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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 FEB. 9 MARCH 3, 2023
Inclusive co ee shop opens in Rice Village
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Edloe Pathway contract approved
The Southmore apartments in the Museum District stand beside a residential development. On Jan. 25, Houston City Council passed a bu ering ordinance amendment that, among other changes, deals with bu ering between single-family units and high-rises.
SHAWN ARRAJJ COMMUNITY IMPACT
Transportation updates
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City of Houston adopts new protocol for residential bu ering Houston is a city without zoning requirements. However, city resi- dents have aired complaints toward coexisting with their larger residen- tial and commercial neighbors. She expressed concern with regards to bu ering and lighting issues in her neighborhood, which is situated between Midtown and the Texas Medical Center, bound by Hermann Park, Main Street, Alabama Street and Hwy. 288. BY LEAH FOREMAN
This type of development and oth- ers across Houston have served as a call to action for residents, which led to bu ering ordinance amend- ments—a years long e ort to expand protections for single- and multi- family residents—which passed at Houston City Council on Jan. 25. These modi cations to the city’s code of ordinances entail setting a citywide standard for lighting
Sandy Stevens, president of the Museum Park Neighborhood Asso- ciation—an organization for resi- dents of the historic Museum Park neighborhood—said she has wit- nessed construction and develop- ment changing her neighborhood.
“The most recent development is about 12 stories, right in the mid- dle of the neighborhood,” she said. “And those folks whose properties abut that high-rise have had some real issues with garage lighting.”
Where to get doughnuts in the local area
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CONTINUED ON 16
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
Michael Niggli joins Bellaire High School
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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
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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
SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION, TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS COMMUNITY IMPACT
CONTINUED ON 18
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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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. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Jay McMahon SENIOR EDITOR Shawn Arrajj REPORTER Melissa Enaje GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jatziri Garcia ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Holly Nunez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Scha er COPY EDITORS Adrian Gandara, Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281 469 6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES bmwnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING bmwads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM JAY: It’s February in Houston. That means you might be wearing a heavy coat in the morning, but there’s a solid chance you will be warm by 3 p.m. February also means we are only a couple of months away from the 2023 college basketball championship, and I can only imagine if our own University of Houston Cougars could represent this city on that stage. Our front-page story addresses an issue that has become more prevalent due to Houston being a city with no zoning requirements: the lighting and spacing between commercial and residential properties, and its e ects on the neighborhood. As always, please think of our great advertisers and shop local when you can. Jay McMahon, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM SHAWN: Reporting news from a hyperlocal perspective is what we specialize in at Community Impact , which can be seen on display in several parts of this month’s paper. Our cover story seeks to shine a local light on the Houston-wide issue of protecting residential development. We also kick o our coverage of the Texas Legislature on Page 11 with a story on a the start of a new session and a roundup of a few key bills led by local lawmakers. Check back with us each month for more Capitol coverage as the 2023 session continues. Shawn Arrajj, SENIOR EDITOR
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, renovating or expanding
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COURTESY BITTY & BEAU'S COFFEE
