries. It brings roughly 80 full-and part-time jobs. • Opened Feb. 22

Now open

359

723

1 Chick-fil-A The fast-casual restaurant chain is known for its chicken

• 22159 FM 529, Katy • www.chick-fil-a.com

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BY ASIA ARMOUR, KELLY SCHAFLER & AUBREY VOGEL

8 Icebox Cryotherapy The business offers full-body cryotherapy sessions, cryotherma anti-aging treatments, facials, and compression and red light therapy. • Opened Feb. 17

• Opening this spring • 5345 E. Third St., Katy • www.katybeergarden.us

Now open

14 Pickle Point The facility will feature indoor and outdoor courts, a sauna and wellness bar, as well as an area inside for families to gather around food trucks and live music, and a pet-friendly gazebo outside. • Opening this spring • 23437 Clay Road, Katy • www.picklepointusa.com 15 Lightbridge Academy The early education and child care franchise will have the capacity for 226 children ages 6 weeks to 6 years

• 6630 FM 1463, Ste. A200, Fulshear • www.iceboxtherapy.com/fulshear-tx

9 Exit 4 Katy This escape room puts up to 10 attendees in a room for an hour to break out using clues and hidden puzzles. • Opened March 6 • 1227 Grand W. Blvd., Ste. B204, Katy • www.exit4escape.com/katy-tx

19 Monster Mini Golf This indoor glow-in-the-dark entertainment center features a mini golf course, an arcade and prize center, and virtual reality. The venue also includes locally-inspired artwork depicting sites and symbols unique to Katy. • Opened March 9

Coming soon

old and 30-35 full-time employees. • Opening in November or December • 3321 Peek Road, Katy • www.lightbridgeacademy.com

10 SweatHouz The all-inclusive wellness recovery experience offers infrared saunas, cold plunges and Vitamin C showers. • Opening in June • 27123 Fulshear Bend Drive, Ste. D300, Fulshear • www.sweathouz.com/fulshear-book-now 11 Primark The international fashion retailer will offer the latest fashion trends, homewares and beauty products. • Opening in mid-2026 • 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy • www.primark.com 12 The Market at Katy Park H-E-B, the anchor in the 54-acre mixed-use center, opened Feb. 21. Other tenants set to join include Airi Ramen, Crust Pizza Co., Eye Eye Doc, GoHealth Urgent Care, Great Clips, Longhorn Liquor, Pacific Dental

16 Coloplast The medical supply company’s main distribution center will focus on products for men’s health, female pelvic

• 1705 N. Fry Road, Ste. 3, Katy • www.monsterminigolf.com

help, skin care and wound care. • Opening at the end of March • 30815 Kingsland Blvd., Brookshire • www.coloplast.us

Expansions

and a two-year, full-time internship program designed to create leaders in the church. • 22765 Westheimer Parkway, Katy • www.thefellowship.org

17 Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital The hospital’s new three-story garage offers visitor and employee parking and can be expanded as needed. It’s part of a $167 million expansion. • Opened Jan. 11 • 23900 Katy Freeway, Katy • www.memorialhermann.org/katy

Worth the trip

Services, Postal Plus and Venetian Nail Spa. • Opening in the fourth quarter of 2024 • 24924 Morton Ranch Road, Katy • www.heb.com

P. Terry’s The Austin-based burger brand’s first Houston-area location will offer burgers, fries, hand-spun milkshakes, and fresh lemonade and orange juice. • Opening this fall • 9207 FM 723, Richmond • www.pterrys.com

In the news

13 Katy Beer Garden It will feature 100 beers on tap, a full cocktail program, a 100-bottle wine list and various bar foods.

18 The Fellowship Celebrating its 30th anniversary in February, the church provides programming such as counseling, preschool,

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KATY NORTH EDITION

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & AUBREY VOGEL

Wellness on Wheels dates announced A free mobile health program is coming to every Harris County precinct this year offering communities in need with various services, including fresh food boxes from locally sourced family-owned farms and preventive mammograms. Attendees will also have access to free dental screenings and vaccinations. Pet owners will also be able to bring their pets for vaccinations and microchipping. Dates to know While the Precinct 2 event took place March 9, locations for other precincts are still to be determined.

