Katy South - Fulshear Edition | October 2023

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Katy South Fulshear Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 14 OCT. 25NOV. 20, 2023

Katy area draws in family fun

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Go-karts, trampoline parks, arcades and golf simulators are among the many entertainment options established in Katy since 2018, with four more similar busi- nesses on the way. Ocials said these types of entertainment businesses may be attracted to the city’s demograph- ics—such as the surplus of families enrolling their children at Katy ISD and young adults who attend the University of Houston’s Katy locations. “When it comes to that specic industry market, a lot of that has to do with what Katy is being recog- nized as—a growth opportunity,” said Matthew Ferraro, president of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Angie Thomason, president and CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council, said this industry will continue to bolster the city’s growth in coming years. “It’s not just creating those fun experiences. It’s more of a strategic approach,” Thomason said.

Golf venue PopStroke, which opened December 2022, is located along two major thoroughfares in the Katy area. Businesses like it are establishing the city as a hub for entertainment, said Angie Thomason, president of the Katy Area Economic Development Council.

CONTINUED ON 23

COURTESY POPSTROKE

Also in this issue

Impacts: Detroit pizzeria opens in Katy area (Page 6)

Government: Fort Bend County calls mobility bond (Page 9)

Education: Poll shows teachers need resources (Page 15)

Dining: Dulcedo Coee delivers sweetness (Page 27)

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

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. Located in Hermann Park. Visit milleroutdoortheatre.com for the complete calendar.

Don’t miss Miller’s fall season. NOW THROUGH NOV. 11. Plus, one final epic Celebrate Miller 100! event!

NOVEMBER 11 — A Steampunk Spectacular. Dress in your best Steampunk costume and step back in time through machines, performances, photo installations and more all ending in a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between Bella Gaia and William Close & The Earth Harp Collective, bringing the magic of both shows together. Two Earth harps will frame the stage and the spectacular sounds combine with the visual story of BELLA GAIA (beautiful earth) blending music, visually-stunning dance with motion sculpture—by Capacitor—along with NASA satellite imagery to tell a cosmic story. Bringing together two of the most popular shows touring in recent years, this dynamic combination is unique and is sure to be a highlight of the anniversary season. SEASON FINALE.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning James T. Norman Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Graphic Designers Jatziri Garcia Chad Inmon Ellen Jackson Martha Risinger La’Toya Smith Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Kasey Salisbury Account Executive Tracy Drewa Managing Editor Kelly Schafler Senior Art Production Manager Kaitlin Schmidt

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

Impacts

KATY FORT BEND RD.

Now open

2855

99 TOLL

FRANZ RD.

CANE ISLAND PKWY.

5 8

I N G S L A

B L V D

Katy

KATY MILLS CIR.

HIGHLAND KNOLLS DR.

1 Sapore Detroit Pizzeria Sapore has officially brought back its Motor City-style slices at its new storefront in Katy. The restaurant was temporarily operating out of Pappa Gyros on 21910 Franz Road. Customers can order Sapore’s signature square, deep-dish pizzas or build their own with toppings of their choice. • Opened Aug. 10 • 23445 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 500, Katy • www.detroitpizzeriakaty.com

1463

GEORGE BUSH PARK

S N E R

1463

CROSS CREEK BEND LN.

99 TOLL

F R Y R D .

Now open

1093

FULSHEAR GASTON RD.

2 Beyond Athletics This new gym offers coach-led small group training, personal training and open gym access at a private training facility. It also has a membership system where subscribers can access various additional features. • Opened Sept. 18

723

Fulshear

• 3820 N. Mason Road, Katy • www.beyondathletics.net

359

3 Bella Terra Animal Hospital This veterinary care center serves Richmond and surrounding areas. Services include pet wellness and vaccination programs; animal medical services for

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BY ASIA ARMOUR

Now open

Coming soon

4 Mandito’s Tex Mex This Tex-Mex joint is a casual cantina-style version of the Houston-based Armandos restaurant with similar menu items. The menu will feature Tex-Mex classics, such as fajitas, enchiladas, fish tacos and housemade margaritas. Some of the dishes highlighted by the restaurant include its twice- refried beans, the “World Famous” Burrito Bowl, a Tex-Mex kale Caesar salad and its banana split. • Opening early 2024 • 9910 Gaston Road, Ste. 200, Katy • www.manditostexmex.com

6 K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel K9 Resorts boasts amenities such as the same antimicrobial flooring and air filtration systems as hospitals, as well as germ-resistant bedding and soundproofing materials to minimize stress on pets. The business has an open play concept where pups 7 IKEA An IKEA storefront with a new format is coming to Katy’s LaCenterra shopping center. The new format is referred to as a plan and order point with pick-up by IKEA spokespersons. Some features of the incoming 5,500-square-foot store include interior design planning with IKEA specialists and customer support for planning home furnishings for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. • Opening spring 2024 • 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. G130, Katy • www.ikea.com/us/en 8 Doublju Offering another retail option at Katy Mills mall near Burlington, retail center Doublju will introduce over 1,000 budget-friendly fashion products weekly. These clothing options can often be found on Amazon.