ANNIVERSARIES 6 Officials with the West Universi- ty branch of iCryo will celebrate the location’s one-year anniversary Feb. 19 at 3839 Bellaire Blvd., Houston. Services offered by the business include body sculpting, IV infusions, cryotherapy facials, whole-body cryotherapy, infrared sauna services, compression therapy and vitamin boosters. 832-241-6245. www.icryo.com RENOVATIONS 7 Jewelry store I W Marks celebrated the completion of renovations in Decem- ber that included a new layout organized by brand and style, a bar, a private viewing room and a seating lounge. Ren- ovations also included new light fixtures, furniture and display cases. Located at 3841 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, the business is owned by Brad and Joanna Marks. 713-668-5000. www.iwmarks.com IN THE NEWS 8 Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston dedicated its newest addition to its Midtown Houston campus—the Linda and Fred G. Marshall Building—on Jan. 13. Located at 3215 Fannin St., Houston, the building was purchased in 2020, and ren- ovations were made possible thanks to a lead gift from the Marshalls, among other donors. The building gives Interfaith more space near its Meals on Wheels and Animeals operations, allowing for expanded storage capacity and volunteer workspace. 713-533-4900. www.imgh.org
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COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & MELISSA ENAJE
options, the company also sells apparel, drinkware and accessories. The Rice Vil- lage location is run by franchise owners Drew and Kelly Scoggins. www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com 3 Kriti Kitchen , a new Greek-style cafe, opened Jan. 17 in the Weslayan Plaza Shopping Center, 4010 Bissonnet St., Houston, serving up homestyle Cretan food and prepared meals. The eatery is run by Mary Cuclis, who said menu items are derived from her Greek roots. The cafe offers all-day breakfast and lunch menus, and dishes are made with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. The venue’s interior is decorated with custom-built bronze and marble shelves filled with Greek olive oils, wines and dry goods. Greek-inspired baked goods are also sold at a counter display. 346-320-3944. www.kritikitchen.com COMING SOON 4 Group fitness boxing classes are com- ing to Meyerland with Legends Boxing
planning to open its second Houston lo- cation in March. Legends will be located at 4522 Beechnut St., Houston, and will offer one-hour, total-body workout class- es instructed by certified coaches who use USA Boxing techniques. The boutique gym offers a variety of memberships. Workouts include punching and footwork routines as well as jumping rope, push- ups, squats and working the heavy bag, among other fitness training exercises. Workouts are open for those age 12 and older at any fitness level. 832-776-9369. www.legendsboxing.com EXPANSIONS 5 After a brief closure, a Chick-fil-A reopened in late January at 3101 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston, following ren- ovations and an expansion. Renovations included an expansion of the drive-thru as well as updates to the dining room. Beyond drive-thru services, the chain also offers mobile ordering, delivery, catering, Wi-Fi and a playground. 713-660-8200. www.chick-fil-a.com
NOW OPEN 1 The Chick-fil-A at 7900 Main St., Houston, opened Jan. 12, operating as a drive-thru and carryout location. More than 100 full- and part-time team members are expected to be hired. This becomes the second Chick-fil-A location opened and operated by Houston native Juli Salvagio. Her first location opened in 2005 on Holcombe Boulevard. The chain offers chicken sandwiches and nuggets as well as salads and sides. 713-395-3888. www.chick-fil-a.com 2 A new location of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee opened Jan. 14 in the Rice Village area at 2367 Rice Blvd., Houston. The North Carolina-based company, founded in 2016 by Ben and Amy Wright, is known for employing more than 400 people with intellectual and developmental dis- abilities nationwide as part of a broader mission of acceptance and inclusivity. In addition to selling a variety of coffee
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
TO DO LIST
February events
COMPILED BY MELISSA ENAJE & LEAH FOREMAN
of musical and spoken word stories at its Kaplan Theatre. The performance will be led by the Guy Mendilow Ensemble and Regie Gibson and will “whisk audiences to distant times” with traditional tunes, techniques and tales. 7:30 p.m. $20 (member), $25 (public). Kaplan Theatre, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston. 713-729-3200. www.erjcchouston.org 11 THROUGH MARCH 05 SUPPORT A LOCAL THEATER The 2023 season begins at Main Street Theater with “Permanent Collection” by Thomas Gibbons. The play follows the journey of a Black businessman who becomes the new director of a world- famous art collection and the battle that ensues for control of the artistic direction of the collection. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $35-$59. Main Street Theater, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston. 713-524-6706. www.mainstreettheater.com 14 CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY WITH FIRE SHOW Discovery Green in Downtown Houston hosts a Valentine’s-themed event at its art installation, Solstice. Guests can enjoy an evening lled with Valentine’s-themed music, photos opportunities and a re show by Will Brandon from America’s Got Talent. 6-9 p.m. Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston. 713-400-7336. www.discoverygreen.com
Children’s Museum Houston hosts Explore Abilities Day.