Master plan approved for lynching memorial site Harris County commissioners approved the master plan Feb. 27 for an area in downtown Houston that will be redeveloped into Remem- brance Park—a dedicated space where residents and visitors can commemorate the actions and struggles of those who fought for social justice. One of the park’s main focal points in the 7 6 4 5 Remembrance Park Master Plan

master plan will be four markers recognizing four African-American men who were lynched in Harris County between 1890-1928, according to Harris County Precinct 1’s website. The big picture Precinct 1 officials said the cost of the project will be determined once construction bids are taken in 2025. The project will be funded by regional park bonds, mobility funds and general funds, officials said. While the project is currently in the design phase, officials said it is anticipated to take at least four years, with completion projected for 2029.

1 Equal Justice

5 Art pavilion 6 Heritage garden 7 Canopy walk

Initiative markers 2 Community welcome center 3 Reflection pool 4 Performance space

• Precinct 1: June 8 • Precinct 3: Aug. 3 • Precinct 4: Dec. 7

NOTE: THE FULL LIST OF PROPOSED PARK FACILITIES CAN BE FOUND ON COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT AGENDA DOCUMENT/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Katy moves forward with park improvement plan Katy continues to see improvements to parks after adopting the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan in October 2022. learning center for students and families on a historic 5-acre property. The center will feature

Construction is underway for Phase 1 of the 3B Learning Center, which includes:

• Fussell House renovations • Construction of a parking area • Addition of fences and gates

exhibits detailing the Fussell House’s history and an outdoor learning space highlighting the local Katy and coastal prairie ecosystem focused on native plants, animals and insects, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Browne said in an email. The parks department is targeting opening in spring 2025. Browne said Phase 1 is expected to

The plan aims to grow the city’s parks program with funding from the city’s $4.2 million May 2021 parks bond. What’s being done One project is the 3B Learning Center, a $384,305

SOURCE: KATY PARKS AND RECREATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

conclude this spring. Phase 2 includes trail develop- ment, the outdoor learning area, excavation of the pond and general area landscaping, and it could be done in spring 2025.

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Education

BY DAVE MANNING & HANNAH NORTON

KISD board votes not to change chaplain policy The Katy ISD board of trustees voted 5-2 in favor of a resolution declining to change district’s policy to allow chaplains to serve as school counselors or to be employed in an ocial capacity as a chaplain during the regular board meeting Feb. 26. Senate Bill 763, which passed during the 2023 Texas legislative session, mandated that districts vote by March 1 whether to change their policy to allow chaplains to act in those capacities. The bill stipulates the funding for hiring chaplains could be taken from the school safety portion of the state’s contribution to district budgets, an option rejected by many Houston-area school districts. The context On Feb. 19, the KISD board discussed the merits of changing district policy. Trustees said they were concerned about the following: • Which faiths would be included or excluded

Texas continues Clean School Bus program Hundreds of Texas public school districts will likely qualify for state funding as they switch to electric buses and other clean forms of transportation. Districts can request reimbursement for up to ve projects as they upgrade or replace diesel-powered buses. Roughly $13.5 million is available through the grant program, which is administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. About the program Applications for the 19th year of the Texas Clean School Bus program opened Feb. 14. Districts have until Oct. 14 to apply, but TCEQ Program Specialist Nate Hickman said funding is typically exhausted within the rst few months.

“As I stated before, spiritual formation and religious training are the responsibility of parents and their churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, ... and we cannot expect the schools to take over parenting.”

VICTOR PEREZ, KISD BOARD PRESIDENT

• Parental rights in religious training • Lack of need due to existing mentoring programs What they’re saying Trustees Victor Perez, Dawn Champagne, Lance Redmon, Rebecca Fox and Mary Ellen Cuzella voted for the resolution to decline the policy revisions proposed in SB 763. Trustees Amy Thieme and Morgan Calhoun voted against the resolution, saying they believed a policy could be created that works for stakeholders.

KATY NORTH EDITION

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Transportation

BY AUBREY VOGEL

Portion of Willow Fork Drainage District trail to temporarily close A Willow Fork Drainage District recreational trail will soon close for a six-month period for the Grand Parkway widening project. What you need to know The Texas Department of Transportation has proposed a highway improvement project for the Grand Parkway that will impact some usage of the WFDD trail along Buffalo Bayou that runs under the highway. The proposed time for the temporary trail closing would be April to September, a TxDOT official said. The $103 million Grand Parkway widening project focuses on the addition of two lanes between FM 1093 and I-10, impacting both Harris and Fort Bend counties.

