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KATY EDITION
VOLUME 11, ISSUE 6 FEB. 25 MARCH 23, 2023
Energy attracts
Southern Dough Baking Co. opens in downtown Katy
6
workers commute to the Energy Corridor daily from areas such as Katy, Memorial City, Bridgeland and Sugar Land. 60,000
8 activities taking place in the Katy area
9
Data shows the Energy Corridor continues to attract large companies and skilled workers from Katy and surrounding communities. O cials said projects planned in 2023 will further cement the business district as a leader in Houston’s energy transition. Energy Corridor draws Katy's working class, corporations COURTESY ENERGY CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Katy ISD forms community bond committee
BY ASIA ARMOUR
maintenance and beauti cation projects in the corridor, including infrastructure improvements, public safety and security, and transportation and mobility. The rebrand will invest in projects to accommodate workers with hybrid schedules and attract tenants outside of the oil and gas industry to maintain the Energy Corridor’s position as a critical economic hub, said Elijah Williams, executive director of the management district.
The Energy Corridor, a more than 2,000-acre business district, continues to draw a signi cant portion of Katy’s working class and attract Fortune 500 companies. Now, a rebrand launched in November aims to position the corri- dor to lead Houston’s push toward clean energy and cater to a post-pandemic workforce, o cials said. The Rede ning Energy rebrand campaign is led by the Energy Corridor Management District, which funds various
Education briefs
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CONTINUED ON 26
County jail population, deaths swell in 2022
In 2022, the Harris County Jail recorded the highest number of in-custody deaths since 2006, and the population surged to numbers not seen since 2011. Harris County’s overburdened jail
Uncle Chin’s Kitchen o ers authentic Malaysian cuisine
25
BY RACHEL CARLTON
The Harris County Jail was pushed to its limits in 2022: the average daily population in the third quarter of the year rose above 10,000 people for the rst time since 2011, according to the county’s jail population dashboard. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards also found the jail out of compliance twice in the lat- ter half of 2022: once Sept. 7 for
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
in-custody deaths in Harris County Jail in 2022 27
of inmates on Aug. 1 were incarcerated pretrial, up from 58.8% in August 2012 84.9%
approved by Commissioners Court to outsource inmates to other jails in 2022 $34.89M
average jail population in third quarter 2022, the most since 2011 10,033
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SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION, TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS COMMUNITY IMPACT
CONTINUED ON 28
NOT ALL MAMMOGRAMS ARE THE SAME
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At Kissing Tree, we have lovely new homes and endless places to roam: a gorgeous 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball and bocce ball courts, a 2-story fitness center, a Biergarten, walking trails, and more. Not to mention poker tournaments, happy hours, great friends, and hundreds of clubs and events, if that’s your speed. It’s all waiting for you. Call 512-842-4902 or visit KissingTree.com to learn more.
3
KATY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
EXPERIENCE TRUE FREEDOM Independent living with added peace of mind SUPPORTIVE INDEPENDENT LIVING Imagine a private residence you’ll love, with the promise of a discreet helping hand to make it perfect!
SUPPORTIVE INDEPENDENT LIVING Imagine a private residence you’ll love, with the promise of a discreet helping hand to make it perfect!
Maintain Your Independence The Delaney offers independent living residents all-inclusive benefits like three restaurant- style meals daily, weekly housekeeping, and all utilities. Plus in-residence assistance upon request: medication management, bathing, dressing, shopping, meal delivery, and dining room escort services. On- site therapy is also available from Fox Rehab.
Maintain Your Independence The Delaney offers independent living residents all-inclusive benefits like three restaurant-style meals daily, weekly housekeeping, and all utilities. Plus in-residence assistance upon request: medication management, bathing, dressing, shopping, meal delivery, and dining room escort services. On-site therapy is also available from Fox Rehab.
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Join us February 23 at 10:30 a.m. as author Leah Stanley discusses her journey as a caregiver, with helpful info and tips about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Call (832) 225-4590 to learn more. Parkinson’s and You: How strength training can minimize the impact of Parkinson’s disease. Presented by Fox Rehab • Thursday, March 23 at 12:30 p.m. Call (832) 225-4590 to learn more.