FEB. 26
TAKE PART IN THE TOUR DE HOUSTON HERMANN SQUARE PARK
COURTESY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM HOUSTON
FEATURED EVENT Feb. 13: Join museum for Explore Abilities Day The Children’s Museum is dedicating a day for families with children with learning disabilities in a comforting and accepting environment during a private event. The event gives families the opportunity to enjoy the museum at their own pace and also participate in special activities throughout the day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $7. The Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St., Houston 713-522-1138 www.cmhouston.org
The bike race bene ts Re-Plant Houston and the city’s reforestation e orts and is hosted by the Mayor’s O ce of Special Events. It entails three races: a 60-mile ride, 40-mile ride and 20-mile ride. Riders will be able to enjoy food, beverages and music after the race. 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 (age 12 and under), $40 (age 13 and up until Feb. 25), $50 (age 13 and up on ride day). Hermann Square Park, 901 Bagby St., Houston. 832-393-0868. www.tourdehouston.itsyourrace.com
COURTESY TOUR DE HOUSTON
FEBRUARY 10 CHECK OUT ANNUAL SPRING FLING Rice University’s Moody Center for the Arts hosts an outdoor concert with regional bands paired with an after-hours viewing of the current art exhibit. Bands include The Bright Light Social Hour, an Austin-based psychedelic rock group, and
People Museum, a New Orleans-based brass electronica band. Drinks, food and discounted parking will be available. 7-9 p.m. Free. Moody Center for the Arts, 6100 Main St., Houston. 713-348-2787. www.moody.rice.edu 11 HEAR SPOKEN WORD STORIES The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center will host an evening
Find more or submit Bellaire, Meyerland and West University 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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Make this moment matter by taking the first step. Make an appointment today at StLukesHealth.org/Cardiology .
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES West University Place approves construction contract for Edloe Pathway
COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & MELISSA ENAJE
ONGOING PROJECTS
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The future of Edloe Street in West University Place has been decided after members of the West Univer- sity Place City Council approved a construction contract for the Edloe Pathway project at a Jan. 9 meeting by a 4-1 vote. The project covers roughly one-half of a mile, from Georgetown Street to Albans Road, and will cost the city an estimated $672,719, according to information submitted with the agenda item. The city is willing to use its capital reserve fund to finish the pathway, Mayor Pro Tem John Montgomery said, adding that costs could rise with inflation if the project is delayed. The contract was awarded to PMG Project Management Group, which has worked with the city of Houston on park projects in the past, accord- ing to Susan White, the city’s director of parks and recreation. When the city initially bid the proj- ect in 2022, only one bid came back in September, prompting the Council
to send the project back out for more bids in October. A total of nine bids were received during the second round in December, from which PMG was selected. Improvements to the pathway include adding landscaping, native plants, drinking fountains and benches; handling irrigation system improvements; creating the pathway using recycled materials; and adding new fencing along the west side of Poor Farm Ditch. City staff has looked at lower-cost alternatives for portions of the project, including for two of the highest cost items—the aluminum fencing along Poor Farm Ditch and the actual pathway on Edloe Street, White said. Mayor Susan Sample highlighted the importance of citizen safety, which she said was a major factor in project design. “To me, it would be really hard for me to say no to something so important to our city,” Sample said at the meeting. “Safety is a big part of
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Westheimer Road ramp to Loop 610 As the Texas Department of Trans- portation continues to work on new ramps connecting Loop 610 South to I-69 in southwest Houston, the southbound entrance ramp from Westheimer Road was closed Jan. 3. It will remain closed through fall 2023. The overall ramp project is intended to improve safety and mobility by widening the connector ramps to two lanes, increasing sight distances and providing remedies to reduce drivers quickly moving from lane to lane. Timeline: late 2017-end of 2024 Cost: $259 million Funding source: TxDOT