Third Street drainage upgrades to begin At the Feb. 12 meeting, Katy City Council approved ARKK Engineers to design and construct drainage improvements on Third Street between Airline and Katyland drives. The $191,140 project aims to alleviate drainage issues along Third Street, including backup issues citywide, said David Kasper, city engineer and ARKK Engineers senior project manager and principal. Construction is expected to begin in September and take 10 months, Kasper said.

99 TOLL

BUFFALO BAYOU NATURE TRAIL

CLOSURE AREA

Terms to know TxDOT invited community members to share their comments about the project up until Feb. 23. TxDOT officials said in an emailed response after Feb. 23 that they were working to address comments. TxDOT officials determined the project will not affect or change the features of the trail, accord- ing to a news release. In fact, TxDOT officials said in the release that patrons would still be able to access the trail both east and west of the closure area during construction.

AIRLINE DR.

THIRD ST.

Temporary three-way stop coming to Cane Island At the Feb. 26 meeting, Katy City Council voted to add a temporary three-way stop to the “danger- ous” intersection of Cane Island Parkway and Pitts Road until a more permanent solution can be put in place. be added amid construction. What’s next

Kasper said there are plans to add a permanent traffic signal at this intersection, including side- walk connector ramps, pedestrian push buttons and a crosswalk across Cane Island Parkway. The signals could be operational by the end of 2024, according to agenda documents.

With ongoing construction to widen Pitts Road from Morton Road to Cane Island Parkway, Katy City Engineer David Kasper said in a letter to the city that many drivers have asked for stop signs to

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Real estate

Overall, the number of homes sold in Katy- and Fulshear-area ZIP codes decreased in February compared to February 2023. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

February 2023

February 2024

-50%

+7.41%

-37%

-14.63%

-0.91%

+5.66%

99 TOLL

77493

77094

77441

77449

77450

77493

77494

529

77449

Median home sales price

77094

77494

77450

February

2023

2024

$420,000 $430,000 $282,958 $365,000 $338,495 $447,750

$492,500 $485,000 $289,400 $383,000 $359,990 $481,100

1093

77094

77441

77449

Homes sold by price point

77450

February 2024

77493

77494

$850,000+

$650,000-$849,999

Average days on market

145

$450,000-$649,999

+29.41%

+33.8%

-13.24%

+16.33%

-1.37%

+10.91%

367

$250,000-$449,999

<$249,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CHARLIE RUSSO RE/MAX SIGNATURE 713-851-4871 WWW.CHARLIERUSSOREALTY.COM

77094

77441

77449

77450

77493

77494

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Health care

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Barbie Robinson shares new Harris County Public Health initiatives Barbie Robinson has led Harris County Public Health since she was named executive director in March 2021. HCPH provides comprehensive health services and programs to communities across the county. The mission of the organization—made up of approximately 700 public health professionals—is to promote health and well-being by advancing equity, building partnerships and establishing culturally responsive systems. What message about overall health and well-being would you like to share with readers? Although this is the beginning of a new year, this is still cold and flu season. In addition, nationally, we have seen a rise in respiratory infections, includ- ing respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. I would like to encourage community members to stay alert and watchful for any common signs and symptoms. It is important that they consult their primary care physician or a provider and receive the appropriate testing if they are experiencing signs or symptoms. If they do not have a primary care physician and live within Harris County, we have resources that can help. What are some initiatives residents can expect from HCPH in the upcoming year? In the new year, HCPH is working to expand our violence prevention services. Our Community Health and Violence Prevention Services Division uses public health approaches to prevent violence

in Harris County and is comprised of two pro- grams—the Holistic Assistance Response Team pilot program and the Relentless Interrupters Serving Everyone program, formerly known as the Commu- nity and Hospital violence prevention programs. HART utilizes a public health approach when responding to calls for services traditionally routed to law enforcement. HART reduces the burden on law enforcement by dispatching a team made up of a crisis intervention specialist and a certified emergency medical technician to nonviolent 911 calls to address behavioral health and social welfare concerns. As of February, HART has responded to over 8,000 calls since launching in March 2022. RISE is a community-based solution to reducing gun violence using a public health approach that operates outside and is complementary to law enforcement. This program utilizes credible mes- sengers to interrupt violence and defuse immediate tensions in an effort to help build long-term peace while creating a safer community for everyone. Why is it important to provide increased access to services and programs for residents who have historically been underserved? Harris County has one of the highest measures of adverse health, economic and social outcomes due to COVID-19. Many, if not all, HCPH programs observed significant setbacks in their service deliv- ery and goals. The lessons learned proved to be an opportunity for more significant work and reach of services. It is now more important than ever to work toward health equity as the pandemic exposed and worsened existing health care access and outcomes inequalities. HCPH Integrated Mobile Health Services offers various free and/or low-cost preventive and chronic care health services such as vaccinations, health screening, HIV testing, chronic disease prevention and management, and tobacco cessation.