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THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM AMY: This year, Community Impact will celebrate 12 years in the Katy community. We are so grateful to our readers for continuing to support us. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to sign up for our daily top stories email called CI Morning Impact. You can sign up by going to communityimpact.com/corporate-newsletter to get daily updates and breaking news delivered right to your inbox. Amy Martinez, GENERAL MANAGER
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FROM KELLY: Our front-page story this month dives into Katy's Energy Corridor. A rebrand launched in November aims to accommodate workers with hybrid schedules and attract tenants outside of the oil and gas industry. Additionally, data showed that many residents from the Katy area work in the Energy Corridor. Kelly Scha er, MANAGING EDITOR
Marie Leonard Digital Product Manager
communityimpact.com
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KATY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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STOCKDICK SCHOOL RD.
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Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade
CANE ISLAND PKWY.
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COURTESY WOW WOW HAWAIIAN LEMONADE
1ST ST.
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KATY FWY.
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COMING SOON 5 Tesla will move into a 1.03 million- square-foot industrial space in Brookshire. Stream Realty Partners, the developer and landlord for the property, declined to com- ment on the date the company plans to move into the Empire West Business Park at 111 Empire Blvd. However, Brookshire’s interim City Administrator Mike Barnes confirmed the city issued a certificate of occupancy to Tesla in October 2021. Barnes also said at a Jan. 7 Economic Development Corporation meeting Tesla and H-E-B are tenants at the business park. www.tesla.com 6 The same owner bringing The Middle Chamber soul food restaurant to Katy is also opening Park Place at the Boardwalk Steakhouse & Grill on March 9. Located at 25551 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. C102, Katy, Park Place at the Boardwalk will double as a restaurant and event space, chef and owner RC Simmons said. The menu has appetizers and entree options for brunch, Caribbean and Latin cuisine, and dishes out of the Deep South. 832-997-8840. www.parkplacekaty.com 7 Chick N Max , a Kansas-based fast-casual restaurant, will open its second Houston-area eatery in June at the Market at Cross Creek shopping center along FM 1463 and Fulshear Bend Drive. The Chick N Max menu features almond wood- smoked chicken and wings, sandwiches and fried tenders. The restaurant also sells its chicken in wings, quarters, platters, bowls and salads. www.chicknmax.com 8 Slick City Action Park will come this fall to 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy, in Katy Mills, Katy officials announced
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NOW OPEN 1 Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade opened two Katy-area locations. The Katy Mills location at 1A 25220 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 300, Katy, opened Jan. 16. The other opened at 1B 1922 Greenhouse Road, Ste. 11, Houston, on Jan. 23. The business sells fresh-pressed lemonades, acai bowls, smoothies, coffee and tea, and healthy snacks. 832-437-6542 (Katy Mills). 281-717-4290 (Greenhouse). www.wowwowhawaiianlemonade.com
2 Salad and Go , a fast-food restaurant, opened Feb. 1 at 5200 FM 1463, Katy. Menu options include salads of varying ingredients, wraps, soups, breakfast and protein boxes for snacking. Two other stores opened in Richmond and League City on Feb. 17 and Feb. 22, respectively. 480-400-0634. www.saladandgo.com 3 Pappa Geno’s , a Philly cheesesteak sandwich shop, opened its second storefront in Katy on Jan. 11 at 1185 Katy Fort Bend Road. The comfort food restaurant’s menu features a variety of sandwiches, such as hoagies, Philly
cheesesteaks, burgers and chicken sand- wiches. Side orders on the menu include french fries, fried mushrooms, cheese sticks and onion rings. 713-389-5533. www.pappagenos.com 4 The Crack Shack opened its doors Feb. 10 at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. The Southern California-based fast-casual chicken concept sells sand- wiches, fried chicken and shakes. Produce is sourced from boutique local farms, and all the bread at the Crack Shack is handmade. 281-394-3456. www.crackshack.com
Find one in your neighborhood.