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our quality of life. ... [The pathway] possibly would transform the most dangerous path in the city into the safest one.” Council Member John Barnes voted against the project, advocating for more time for staff to go over costs and data. Construction on the Edloe Pathway began in January, and work could be completed by the spring, White said. “According to the way the bid is written, completion is anticipated in mid-May 2023 at the earliest,” White said.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JAN. 30. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT BMWNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
CITY & SCHOOLS
News from Houston, Bellaire, West University Place & Houston ISD
QUOTE OF NOTE
Police chief: Violent crime down in 2022, auto theft up
Houston ISD will meet at 5 p.m. Feb. 9 at 4400 W. 18th St., Houston. Meetings are streamed at www.houstonisd.org. Bellaire City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire. Meetings are streamed at www.bellairetx.gov. West University Place City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at 3800 University Blvd., Houston. Meetings are available via teleconference. Find details at www.westutx.gov. Houston City Council will meet for public comment at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 and regular business at 9 a.m. Feb. 15 at City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston. MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS BELLAIRE City staff was directed to keep searching for potential locations for a new dog pound after members of the Bellaire City Council failed to come to an agreement on a location at a Jan. 23 meeting. The city’s existing dog pound can be found at 4300 Edith St., Bellaire. HOUSTON Texas’ Big City Mayors— of which Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is a member—released an outline of priorities Jan. 13 for the 2023 legislative session. Priorities include preserving local control in cities, expanding access to broadband, and funding mental health and public safety. WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE The city of West University Place is seeking 12 residents to serve on a planning committee for the city’s centennial celebration. The committee will hold its first meeting in late February and will meet periodically through July 2024. Interested individuals should contact Bianca Cuccerre at bcuccerre@westutx.gov. “THERE IS STILL MUCH MORE WORK TO BE DONE, BUT WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE AS A DISTRICT AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE WORK AHEAD.” MILLARD HOUSE II, HOUSTON ISD SUPERINTENDENT, FOLLOWING A TEXAS SUPREME COURT DECISION THAT LEAVES THE DISTRICT OPEN TO A POTENTIAL STATE TAKEOVER
BY LEAH FOREMAN
YEAR OVER YEAR Preliminary crime statistics for 2022 show a drop in violent crime, while thefts from vehicles increased.
HOUSTON Preliminary crime statistics for 2022 in Houston show an 8% decrease in violent crime compared to the previous year, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner told members of the Houston City Council during a Jan. 11 meeting. The city also saw a 9% decrease in murders, a 9% decrease in robberies, an 8% decrease in aggravated assaults and an 18% decrease in rape over that time. Kidnapping and auto theft increased citywide, but Finner said kidnapping figures are partially attributed to family members of chil- dren who were not legal custodians. The presentation also highlighted an increase in auto theft to 17,694 incidents in 2022, up by almost 1,800 cases from 2021. HPD officials reminded people to lock cars and not leave valuables—especially guns—in plain sight. General theft, which increased by 7% in 2022, often takes the form
Murder 2021: 477 2022: 435 Change: -9%
Violent crime 2021: 28,862 2022: 26,454 Change: -8%
Nonviolent crime 2021: 96,387 2022: 102,998 Change: +7%
Auto theft 2021: 15,901 2022: 17,694 Change: +11%
SOURCE: HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
of catalytic converter theft from vehicles, officers said. Three council members—Abbie Kamin, David Robinson and Robert Gallegos—noted they have been victims of recent auto-related theft. While it was shared that Chicago, a city with fewer square miles than Houston, has a larger police force than the Bayou City, Mayor Sylvester Turner highlighted the hiring of 2,026 new police officers over the course of his administration. Additionally, Finner highlighted a
Houston approves funding for various homeless initiatives to set its biannual budget, Turner and other City Council members emphasized their wishes for some of the budget’s surplus to be allocated to law enforcement and for officer mental health. $10,000 signing bonus for new cadets approved by City Council in 2022, as well as the early success of One Safe Houston. He also highlighted a need for more resources, including for technology and for aiding the mental health of officers. As the state Legislature plans
Texas Supreme Court gives state ability to potentially take over HISD school board
BY SHAWN ARRAJJ
An ongoing fight The Texas Education Agency first announced intentions to take over the Houston ISD board of trustees in 2019.