can roam outdoor play yards and grassy, indoor playrooms, and will accommodate more than 80 dogs overnight and over 100 for its day care services. • Opened Sept. 16 • 1380 W. Grand Parkway S., Ste. 400, Katy • www.k9resorts.com

• Opening in November • 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy • www.instagram.com/doubljushop

diagnosing and treating health conditions; surgery, including spay and neuter; and dental cleanings. • Opened Sept. 18

• 8323 FM 723, Ste. 111, Richmond • www.bellaterraanimalhospital.com

In the news

Coming soon

9 Mama’s Texas Smokehouse After its temporary relocation in February, the food truck made a return to Katy from Houston food hall Lyric Market. Often featured on the menu is Mama’s loaded baked potato, stuffed with the customer’s choice of meat, cheese, chives and sour cream. • Relocated Sept. 9 • 20220 Katy Freeway, Katy • www.facebook.com/mamastexassmokehouse

5 Hey Dude This brand carries shoes for men, women and kids that are lightweight and affordable, versatile, and easy to slip on and off. The store is located near Off Broadway Shoes. • Opening this fall • 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy • www.heydude.com

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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

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Government

BY DANIEL WEEKS

Fort Bend County calls $712.6M mobility bond

The breakdown

Bureau’s annual Population Estimates Program data shows the county had a population of over 889,000 last year, with County Judge KP George projecting the county will hit 1 million in the next few years. “In the past, the county had a position that all we do is maintain roadways, we don’t build new ones. That shifted over the last two decades,” said McCoy, who represents the central and southern Fort Bend County area. Precinct 1—which encompasses the Katy and Fulshear areas—will receive $137.5 million should the bond pass this November. This is $82 million more than it received in the 2017 voter-approved bond.

Katy-area residents could see one of the largest county investments in local transportation projects, including the widening and reconstruction of major thoroughfares, should the county’s mobility bond pass Nov. 7. On Aug. 8, Fort Bend County commissioners voted to call the largest bond referendum in the county’s history. The bond with a $712.6 million mobility proposition and a $153 million parks and facilities proposition will appear on ballots. Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy said the bond’s historic size is reflective of the county’s rapid growth. The U.S. Census

Precinct 1 mobility projects’ costs

Amount the bond will fund: $137.5M Amount needed from other sources: $15M

Total $152.5M

SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

At an Aug. 24 Katy Area Chamber of Commerce event, Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales emphasized the importance of consistent mobility bonds. He said a mobility bond should be consid- ered every three years. “It takes three years to get designs, to acquire the right of way and to relocate utilities before we can even put a shovel in the ground,” he said. Morales said the county has an agreement with local municipalities to split the construction cost of projects in half. The cities of Katy and Fulshear are listed as agency partners in the mobility project list. Future action from the county could also contribute funds to approved mobility projects; the 2023 bond includes $45 million for existing mobility projects in Precinct 1. “It is important that we must continue to push forward on these mobility bonds and so that it improves the quality of life for everyone,” Morales said.

Proposed mobility projects

Funding for various frontage road projects 4 Redbird Lane ($1.15M): Upgrade and improve existing asphalt roadway 5 Pool Hill Road segments 1-3 ($14.85M): Upgrade asphalt road to concrete half boulevard

1 Pin Oak Road ($3.96M): Widen to six lanes 2 Falcon Landing Boulevard & Rowling Oaks Boulevard ($552,000): Widen pavement to create new turn lanes 3 Grand Parkway frontage road projects ($20M):

99 TOLL

GSLAND BLVD.

PIN OAK RD.

1463

Going forward

HUNT RD.

The $712.6 million mobility package is the largest in the county’s history but will have no impact on the county’s debt service tax rate, McCoy said.

ROWLING OAKS BLVD.

359

0% tax rate increase for 2023 bond

1093

34% toward previous mobility bond projects

+7.86% property tax revenue year over year from increased values to help pay for bond +$82M additional funds for Precinct 1 compared to 2017 bond

REDBIRD LN.

1093

NOTE: THIS MAP IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE AS SOME BROADER PROJECTS DON’T HAVE PRECISE LOCATIONS. PRICES SHOWN REPRESENT THE AMOUNT THE BOND WOULD FUND EACH PROJECT, NOT THE TOTAL PROJECT COST. KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Government

2 Harris County courts to study eviction diversion Two Harris County courts are aiming to fill two new full-time positions by the end of October focused on finding new ways, under Texas law, to strengthen eviction diversion efforts and improve

Harris County officials adopt $2.7B budget Harris County will be operating fiscal year 2023-24 on a $2.7 billion budget, a $500 million increase from last year’s budget, after commissioners unanimously approved the amount on Sept. 19. Digging deeper According to officials, the budget includes the most significant investment in public safety in the county’s history. • $119 million to law enforcement • $5 million to provide body-worn cameras to jail staff • $7.8 million in additional jail medical costs Other countywide funding includes $128 million for Harris County Flood Control District and $888 million for Harris Health.

Harris County eviction filings Since funding for county and city rental pandemic protections ended in 2022, eviction rates in Houston have skyrocketed.