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COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR, RENEE FARMER & KELLY SCHAFLER
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Park Place at the Boardwalk Steakhouse & Grill
Sweet & Boozy
COURTESY PARK PLACE AT THE BOARDWALK STEAKHOUSE & GRILL
COURTESY SWEET & BOOZY
12 A Hotworx Studio is coming to the Energy Corridor this summer. Set to complete construction Aug. 30 and estimated to cost $101,465, the fitness center will be located at 1140 Eldridge Parkway, Ste. 150, Houston. Hotworx offers members unlimited 24-hour access to an array of virtually instructed, infrared sauna workouts—such as Pilates, yoga and high-intensity interval training. 832-529-1663. www.hotworx.net 13 One Medical , a membership-based primary care practice, plans to open in April at 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. D150, Katy, in LaCenterra. The prac- tice offers 24/7 on-demand virtual medical care, same- to next-day appointments and a spa-like office setting, per a news release from LaCenterra. One Medical has six other Houston-area locations, including Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands and the Heights. www.onemedical.com RELOCATIONS 14 Sweet & Boozy , an ice cream shop, is relocating its headquarters and cor- porate store to 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. E185, Katy, in the LaCenterra shopping center. The shop closed its location at 2643 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. C320, Katy, on Nov. 28, with plans to reopen in a smaller, more intimate space April 1, officials said. The business carries a variety of ice cream fla- vors for kids, as well as custom-created, alcohol-infused ice cream for adults. The menu features items like ice cream flights, “Thundershakes” loaded with toppings, popsicles made from real fruits and stuffed waffles. 346-477-9338. www.sweetnboozy.com
Jan. 19. The new indoor slide and sports court park features indoor slides without water and air courts for all ages. It is the first iteration of the business in Texas, according to a news release. Slick City will join Dig World and Typhoon Texas as the newest theme park at or near Katy Mills. 281-644-5000. www.slickcity.com 9 Developer Sueba USA announced plans to build San Paseo , a multifamily development located at 1724 Partnership Way, Katy, off of the Grand Parkway. The four-story midrise development will feature 272 apartments and 20 two-story townhomes. The San Paseo apartment community and adjacent townhomes will be managed by Southhampton Management Inc., an affiliate of Sueba USA. Pre-leasing is expected to start in March 2024. www.suebausa.com 10 The Learning Experience , a child care franchise, will open a Katy location in the fourth quarter of 2024 near Stock- dick School Road. The child care center will employ around 30 staff members and teachers and serve more than 180 kids, with ages ranging from 6 weeks old to 6 years old. Aside from day care services, The Learning Experience also offers enrichment programs and early childhood education. Other upcoming locations include Houston, Conroe, Tomball and Jersey Village. www.tle-franchising.com 11 Nando’s , a restaurant serving South African cuisine, updated its timeline for opening at the LaCenterra shopping center from spring to this summer. Known for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi seasoned chicken and sauces, Nando’s will occupy a 2,754-square-foot space at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. www.nandosperiperi.com
Southern Dough Baking Co. will serve scratch-made options, including chicken-fried steak.
COURTESY TONY GRASSAU
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Locally owned business Southern Dough Baking Co. is set to open March 8 in downtown Katy at 908 Ave. B, according to restaurant o cials. The scratch-made Southern cafe o ers lunch and dinner options, including chicken-fried steak, sandwiches, burgers and homemade pies, General Manager Tony Grassau said. Southern Dough Baking Co. makes everything in-house, including its own bread, he said. Additionally, the eatery serves Blue Bell Ice Cream and o ers gluten-free sandwiches and sweets, he said. “We’re happy to do something in Old Town Katy,” Grassau said. “We’re just trying to be part of the revitalization of EXPANSIONS 15 Twisted Grilled Cheese , announced it will expand the restaurant by adding a full-service bar at 24811 Katy Freeway, Ste. 100, Katy. The Black-owned restau- rant plates grilled cheese sandwiches with a variety of flavors and combinations, like the truffle mushroom. The brand started out in a food truck and opened its first location on Washington Avenue in Hous- ton in the year following. 281-665-8562. www.twistedgrilledcheese.com
Old Town Katy.” Southern Dough Baking Co. is a new concept from longtime Houston-based restaurateurs Larry Martin and Edgar Carlson, who own Baker St. Pub & Grill, Local Pour and Watson’s House of Ales. 832-407-1771. www.thesodough.com
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ANNIVERSARIES 16 The Missouri Kansas Texas Depo t celebrated its 125th anniversary Jan. 14 at 5615 First Street, Katy. The MKT Depot is marked by a red caboose at the entrance of the railroad park. The museum within the park has historical artifacts and materials that explain the history of Katy as a stop for passenger rail service until 1957, which served as a catalyst for Katy’s economic development. 281-391-8400. www.katyheritagesociety.com
YOURE TRUSTED ADVOCATES With over 20 neighborhood offices, Gary Greene has listed and sold more homes than any other brokerage in the greater Houston area, year after year. While we are proud of our track record, at Gary Greene, our passion is making a positive difference in the lives of the people we touch, one home at a time. You can count on us to be your trusted partner for life. Give me a call today, I’m ready to work for you.
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KATY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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NEW HOMES FROM THE $300s–$1M+ 281.640.4004 23634 Savannah Sparrow Lane, Katy, TX 77493 From Grand Parkway, exit FM 529 and travel west. Turn right at Elyson Blvd. and follow signs to Model Home Village.