HOUSTON ISD A potential state takeover of the Houston ISD board of trustees is back in play after the Texas Supreme Court vacated an injunction Jan. 13, sending the case back to the trial court. The case related to whether Texas Education Agency Com- missioner Mike Morath has the authority to appoint a board of managers for HISD under the Texas Education Code. The TEA has been attempting to take over HISD since 2019, when state officials first recommended the move, arguing the elected school board “demonstrated inability to appropriately govern.” A Travis County judge granted HISD the injunction in 2020, tem- porarily stopping the takeover. In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1365, an education bill that TEA lawyers argued gave them authority to move forward with the takeover. The Supreme Court agreed, writing that the injunction
BY LEAH FOREMAN
HOUSTON Members of the Houston City Council approved roughly $9.3 million in funding agreements across their Jan. 4 and Jan. 25 meetings related to homelessness. On Jan. 4, the Council approved $1.6 million for nonprofit Avenue CDC to provide assistance to 190 low-income households affected by HIV/AIDS; $401,908 for an agreement with the state focused on youth homelessness; $324,520 for the city’s mobile trauma support partners expected to benefit at least 100 individuals; $150,000 for the contin- uation of Project Access, a program by Healthcare for the Homeless Houston to provide transportation to health care services; and $130,000 to the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston for planning services. On Jan. 25, the Council approved $6.7 million in grants for the non- profit Covenant House to go toward a new campus for homeless youth.
Nov. 2019: Texas Education Agency announces plan to take over Houston ISD school board, appoint new superintendent Jan. 2020: State judge grants injunction, blocking state from taking over HISD Feb. 2021: Appeals court upholds injunction; TEA appeals case to Texas Supreme Court Jan. 2022: Texas Supreme Court vacates injunction, clearing way for TEA takeover
SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, TEXAS SUPREME COURT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
could not be upheld under the 2021 law. As of press time Jan. 30, officials with both HISD and the TEA said their legal teams were reviewing the court’s opinion.
Meetings are streamed at www.houstontx.gov/htv.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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 House Bill 1162 Authored by Rep. Shawn Thierry, D-Houston, this bill would require physicians or other medical professionals to, when renewing their licenses to practice medicine, include education in cultural competence and bias to e ectively address the health issues from patients of diverse backgrounds. HIGHLIGHTS Senate Bill 179 Authored by Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston, this bill would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ, to consider the cumulative e ects on the public’s health and physical property of facility emissions when granting permits for new or existing facilities. House Bill 130 Authored by Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, this bill would create ve more judicial criminal courts in Harris County that, once created, would work with existing courts to alleviate the backlog of pending criminal cases.
Texas House re-elects Speaker Dade Phelan on rst day of legislative session
BY HANNAH NORTON
are routinely appointed to lead some House commit- tees, but a small group of Republican lawmakers— including Tinderholt, Sla- ton and Schatzline—want to end the practice. Phelan appointed Dem- ocrats to lead 13 of the 34 House committees in 2021 and has vowed to do the same in 2023, according to The Texas Tribune . Every House Democrat voted for Phelan. As speaker, Phelan has the authority to assign House members to com- mittees, appoint com- mittee leaders and more. He also presides over the chamber throughout the session and is required to sign all passed legislation.
Speaking before his colleagues, Phelan out- lined his priorities for the session. He called for a “family-focused House” that prioritizes what matters most to everyday Texans. Phelan emphasized a need for lasting property tax relief, which Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders have highlighted as a top concern. He also urged lawmakers to help more Texans gain access to quality and a ordable health care. This includes ensuring new mothers have health cov- erage for 12 months after childbirth, Phelan said. In 2021, the Texas House voted to extend
Members of the Texas House of Representatives re-elected state Rep. Dade Phelan, R Beaumont, for a second term as speaker Jan. 10. Phelan beat state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R Arling- ton, to secure the chamber’s top leadership position. Phelan garnered 143 votes, while Tinderholt received three—one from himself, alongside Republican state Reps. Bryan Slaton of Royse City and Nate Schatzline of Tarrant County. In a statement, Schat- zline said he voted for Tin- derholt to “stand against the practice of nominating Democrat chairs.” Mem- bers of the minority party
Dade Phelan
Medicaid coverage for one year postpartum, but the Senate cut it to six months. The six-month plan was not approved by the federal government, so low-income Texans currently have access to two months of coverage after childbirth. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Jan. 9 that lawmakers will have an unprecedented $188.2 billion—which includes a $32.7 billion surplus—as they create the state’s budget for 2024-25.