As part of the health literacy portfolio, HCPH is working diligently to create and establish a Maternal Health Bill of Rights to increase awareness for birthing persons, medical providers and community partners that support birthing persons. The [bill of rights] aims to move the needle in addressing the public health crisis of maternal and infant mortality.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.

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KATY NORTH EDITION

Election

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Incumbent Election results breakdown Various races were up for election in the March 5 primaries, including representatives for the Katy and Fulshear areas. All results are unofficial until canvassed. This list is not comprehensive. SOURCES: FORT BEND COUNTY, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT Winner For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Headed to runoff

Fort Bend County

Harris County

Texas House of Representatives

7.54% Jessica Huang 38.65% Jacey Jetton District 26, Republican primary

Sheriff, Republican primary

61.76% Marshall Slot 16.84% Mo Nehad Sheriff, Republican primary

56.4% Mike Knox 17.2% Joe Danna 9.46% Paul Day

53.81% Matthew Morgan

21.4% John Minchew

61.06% Gary Gates 38.94% Dan Mathews District 28, Republican primary 42.97% Nelvin J. Adriatico 57.03% Marty Rocha District 28, Democratic primary

16.93% Glenn Cowan

11.38% Pete Luna Sheriff, Democratic primary

Sheriff, Democratic primary

12.18% Vergil Rochelle Ratliff

4.53% Joe Inocencio 16.27% Dana M. Wolfe 67.03% Ed Gonzalez

20.54% Geneane Hughes 12.24% Sonny Colunga

55.85% Eric Fagan

Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Katy Music Festival Houston Community College-Katy hosts 10 hours of award-nominated artists performing live. Guests can also expect artists and crafters, a farmers market, and craft beer and wine. • April 20, 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. • $5 (admission) International Festival at Kingsland The third annual festival will have cultural performances, international cuisine, an artisan market and activities for kids and entire families. • April 20, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • 20555 Kingsland Blvd., Katy • www.kingsland.org/international-festival • 22910 Colonial Parkway, Katy • www.houstonfolkfestival.com Brazilian Food and Music Festival Located at Wildcatter Saloon, this event highlights the music and food culture of Brazil. • April 21, noon-6 p.m. • $10 • 26913 Katy Freeway, Katy • https://bfmf2024.eventbrite.com

April

Katy Sip n Stroll The 27th annual event features 300 wine, beer and spirit offerings, food-tasting stations, live music, a silent auction and services from Le Chloe Med Spa. • April 6, 6-9 p.m. (general admission), 5 p.m. (VIP entry) • $75 (general admission), $110 (VIP entry) • 21402 Merchants Way, Katy • www.sipandstroll.com Community Food Fair Katy Christian Ministries’ bimonthly event at the PowerHouse Church distributes food and produce. • April 13 and 27, 9-11 a.m. • Free • 1818 Katyland Drive, Katy • www.ktcm.org/events Katy Lego Builders Harris County Public Library’s Katy Branch hosts a Lego building challenge and free play event for ages 5-11.

Houston Texans Kids Triathlon This 11th annual event is held at Typhoon Texas Waterpark. Kids of all ages, skill levels and abilities have the opportunity to swim, bike and run a short- or long-course foot race. New this year is the splash and dash event, which features a 125-meter swim, 2-mile bike ride and 1-mile run. • April 13-14, 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m. • $60-$90 • 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy • www.houstontexans.com/community/ kids-triathlon

Limited seating is available. • April 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m. • Free • 5414 Franz Road, Katy • https://hcpl.bibliocommons.com

FRY ROAD NORTH 3811 N Fry Rd (281) 578-0916 MASON ROAD 1640 S Mason Rd (281) 395-6262

FRY ROAD 1743 Fry Rd (281) 579-7004 KATY MILLS 24417 Katy Fwy (281) 394-5780

Community

Camp Guide

2024

Bobby Sanders Basketball Camp Type: day, sports Ages: grades 1-8 Dates: June 3-6, June 10-13, July 8-10 Cost: $130-$155 weekly • 4400 Falcon Landing Blvd., Katy • www.bobbysandersbasketballcamps.com

Parents looking for camps for their children have a number of options to choose from in the Katy area. This list is not comprehensive.