A dazzling array of model homes and quick move-ins. Live music, food trucks, movies in the park and more. It’s all waiting for you at Elyson. Gather the details at Elyson.com/room-to-bloom
The Amazing Place Connections Program in Katy helps link the entire West Houston community with dementia education, memory training, caregiver programs, and emotional support. Discover how we are working to end the stigma of dementia both in-person and virtually. Visit AmazingPlaceHouston.org or call 713-552-0420.
Newland is proud to be a part of Brookfield Properties. We are one of the largest developers of mixed-use communities in the United States. With our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. newlandco.com | nashcommunities.com
Homes at Elyson ® are built and sold by home builders (“Builders”) unaffiliated with NASH FM 529, LLC (“Owner”), Newland Real Estate Group LLC (“Newland”) or their related entities. Buyers should review the purchase agreement, public offering statement., and other offering materials provided by the seller prior to signing any contract to purchase a home. Details on the prospective development are provided for informational purposes only and there is no guarantee that the final development will match the developer’s vision. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. Copyright © 2023 NASH FM 529, LLC (“Owner”). All Rights Reserved. No reproductions, distribution, or unauthorized transmission of any portion is permitted without written permission of Fee Owner. (2/23)
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
March events
COMPILED BY RENEE FARMER
MARCH 03 ENJOY A STREET SOIREE The Katy Parks & Recreation Department will hold its Katy’s Street Soiree in the Downtown Plaza. Avenue C will be turned into a community block party, with entertainment, food trucks and various activities. 5:30-8 p.m. Free. Downtown Plaza, 910 Ave. C, Katy. 281-391-4840. www.cityo aty.com/events 04 LEARN ABOUT BUTTERFLY GARDENING Residents can learn the fundamentals of butter y gardening at the Cinco Ranch Library, led by an entomologist with the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners. This is an adults-only event. 10:30 a.m.- noon. Free. Fort Bend County Libraries- Cinco Ranch Branch, 2620 Commercial Center Blvd., Katy. 281-395-1311. www.fortbend.lib.tx.us 11 RUN THE LUCKY CHARM 5K 10K Participants can wear green and run the Lucky Charm 5K, 10K or KidsK/ Family Walk. All 5K and 10K participants will receive a chip responder for the timed race, Lucky Charm nisher medal and unisex T-shirt. Food, drinks and music will be provided after the race. 7:30 a.m. $20+. Mo’s Irish Pub,
23511 Katy Freeway, Katy. 713-366-2565. www.houstonrunningco.com 18 FIND A SUMMER CAMP Houston Family Camp Fair will allow parents to nd the right summer program for their child. Camp representatives from sports, music, adventure, technology, drama and academic camps, with day or overnight options will be there. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. 713-266-1885. www.houstonfamilymagazine.com 23 THROUGH 25 HAVE A DRINK The Wild West Brew Fest at Typhoon Texas includes 500 di erent brews, live music and food trucks. 5-8 p.m. (March 23), 7-10 p.m. (March 24), 3-9 p.m. (March 25). Free (March 23), $25+ (March 24), $75 (March 25). Typhoon Texas, 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy. www.wildwestbrewfest.com 25 CELEBRATE AN ITALIAN FESTIVAL The Italian Festival at Central Green Park will have dancing, opera, music, food and art. In the event of rain, it will be held March 26. 4-7:30 p.m. Free. Central Green Park, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. 832-265-0506. www.centralgreenpark.com
The Katy Home & Garden Show features interior and exterior items for the home. FEATURED EVENT ATTEND A HOME AND GARDEN SHOW Community members can attend the Katy Home & Garden Show March 25-26. This showcase features interior and exterior items for the home, including windows, doors, oors, outdoor living areas, landscape, pools, kitchens, baths and pets. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (March 25), 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (March 26). $9 (adults), free (children 12 and under). Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center 5801 Katy Hockley Cut O Road, Katy 832-392-0165 www.katyhomeandgardenshow.com
MARCH 24 25
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS VFW PARK
Katy Parks & Recreation will hold its Spring Community Campout at Veterans of Foreign Wars Park. Participants can enjoy the park and activities before a hot dog dinner, s’mores and a movie. Breakfast will be served the next morning. Families with children are welcome. 6 p.m.-9 a.m. Free, registration required. VFW Park, 6202 George Bush Drive, Katy. 281-391-4840. www.cityo aty.com/events
Find more or submit Katy 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.