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
GUIDE
Doughnut Guide 2023
Doughnut shops around Bellaire, Meyerland and West University Place
1 Best Donuts On the menu: traditional and buttermilk doughnuts Nondoughnut options: kolaches, croissants, tacos, devil’s food, eclairs, cinnamon twists and biscuits 5869 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston 713 723 0305 Hours: 4:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. daily 2 Classic Donuts On the menu: plain, glazed, iced and lled doughnuts Nondoughnut options: kolaches, croissants, tacos, burritos, tamales, quesadillas, conchas, tortas, eclairs, apple fritters, cinnamon twists and autas 8409 Hillcroft Ave., Houston 713 270 4131 Hours: 5 a.m.-1 p.m. Tue.-Sun., closed Mondays 3 Fresh & Best Donuts On the menu: doughnut holes by the dozen or half dozen Nondoughnut options: kolaches, biscuits, mu ns, apple fritters and breakfast tacos 5214 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire 713 592 0301 Hours: 5 a.m.-2 p.m daily 4 Glazed the Doughnut Cafe On the menu: a variety of specialty dough- nuts ranging from strawberry cheesecake to
maple bacon to banana pudding avors Nondoughnut options: breakfast sandwich- es, French toast and cheeseburgers with doughnuts used as buns 1333 Old Spanish Trail, Houston 346 718 2846 www.eatglazed.com Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily 5 Le Donut On the menu: glazed, sprinkled, sugared and iced doughnuts Nondoughnut options: eclairs, cinnamon twists and rolls, apple fritters, bear claws, tacos, kolaches, cake, croissants, chicken sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, and a variety of cake options, including regular, red velvet and blueberry 2803 Old Spanish Trail, Houston 713 741 7170 Hours: 5 a.m.-1 p.m. daily 6 Tiny’s Milk & Cookies On the menu: doughnuts and doughnut holes, which are served until 2 p.m. Nondoughnut options: a wide variety of baked goods, including cookies, scones and seasonal breads, as well as pantry staples and ice creams with new avors released every season 3636 Rice Blvd., Houston 713 352 3086 www.tinysmilkandcookies.com Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
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Guide Whether it’s a creative combination of unexpected avors or the classic, reliable glazed version, doughnuts are o ered at a number of shops in the Bellaire, Meyerland and West University area. Some shops, like Tiny’s Milk & Cookies, o er doughnuts among a wide variety of other baked goods. Others focus primarily on doughnuts themselves, with a list of co ees and kolaches to round out the menu. This guide provides a noncomprehensive list of places to grab a local doughnut, whether its to go with co ee to start the morning or to satisfy a sweet tooth after a long day. COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & LEAH FOREMAN 2023
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610
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HERMANN PARK
Classic Donuts
Glazed the Doughnut Cafe
UNIVERSITY BLVD.
COURTESY CLASSIC DONUTS
COURTESY GLAZED THE DOUGHNUT CAFE
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FEATURED SHOP The DoughCone food truck
288
OMBEBLVD.
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The traveling food truck makes stops around Houston, including at Hermann Park and in the Bellaire, Meyerland and West University areas.
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Founded by Avneesh Oberoi, the concept centers on a made-from-scratch cinnamon sugar dough cone lled with organic milk ice cream and toppings of the customer’s choice. The truck also o ers water and orange juice, and can make a Mexican Coke oat.
B E E C H N U T
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BRAYS BAYOU
Co ee is slated to be added to the menu this summer. Locations and hours updated daily on social media 832-863-5224 www.thedoughcone.com
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S. POST OAK RD.