• 2225 Porter Road, Katy • www.campwest.org

Carson’s Art School Type: arts, day Ages: 6-17 Dates: May 27-Aug. 16 Cost: $189-$363 weekly • 5131 S. Fry Road, Katy • www.carsonsartschool.com

Katy

Art Camps at Cordovan Art School Type: arts, day Ages: 5-16

Camp Cove Type: arts, day, religion Ages: 2-8 Dates: June 10-27, July 8-18 Cost: $225 weekly • 22765 Westheimer Parkway, Katy • www.thefellowship.org

Dates: May 28-Aug. 18 Cost: $204-$569 weekly • 1627 S. Fry Road, Katy • www.cordovanartschool.com

Challenge Island Type: arts, academics, day Ages: 3-13 Dates: June 3-Aug. 9; no camps July 4 week Cost: $199-$315 weekly • Church of Holy Apostles, 1225 W. Grand Parkway S., Katy; Cinco Ranch Lakehouse, 25202 Springwood Lake Drive, Katy • www.challenge-island.com/nwhouston-katy

Benedictine Tutors Type: academics, day Ages: grades K-8 Dates: June 3-Aug. 5 Cost: $202-$295 weekly • 24210 Westheimer Parkway, Ste. 900, Katy • www.benedictinetutors.com/katy-summer-camp

Camp West Type: day, religious Ages: grades K-8 Dates: June 5-July 7 Cost: $450 weekly

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Circle Lake Ranch Type: day, equestrian Ages: 7-12 (beginner, regular lessons) Dates: May 27-31, June 17-21, July 8-12, July 22-26 Cost: $499 weekly • 1134 FM 1463, Katy • www.circlelakeranch.com Creator Camp Type: arts, day Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 3-Aug. 2 Cost: $159-$249 for two- and three-day options; $1,200 for a summer pass • Living Word Lutheran Church, 3700 S. Mason Road, Katy; Intempo Studio, 24919 Roesner Road, Katy; Clubhouse at Tamarron, 28707 Tamarron Parkway, Katy • www.creatorcamp.org

Katy Gymnastics and Sports Performance Type: day, sports Ages: 5 and older Dates: June 3-Aug. 1 Cost: $170 weekly

Katy

• 22570 Franz Road, Katy • www.thekatygym.com

Kiddie Academy of Katy-West Type: arts, day Ages: completed kindergarten to 12 years old Dates: June 3-Aug. 12 Cost: $250 weekly • 27613 Pine Mill Ranch Drive, Katy • www.kiddieacademy.com/academies/programs/ summer-camp

Drama Kids International Type: arts, day Ages: 6-15 Dates: July 1-6 (off July 4), July 29-Aug. 2, Aug. 5-9 Cost: $185-$315 weekly, $25 registration • Cinco Ranch Lakehouse Community Center, 25202 Springwood Lake Drive, Katy • www.dramakids.com

The Little Gym of Katy Type: day Ages: 3-10 Dates: May 30-Aug 18

Funtastik Labs Type: arts, day, robotics, science Ages: 5-11

Cost: $36 per camp for members, $42 per camp for nonmembers; discounts available for multiple camps • 23010 Highland Knolls Drive, Ste. A, Katy • www.tlgkatytx.com

Dates: May 28-Aug. 9 Cost: $159-$249 weekly • 615 Mason Road, Katy • www.funtastiklabs.com

CONTINUED ON 20

KATY NORTH EDITION

Community

YMCA day camps Type: day, nature, sports, STEM Ages: 5-15 Dates: May 28-Aug. 2 Cost: $225 weekly

CONTINUED FROM 19

Katy

Momentum Indoor Climbing Type: day, sports Ages: 7-16 Dates: May 28-Aug. 9 Cost: $335 weekly • 25410 Katy Mills Parkway, Katy • www.momentumclimbing.com/katy/youth/ summercampregistration