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KATY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Westpark Tollway extension design nears completion The Westpark Tollway, a major east-west thoroughfare in the
COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR & RENEE FARMER
ONGOING PROJECTS
Associates, said the project is in the design phase with plans for comple- tion in the summer. Designing the extension will cost $7 million, Smith said. A project cost estimate and construction timeline have not been made yet. Fulshear Assistant City Manager Zach Goodlander said most develop- ment in the Fulshear area is happen- ing north of FM 1093, which directly connects to Westpark Tollway. He said this makes the extension a key component to the area’s mobility in the coming years. “A great percentage of our residents do commute to work into Houston, so the Tollway will provide better mobility for them to
WESTHEIMER PKWY.
Fulshear and southwest Katy area that leads into FM 1093, is being extended from FM 723 to the Texas Heritage Parkway. This work is being completed by the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority. Texas Heritage Parkway—a 6.4- mile, four-lane roadway spanning from I-10 to just south of FM 1093— runs alongside various develop- ments, such as Cross Creek Ranch and Tamarron. FM 723 runs north and south and crosses Westpark Tollway near Westheimer Lakes. Phillip Smith, engineer with the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authori- ty’s contracted company Mike Stone
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Greenbusch Road widening Greenbusch Road is being widened from two to four lanes with a bridge between Gaston Road and Westheimer Parkway. The bridge has been com- pleted, allowing work on the road to begin, said Ike Akinwande, Fort Bend County’s assistant engineer. Timeline: March 2022-October 2023 Cost: $7.4 million Funding source: 2013 Fort Bend County mobility bond
TEXAS HERITAGE PKWY.
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and from work,” Goodlander said. “As the Tollway authority moves into design, it will be very important that the community’s interests are considered, from the schematics of the design to the aesthetics.”
UPCOMING PROJECTS
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METRO to add bike sharing to countywide transit system In an e ort to address rst- and last-mile a maximum of around 1,000 bikes throughout
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF FEB. 17. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT KTYNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. METRORapid Inner Katy Corridor The Federal Transit Administration ap- proved the categorical exclusion for the METRORapid Inner Katy Corridor proj- ect, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County o cials said at a Jan. 26 meeting. This means the project will have little environmental impact, so it does not need a full environmental im- pact evaluation. The Inner Katy project would add transit stations along I-10 and in downtown Houston. Timeline: TBD Cost: TBD Funding source: Houston-Galveston Area Council
connectivity to its system, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County will take over the operation of Houston BCycle, Houston’s only bike-sharing program. The METRO board voted to commence the bike-shar- ing initiative during its Jan. 26 meeting. Houston BCycle, operated by Houston Bike Share, a nonpro t organization, brought bike sharing to the region in 2012. The system at its peak included
approximately 150 stations and over 2,100 bike docks. Around 90% of its users do so for recreation rather than transportation. Houston Bike Share made the decision to suspend 75 of its 150 stations Jan. 1 due to nancial concerns. It then approached METRO with an opportunity to add bike sharing to its transit system. METRO has previ- ously marketed Houston BCycle as a rst- and last- mile transit alternative. The agency will now
METRO will develop a six- to nine-month transition plan to take over the footprint of Houston BCycle. (Courtesy Houston BCycle)
work with Houston Bike Share on developing a six- to nine-month transition plan with the objective of adapting the existing bike-sharing footprint to complement METRO’s transit system, METRO
Chief Financial O cer George Fotinos said. “Connecting bicycles to METRO’s transit system has been identi ed as one of the key strategies to grow local ridership and build use of the system,” he said.
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KATY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
There’s a little bit of all of us at Miller...
For 100 years, Miller Outdoor Theatre has delighted generations of audiences with the best in performing arts entertainment. And every performance free.
Join the season-long celebration. Celebrate 100 years of WOW! Enjoy eight months of the best music, dance, theatre and more. Plus, four big events packed with fun for the whole family two hours prior to a live performance. Dress in themed attire. Enjoy costumed performers, live mural paintings, epic photo installations and more. All free! MARCH 17 — SEASON OPENER: 8 PM The Trinity Irish Dance Company MARCH 18 — Special 100th Celebration: 6 PM, Performance 8 PM Return to the year it all started, 1923, with a roaring 20s extravaganza from 6 – 8 PM, capped off with a performance by the legendary Hot Sardines at 8 PM. MARCH 24 — I am King: The Michael Jackson Experience: 8 PM Located in Houston’s Hermann Park. Full season calendar, 100th event schedule and free ticket info at milleroutdoortheatre.com/celebratemiller
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Katy ISD
Approving the formation of a 2023 Community Bond Advisory Committee was the first step in an over eight-month process to prepare a bond proposal for the Katy ISD board of trustees. If approved, a 2023 bond will be placed on the ballot in November.