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BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486
HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722
WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
PEOPLE Michael Niggli Principal, Bellaire High School
BY MELISSA ENAJE
and it’s actually the smallest school I have ever worked at. Bellaire, right now, enrollment-wise, is the biggest school in Houston ISD. So that kind of gives you perspective of the di er- ence. We’re sitting at a little over 3,100 students right now. I think that everything is kind of magni ed in that respect, where it’s like you have your di erent departments, they’re just that much bigger. And so that’s many more people to get to know, and it’s that many more students to get to know, and it’s that many more programs to get to know. So it’s making sure that we have a really strong administration and counseling sta , all the support that’s around me, and then also making sure that teachers are well-out tted to do their jobs. That’s really import- ant in a big, big structure like this. I’m not going to do it all myself. Nobody is. It’s de nitely a team e ort. With everybody moving in the same direction, we can get it done. WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS IN THE STUDENT BODY? I see a lot of self-motivated students, a lot of kids that have a purpose. I think they probably have a very strong vision of what they want to do after high school. I think that’s a strength to where we facili- tate that for them when we open up opportunities and let them kind of go through those doors and take those chances and positive kinds of risks. It’s something that I see all over the campus, so that’s really neat—kids going to tutorials and working during lunch period, stu like that, after- school enrichment programs that are so well attended. It’s like the kids are just really into the school, and it’s great.
Michael Niggli took over as principal of Bellaire High School in November following a nationwide search process by Houston ISD. Niggli previously served as principal at HISD’s Waltrip High School, and has also had stints at Austin High School and the Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center. Niggli sat down with Community Impact to discuss how the rst few months have gone and his goals for the upcoming school year. Responses have been lightly edited for length.
Michael Niggli took over as Bellaire High School Principal in November.
MELISSA ENAJE COMMUNITY IMPACT
BEFORE JOINING BELLAIRE HIGH SCHOOL, WHAT DID YOU DO WITH HISD? I started out at Austin High School on the southeast side [of Houston] in 1997. I was an English teacher there and a basketball coach. ... I went over in 2005 to what was called Reagan High School. Reagan High School is now Heights High School. I got into debate and started the debate club over there. Apparently, they still continued to have a lot of success. In 2012, about halfway through the year, I had taken my administration degree and took a job as an assistant principal at the Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center. I stayed there for six years until 2018 in various roles—assistant principal, associate principal, dean of stu- dents—and then got my rst principal job at Waltrip High School in 2018. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO COMMU NICATE WITH PARENTS? I realized that Bellaire has a history of strong academic performance. So, rst and foremost, we want to keep it at that level. I’m making an e ort to be visible on the campus, and I have received good feedback. I have already met with a lot of parents
one-on-one [and] had some small group meetings, and being available is just really important. I have a really good team around me as well. Together, we communi- cate a lot with parents, and I want them to feel like it’s a warm environ- ment where they can come up here and get some questions answered or call if they need to catch up. And then, of course, with the student body as a whole, one of the goals is to look at how all kids are doing and help support that academic success for all of them. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE TAKING ON THIS ROLE? I’m really passionate about making sure that all students are served here. It’s a good challenge; it’s not that this is like a problem challenge, but it’s just one of those things where it’s making sure that all kids are getting opportunities to be successful and to make it to that next level of wherever they’re going. HOW HAS THE TRANSITION BEEN GOING FROM WALTRIP HIGH SCHOOL TO BELLAIRE? Waltrip had about 1,700 students,
RESUME RUNDOWN
Michael Niggli, Bellaire High School’s new principal, has been with Houston ISD since 1997.