• Aristoi Katy Grammar School, 5618 11th St., Katy; Mark A. Chapman YMCA, 1350 Main St., Katy; Monty Ballard YMCA, 22807 Westheimer Parkway, Katy • www.ymcahouston.org/summer-camp

Other

Paris Saint-Germain Academy Type: day, sports Ages: 8-15 (competitive), 6-13 (recreational) Dates: June 3-6, July 8-11, July 29-Aug. 1 (competitive); June 3-Aug. 9 (recreational) Cost: $300 weekly • 23910 Katy Freeway, Katy (competitive); 20212 Franz Road, Katy (recreational) • www.psgacademyhouston.com

Republic Gymnastics & Dance Type: arts, day, sports Ages: 3 and older Dates: June 17-21, July 8-12, July 22-26, Aug. 5-9 (gymnastics); June 24-28, July 15-19 (dance) Cost: $200-$300 weekly • 21227 FM 529, Cypress • www.republicgymnastics.com/camps The University of Houston-Downtown Type: academics, day Ages: grades 7-9 Dates: June 12-July 12 Cost: free • 1 Main St., Ste. 722, Houston • www.uhd.edu/prep

Skills Samurai Coding Camps with Activate Type: academics, day Ages: 8-16 Dates: May 27-May 31, June 10-June 14, June 24-June 28, July 8-July 12, July 22-July 26, Aug. 5-Aug. 9 Cost: $409 weekly • 20225 Katy Freeway, Katy • https://katy.jumbula.com/camps

Pure Soccer Type: day, sports Ages: 6 and older Dates: May 27-Aug. 9 Cost: $270 weekly, $70 daily • 25730 Westheimer Parkway, Katy • www.puresoccertx.com

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Katy

USA Ninja Challenge Katy Type: athletics, half-day Ages: 4-13 Dates: June 6-June 28, July 8-Aug. 2 Cost: $250 weekly; $235 weekly before April 1

• 22564 Franz Road, Katy • www.ninjakatytx.com

Westwood Gymnastics & Dance Type: athletics, day Ages: 3 and older Dates: May 28-May 31, June 10-June 14, July 22-July 26, Aug. 5-Aug. 9 Cost: $230 weekly

• 23333 Taswell Drive, Katy • www.westwoodgym.com

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From the cover

Future leader of economic development in county unclear

Meet the ad hoc committee

In a nutshell

The FBEDC was founded in 1986 and has focused on promoting economic development agreements between potential employers and developers as well as cities and the county, ocials said. The organization is run by President and CEO Je Wiley and its sta members, but it’s governed by its board of directors, composed of representatives from local cities and private businesses, which pay to be members, said Andy Meyers, Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner and FBEDC board member. To make recommendations on how to move forward, in mid-March the county and the FBEDC’s eight-member executive committee of business leaders formed an ad hoc committee made of 14 members. An FBEDC representative declined Community Impact’s interview request. Carlos Guzman, director of the county’s internal Economic Opportunity and Development department, said the committee will help determine the path for both the county’s department and FBEDC. “We’re at a standstill, because once we know, ‘Hey the ad hoc decided you need to turn left instead of right,’ then at that point, that’ll be the structure the county … is going to follow,” Guzman said. Hebert said the city benets from memberships with the FBEDC, Katy Area Economic Development Council, Waller County Economic Development Partnership, and state and regional economic development entities. He said the city is open to partnering with the county’s new department as well. “However it’s going to work, the city of Katy will work with whatever entity comes out [of the ad hoc committee],” Hebert said.

Tim Kinsinger Senior site director, Frito-Lay Rosenberg

Jared Jameson Co-chair; FBEDC executive committee chairman

Tim Jecoat Co-chair; board director, Develop Richmond

Todd Meaux Head of HSE & facilities management, SLB

Aman Dhuka Board member, FBEDC

David Oliver Partner, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson

Jim Rice President, Rice & Gardner Consultants

Sidney Evans Senior advisor of business aairs, Reliant

Elizabeth Hu Economic development director, Sugar Land

Joe Esch Economic development director, Rosenberg

Carlos Guzman Director, Economic Opportunity and Development department

Jay Neal Associate vice president of academic aairs & chief operating ocer, University of Houston at Sugar Land and Katy

Committee focus The committee will make recommendations on: • How the county’s new department can work with cities and local economic development departments • How to move the FBEDC’s board forward under TIP Strategies’ recommendations, but the FBEDC board of directors will decide if they want the organization to continue

Kevin Riles Broker/owner, Kevin Riles Commercial

Kim Sachtleben Board chair, Central Fort Bend Chamber

SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The backstory

Early 2022: Fort Bend County creates the Economic Opportunity and Development department to prepare for population growth.