JOURNEY TO A BOND PROPOSAL
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
AUGUST
• Board reviews enrollment projections, explores 2023 bond • Committee chair identified
• CBAC membership application made public (Feb. 1-15) • CBAC members selected
• First CBAC
• Committee brings board bond recommendation • Community information campaign on bond begins
• Deadline to call November bond election
meeting held
HIGHLIGHTS KATY ISD At a school board meeting Jan. 23, trustees approved the instructional calendar for the 2024-25 school year. KISD will observe Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday and Memorial Day. The school district will also continue providing one week off for Thanksgiving, two weeks for winter break and one week off for spring break. Development of the district’s calendar follows weeks of community feedback from more than 16,000 participants within the KISD boundaries, according to a Jan. 23 news release from the district. Katy ISD board of trustees meets Feb. 27 at 6301 S. Stadium Lane, Katy. Meetings are livestreamed at www.katyisd.org. MEETINGS WE COVER
SOURCE: KATY ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
District forms committee ahead of possible bond KATY ISD Initial discussions have begun in Katy ISD about the district holding a bond referendum in November. The bond is in anticipation of the district’s continued increase in enrollment, which is expected to hit over 100,000 students by 2027, officials said. BY ASIA ARMOUR
recommended bond package for the board’s consider- ation. The 2017 and 2020 voter-approved bonds also had 150-member bond committees to craft the packages. “Our community has established a three-year bond cycle to build new schools, renovate older campuses, and provide for safety and technology upgrades when needed,” board President Greg Schulte said in a news release. “With the continued fast growth in our northwest quadrant, our board believes it is important to move forward with the formation of a CBAC this spring to get ahead of the population boom that will inevitably impact our classrooms and learning.” Per the 2023 CBAC charter, the members will be reflective of the diverse skills, backgrounds, cultures and geographic regions within the Katy community. Members will include trustees’ nominees; previous bond committee members; teachers, principals and students; and local organizations.
At a Jan. 23 school board meeting, members approved the formation of a 2023 Community Bond Advisory Committee and its committee charter, the first step in putting a bond to a vote. The motion passed unanimously. KISD Chief Communications Officer Andrea Grooms and Chief Operations Officer Ted Vierling said the committee will assess existing and future capital needs as well as safety, technology and transportation. The committee, which will comprise up to 150 members who live within the district’s boundary, would provide a
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KATY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CITY & COUNTY
News from Katy, Fort Bend County & Harris County
HIGHLIGHTS FORT BEND COUNTY At a Jan. 24 meeting, Fort Bend County commissioners approved an application to the Texas Veterans Commission to provide $300,000 in financial assistance to veterans within the county. The court also authorized an application to vie for a $135,000 veterans mental health grant. The funds would apply to the 2023-24 fiscal year, which begins July 1. The Social Services department maintains county aid for veterans. Funds from the mental health grant will go to counseling and peer-support services. HARRIS COUNTY On Jan. 31, Harris County commissioners unanimously opted to divide $1.1 billion of the $1.2 billion bond, approved in November, for road and parks projects. Commissioners voted unanimously to allocate $175 million of propositions B and C to each county precinct. Proposition B— totaling $900 million—funds roads, drainage and multimodal transportation, while Proposition C— totaling $200 million—funds parks and trails. The remaining funds from these propositions will be divided among the four precincts based on the federal government’s Social Vulnerability Index metric. Katy City Council meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is Feb. 27 at 910 Ave. C, Katy. 281-391-4800. www.cityofkaty.com Harris County Commissioners Court usually meets on Tuesday mornings twice a month. The next meeting is March 14 at 1001 Preston Ave., Ste. 934, Houston. 713-755-5000. www.harriscountytx.gov Fort Bend County Commissioners Court meets at 1 p.m. on the first, second and fourth Tuesdays each month. The next meeting is Feb. 28 at 401 Jackson St., Richmond. 281-342- 3411. www.fortbendcountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER
Katy evaluates future land use to consider development options
FUTURE OF KATY The city of Katy will release its future land use and comprehensive plan this year. The plan highlights several strategic action areas.