1997
Joins Houston ISD as English teacher at Austin High School, where he also coaches basketball Relocates to Reagan High School, now known as Heights High School, launches debate club Becomes assistant principal at Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center after getting administrative degree
2005
2012
2018
Gets rst principal job at Waltrip High School, launches debate team
Bellaire High School 2022
Named newest principal at
SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD, MICHAEL NIGGLI COMMUNITY IMPACT
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15
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
must have an external cover of at least 50 inches per floor, across all garage floors, to shield residences from the glare of vehicle headlights. This is 6 inches greater than the city’s previ- ous standard for garage shielding. Lighting on the exterior of com- mercial properties on public streets or adjacent to or across from residential developments must have a maximum color temperature of 3,500 Kelvin—a neutral-warm tone—and the light must be housed within the fixture itself to limit glare and light trespass onto neighboring residential prop- erties. Commercial properties must also provide a shield to block out their lighting on property abutting residen- tial developments. Bulk containers, such as those used for garbage, now must be screened in on all public streets and when adja- cent to residential properties. The community response Stevens said she believes the ordi- nances will cause a change in future development. “I think it will have a significant impact,” she said. “It will make a dif- ference. Will it make as big a differ- ence as some would like? We’ll just have to wait and see.” Stevens and Debbie Moran, an ama- teur astronomer who, over the years, has gained knowledge on lighting from organizations such as the Inter- national Dark Sky Association, spoke at the Jan. 11 public hearing at Hous- ton City Council’s meeting, after a presentation from Wallace Brown and Bandi from the Planning & Develop- ment Department. Warmer, or less-blue light, allows one to see more at night, according to Moran, who champions her local fight via Softlight Houston. “The shorter-wavelength light, which is the bluer light, scatters a lot worse. So that’s why we perceive the white headlights and whiter security lights as so much higher glare,” she said. “So if you even have the same wattage of a bulb, if it’s warmer ver- sus cooler or bluer, the blue is going to look a lot more harsh to the eye. And that’s just physics. It’s a short-wave- length light scattering a lot more than the longer-wavelength light.” Moran also said bluer light is det- rimental to melatonin production and to sleep, citing studies from the National Institute of Health and Har- vard University. “For millennia, animals, humans have been keyed in … to recognize night versus day. And it was not from
DEVELOPMENT CODE DIFFERENCES Houston City Council passed the following changes to the city’s building code, on Jan. 25. These amendments will affect all future developments.
CONTINUED FROM 1
requirements. The new standard deals with how exterior lighting from residential buildings and commer- cial construction should be placed as well as a new standard for Kelvin, a measurement used to gauge the color temperature of light bulbs with higher ratings indicating whiter light. The changes also update require- ments for commercial garages to shield residents on shared streets from headlights shining into their homes and made changes to how commercial businesses are allowed to have dumpsters on streets shared with residential properties. “We really started hearing about some of these complicated relation- ships between commercial develop- ment and residential development when we were working with our Walkable Places and Transit-Ori- ented Development rules,” said Mar- garet Wallace Brown, secretary of the city’s Planning and Development Department. Changes to new developments Under the changes, high- and mid- rise structures must provide a buffer— or a physical block, such as a fence and landscaping—with 30 to 40 feet in between single- and multifamily and high-rises structures and 15 feet in between single- and multifamily for mid-rises when along local, primarily residential roads. High-rise structures are defined in the ordinance as being above 75 feet tall, while mid-rises are between 65 and 75 feet. This buffer is meant to provide a physical separation between these differing types of neighboring resi- dential properties, such as through fencing—which is required to be 8 feet tall—and landscaping. “The benefit of the buffering changes to the residents is multifold. Instead of just protecting single-fam- ily homes on larger lots, these amend- ments will provide protection to all single-family and small multifamily developments when high-rise or mid- rise structures are proposed abutting homes in highly residential areas,” Suvidha Bandi, project manager for the Planning and Development Department, said via email. These rules will help encourage higher-density developments along major corridors, instead of within neighborhoods, according to Bandi. Going forward, all garages in the city of Houston that are adjacent to or are across from residential properties
Buffering • Structures taller than 75 feet must provide a buffer of 30-40 feet from all residential developments. • Structures from 65-75 feet must provide a buffer of 15 feet from residences along local streets.
LEAH FOREMAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Parking garage screening • Garage faces abutting or across from residences must provide 50 inches of cover to each parking floor to block light from car headlights and to limit light trespass from fixtures.
SHAWN ARRAJJ/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Lighting • All outdoor fixtures abutting a street or residential development must use lights with a max of 3,500 Kelvin. • Fixtures cannot create light trespass of more than 0.2 foot-candles over the property line.
COURTESY SOFTLIGHT HOUSTON
Bulk container screening • Bulk containers must be screened if abutting a residential development or on a public street.
LEAH FOREMAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
TALKS OVER TEMPERATURE Debate involved qualms over the right color temperature. The ordinance change sets 3,500 Kelvin as the maximum temperature to avoid the harsh effects of bluer, cooler lighting.
K=Kelvin
Warm
Neutral
Cool
2,000 K 2,700 K 3,000 K 3,500 K 4,000 K 5,000 K 6,000 K 6,500 K
3,500 K is the new maximum for outdoor lighting xtures in Houston
SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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