February 2023: The county and Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council hire TIP Strategies to create a ve-year strategic plan.

Jan. 9: At a special Commissioners Court meeting, chair Jared Jameson says Jan. 31 will be the last day for FBEDC sta members.

Jan. 10: FBEDC board delays vote on dissolving; FBEDC retains CEO Je Wiley and Oce Manager Carolyn Martin until all pathways are explored.

2022

2023

2024

May-June: The committee will meet three to four times to determine recommendations for the strategic plan.

October 2022: The county hires Carlos Guzman to head its new department.

Fall 2023: TIP Strategies gives the FBEDC’s executive committee two pathways on the organization’s future.

Dec. 18: County announces the FBEDC executive committee recommended dissolving in June 2024.

Mid-March: The county announces an ad hoc

committee to determine the organizations’ strategic future.

SOURCES: FORT BEND COUNTY, GREATER FORT BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCILCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Why it matters

What’s next

What they’re saying

Meyers said some members of Commission- ers Court want economic development to fall mainly under the county’s purview, which he doesn’t agree with. Regardless of the organization’s future, Meyers said he believes economic development is important because the county should diver- sify its property tax base to ease the burden on taxpayers, because most of the county’s revenue is from residential development.

City and county leaders said they believe there’s a future for the FBEDC—despite diering opinions on how to get there or what the role will be. Meyers said the FBEDC should focus more on attracting employers than master-planned communities. Additionally, Elizabeth Hu—who is Sugar Land’s economic development director, an FBEDC board member and an ad hoc committee member— said she also believes there’s a future for the FBEDC. She said she and other economic development directors would like the FBEDC to: • Become a lead generator that promotes the county through marketing • Bring together the region to speak as one voice

“It’s important to have smart economic development to bring in to broaden

that tax base so that we can maintain the services that our citizens in Katy are used to and want.” WILLIAM “DUSTY” THIELE, KATY MAYOR

Fort Bend County appraised value, 2023

“We need an independent economic development council. I disagree that the county can take over economic development and basically do it justice.” ANDY MEYERS, FORT BEND COUNTY PRECINCT 3 COMMISSIONER

Commercial, industrial 10%

Other 15.2%

Residential* 74.8%

*INCLUDES SINGLEFAMILY, MULTIFAMILY AND VACANT PLATTED LOTS

SOURCES: ANDY MEYERS, FORT BEND COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Business

BY ASIA ARMOUR

The key to the sports park and entertainment venue’s success has been its versatility, the owner said.

COURTESY STEVEN SMITH

AGR Sports oers around 12 activities its patrons can engage in, including paintball.

COURTESY STEVEN SMITH

AGR Sports boasts various activities for Katy families Searching for a U.S. city with the most favorable weather and growth potential, Alex Babichev, owner and founder of AGR Sports, chose Houston. virtual reality and an immersive 7D movie theater, as of February.

Owner Alex Babichev is searching this summer for a new Houston-area location to expand AGR Sports.

ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

There’s also a kitchen and bar as well as a stage for live performances, karaoke and DJs, which the venue welcomes bimonthly. Staying local Patrons can nd a cluster of other entertainment businesses near AGR Sports, such as golf venue PopStroke, baseball-themed park Home Run Dugout, and Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. “There’s more entertainment in Katy than any other part of Houston,” Babichev said. “Maybe some businesses think about it as competition, but ... people don’t like going to the same place every week. You want to try something new.”

He moved in 2017 and opened the rst state-side iteration of the Ukraine-based sports park and enter- tainment venue near downtown Houston in 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Babichev was able to expand the brand out to Katy, where he lives with his family, in October 2022. The features AGR Sports, short for Agressor Sports Club, has been successful partially for its ability to adapt, Babichev said. First only oering paintball and laser tag, the venue now has about 12 indoor activities. Now, AGR Sports has ax throwing, arcade games,

830 Katy Fort Bend Road, Ste. 200, Katy www.agrsportsbar.com

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