BY ASIA ARMOUR
Public safety improvements
land use, transportation, investments, economic development and recreation. Additionally, Mitchell presented a future land use map drafted Jan. 17, developments. Mitchell said there is a distinction between zoning—a legal ordinance—and the map, which is a guiding document. An unrealized entertainment which highlights the potential for incoming business and new district was also of interest to the planning team, Mitchell said, and could be located near the rice dryers along Hwy. 90. The area is zoned for industrial but could transform
KATY The city of Katy is in the final stages of creating a guideline for the next 20 years with its 2040 compre- hensive plan. At a Jan. 24 special meeting, Gary Mitchell—president of the planning firm Kendig Keast—presented 19 action items, a thoroughfare plan and future land use plan. The comprehensive plan is set to be finalized in March, but Mitchell said his team would take about 150 action items to the Katy Planning and Zoning Commission in late February. These items will address the city’s growth,
Increasing connection from Bartlett Road to Cane Island, Crossover Road to Gaston Road, and on Kingsland Boulevard and Nelson Way Unrealized entertainment district near the Katy rice dryers
SOURCE: KENDIG KEAST/COMMUNITY IMPACT
if new owners came in to renovate agricultural structures for mixed-use entertainment, he said.
Harris County authorizes 10% toll rate cut, free EZ Tags HARRIS COUNTY A Harris County Toll Road Authority program that will reduce the cost of tolls by 10% was EASING THE BURDEN The 10% toll rate discount—which will go into effect by Sept. 4—will apply to motorists driving two-axle vehicles on toll roads managed by the Harris County Toll Road Authority. BY EMILY LINCKE
approved by Harris County commissioners Jan. 31. The discount will represent $894 million in discounts over the course of 10 years, or about $90 million in savings per year, Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey said Jan. 31. “This gives us confidence in what the [Harris County] Toll Road Authority’s doing,” Ramsey said. The 10% rate reduction will go into effect by Sept. 4. HCTRA will also provide up to eight free EZ Tags per household as part of the program. As part of the transition to all-electronic tollways, the county will also be phasing in several options for residents to obtain EZ Tags at retail stores, open cash- backed accounts and pay at EZ Tag retail stores, Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis said during a Jan. 24 news conference presenting the proposal. Rachel Carlton contributed to this report.
HCTRA toll roads
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249
99 TOLL
59
290
1960
90
610
10
10
6
90
45
59
288
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SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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KATY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
AT THE CAPITOL
Texas history
TEXAS HISTORY First built in the 1800s, the iconic state Capitol has a storied past. 1839 Austin is established as the capital of the Republic of Texas. A log cabin served as the capitol building. 1853 A limestone building for the Capitol is built at Capitol Square, near the present-day Confederate Soldiers Monument. 1875 Construction is paid for in exchange for 3 million acres of public land in the Panhandle. 1881 The old limestone capitol catches re on Nov. 9, 1881. 1880 Detroit architect Elijah E. Meyers designs the new Capitol. 1882 Over 188,000 cubic feet of sunset red granite is donated for the Capitol building. 1885 The rst 12,000-pound cornerstone is laid on March 2, 1885. 1888 Over 20,000 people attend weeklong festivities to celebrate the Capitol dedication. 1983 A re breaks out on the east side and causes extensive damage. 1991 Workers restore the building’s exterior, including the metal dome and granite. 1992 Interior restorations occur, aiming to preserve the original architecture. 1993 The four-story Capitol Extension, which is almost entirely underground, opens. SOURCE: TEXAS STATE PRESERVATION BOARD COMMUNITY IMPACT 1995 The Capitol Restoration is completed. Smaller restoration projects have been completed since.
Fires, granite and a goddess: The rich history of the Texas State Capitol
BY HANNAH NORTON
The Texas State Capitol is known for its distinct pink exterior—but it is not actually pink. The Capitol is made of sunset red granite, which comes from Granite Mountain in nearby Marble Falls. When the small, original Capitol caught re in 1881, a team of contractors, led by Detroit architect Elijah E. Myers, was already working on the plans for a new statehouse. Contractors originally planned to use creamy white limestone from Convict Hill in South Austin, but found it oxidized when exposed to the air, resulting in discoloration, according to the Texas State Preservation Board. Local inmates and workers from Scotland transported over 188,000 cubic feet of granite from Granite Mountain, according to the SPB and the Texas State Historical Association. Sunset red granite was used to build the Galveston Seawall and state o ce buildings near the Capitol. A storied history The rst cornerstone in the con- struction of the Capitol was laid in 1885. The building was completed three years later. Atop the Capitol is the Goddess of Liberty. The nearly 16-foot-tall statue was likely modeled after Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, justice, and arts and crafts, said Ali James, curator of the Capitol and director of visitor services. The statue weighs about 2,000 pounds, James said, and is made out of zinc and covered with white paint and sand to emulate stone. In 1983, workers discovered
The Texas Capitol is 14.64 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol, according to the Texas State Preservation Board, which maintains and restores the Capitol building and its grounds.
HANNAH NORTON COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Texas Capitol is 14.64 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol, according to the SPB. The nation’s Capitol is 288 feet tall, while the Texas Capitol stands at 302.64 feet tall from ground level to the tip of the Goddess of Liberty’s star. Visiting the Capitol Over 1 million people visit the Capitol in a typical year, James said, although numbers are lower now than prepandemic. A large portion of the state’s art collection is displayed for public viewing. Historic furnishings, such as desks, benches and tables, are shown throughout the building, including in the House and Senate chambers. The Capitol is open 360 days of the year for guided tours. When the Legis- lature is in session, visitors can watch the proceedings from the galleries. “I would always want to encourage folks who are Texans or who got here as soon as they could to come on down to the Capitol and see the Legislature in action,” James said.
cracking, corrosion and missing pieces on the almost century-old goddess, due to impurities in the zinc and natu- ral deterioration. An aluminum replica of the statue was created in 1986. The original statue has been restored and is on display at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. The goddess’ hand and star are at the Capitol Visitors Center. During the 68th Texas Legislature, lawmakers created the SPB, which was tasked with restoring and preserving contractors built the four-story Capitol Extension. The 667,000-square-foot space opened in 1993, and it includes o ces, conference rooms, committee rooms, an auditorium, a dining room and two levels of parking. “It really provided a great deal of additional space, because, as you can imagine, Texas and Texas govern- ment has grown exponentially since the Capitol was completed in 1888,” James said. the Capitol and its grounds. To help with overcrowding,
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KATY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, this bill would make the minimum wage no less than $15 per hour, or no less than the federal minimum wage, whichever is greater. HIGHLIGHTS Senate Bill 244 Authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, the bill would support nursing- related postsecondary education, including loan repayment assistance to nursing faculty and providing grants to nursing education programs. The loan repayment applicant must have been employed part- or full-time for at least a year or be currently employed. House Bill 1672 Authored by Rep. Jacey Jetton, R-Richmond, this bill would increase the basic allotment in public education from $6,160 to $6,700, as calculated through average daily attendance. This bill would also include the amount the basic allotment would need to be adjusted each biennium to account for inflation. House Bill 169 Authored by
Texas Democrats propose $15K pay raise for teachers
BY HANNAH NORTON
now ranks 28th. “In Texas, it’s go big or go home. And it’s time, at this moment, to go big on teacher pay,” Talarico said at a Jan. 24 news conference. Before becoming a lawmaker, Tala- rico taught language arts at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio. “I struggled to make ends meet, and my co-workers at Rhodes Middle School drove Ubers at night and sold their own blood plasma to make extra money,” Talarico said. “Now, 40% of Texas teachers work a second job just to pay the bills.” Other supporters of the bill include state Reps. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio; Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin; and Terry Meza, D-Irving. Many districts lost up to one-third of their teachers, Austin ISD board President Arati Singh said. “This leads to bigger class sizes, ... smaller course offerings and an increased likelihood that you have an uncertified teacher teaching your kids how to read,” Singh said.
EDUCATOR PAY RAISE Under House Bill 1548, lawmakers would propose a:
One proposed bill by Texas Demo- crats aims to increase teacher pay after 11.6% of teachers—over 42,000—left their jobs at public schools ahead of the 2021-22 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency. State Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock, filed House Bill 1548—which is supported by the Texas House Democratic Caucus—that would raise teacher salaries by $15,000 and increase pay for school support staff by 25%. This would bring the minimum annual salary for Texas teachers to $48,660. During the 2022-23 school year, classroom teachers, full-time librarians, counselors and registered nurses with less than one year of expe- rience must receive at least $33,660 per year, according to the TEA. Under the bill, the average teacher salary would be $73,887, making Texas the seventh-best state for teacher pay, Democrats said. According to the National Education Association, Texas
This session, Texas lawmakers have $188 billion available for the 2024-25 biennium state budget, including nearly $33 billion leftover from the previous biennium. The bill would also reduce property taxes, Singh said. The TEA partially funds schools based on attendance. The rest of the money schools receive comes from local property taxes. +$15K teacher salary increase +25% increase in pay for school support staff $48,660 minimum teacher salary, up from $33,660 $73,887 average teacher salary SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
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