80K 60K 40K 20K 0 100K

80K

housing stability. What happened

Funding for the new positions was awarded in September by the National Center for State Courts’ Eviction Diversion Initiative to Justice of the Peace courtrooms covering Harris County Precinct 1-2— represented by Judge Steve Duble—and Precinct 2-2, represented by Judge Dolores Lozano. The joint application by the two judges was one of 10 to be approved nationally for the funding. The courts cover northwest and far southeast Houston. Why it matters Since January, more than 57,800 eviction cases

*2023 DATA IS AS OF SEPT. 20

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURTS, JANUARY ADVISORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

have been filed in Harris County, totaling more than $131 million in claims, according to consulting firm January Advisors. As of September, the county was on track to return to prepandemic historical averages for evictions. The approach With this grant, Duble said the two courts could connect people with social and legal services.

Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority budget passes

expenses projected to be around $24.3 million. What else? The official Fort Bend Grand Parkway Toll Road System 2023-2024 Capital Improvement Plan was also approved at the Sept. 26 meeting. The capital improvement plan covers a range of projects for the Grand Parkway, including lane expansions and bridge construction.

The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court convened Sept. 26 to review the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority’s upcoming annual budget and simultaneously approve an improvement plan for the Grand Parkway. The main focus of the meeting was the approval of the FBCTRA budget for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024. The total revenue for the fiscal year was budgeted at approximately $26 million, with

$835.2 million of Grand Parkway improvements were approved by the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority.

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METRO adopts $1.6B 2023-24 budget The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County will operate fiscal year 2023-24 with a $1.6 billion budget after board members unan- imously adopted the amount during a Sept. 28 meeting. Chief Financial Officer George Fotinos said at the meeting that METRO does not plan to issue any debt, specifically bonds, in 2024. The details The budget is a 7.2% drop in expenditures, or $126 million less, compared to last year’s approved budget. Last year’s budget was the largest dollar amount approved in the agency’s history, totaling $1.76 billion. A $5.5 million investment in the 2023-24 budget will go toward launching a new 24-hour service bike share program that METRO is projected to launch in summer 2024.

Katy City Council passes tax rate

METRO expenses The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County will operate FY 2023-24 with a 7.2% drop, or $126 million less, compared to last year’s approved budget. Operating budget: $915M Capital budget: $420.86M General Mobility Program budget: $198.94M Debt service budget: $101.91M

Katy City Council convened in a regular session Sept. 25, unanimously voting to approve the upcoming fiscal year’s budget and tax rate. The new property tax rate is a decrease of one penny from the previous year, but an increase in tax revenue by $3.7 million. The details City Council approved two tax rates to support the FY 2023-24 budget: • A debt service tax rate of $0.067024 per $100 of assessed property valuation • A maintenance and operation tax rate of $0.362976 per $100 of assessed property valuation • A total combined property tax rate of $0.43

$1.6M

SOURCE: METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Fort Bend County reduces tax rate, revenue increases Fort Bend County commissioners approved the budget for fiscal year 2023-24, amounting to $767.1 million. This budget showcases a 35% increase in expenses compared to the previous fiscal year. The details properties to the tax roll and higher property values.

New tax rate

A $0.0123 decrease in tax rate year over year

Notably, these changes will not impact the county’s ability to maintain its planned bond initiatives, including a $712.6 million mobility package as well as a $153 million parks and facilities package scheduled for a November ballot vote.

From $0.4512 in 2022 to $0.4389 in 2023

The court also voted to lower the tax rate, however officials anticipate an increase in property tax revenue due to the addition of new

A property valued at $300,000 will be taxed $1,316 per year

SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE

28 county libraries designated ‘sanctuaries’ for banned books

The Harris County Public Library system has officially joined a nationwide movement that prevents book banning and censorship, and main- tains open access to information. Harris County commissioners unanimously approved the official resolution Sept. 19 that designated the 28 public county libraries as “book sanctuaries.” More than 2,900 book sanctuaries are estab- lished throughout the country, according to documents from the Chicago Public Library that began the initiative. HCPL Executive Director Edward Melton said in a news release that it’s important for the library to provide content and information to everyone in a community as diverse as Harris County. “The thing about books is that they are crucial not only as mirrors that reflect our own experi- ences but also as windows into the experiences of others. The library must provide those opportuni- ties for all people,” Melton said.

Explained Guidelines in place for the HCPL system and its staff as book sanctuaries include: • Defending readers’ freedom to speak, think and read as they choose • Protecting library staff from harassment and intimidation • Collecting and protecting endangered books by making them available to the public • Fostering discussion about challenged and diverse books to promote understanding and mutual respect • Educating the public about current and past efforts to censor and ban book. According to the HCPL news release, the book sanctuary resolution doesn’t bar library users from asking the library to reconsider items on its shelves for review or voicing concerns.

Library locations 1

Katherine Tyra Branch Library

Katy library 2

Harris County Public Library Maud Smith Marks Branch

529

Katy

CLAY RD.

F RAN Z RD .

99 TOLL

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

Mental well-being—for both teachers and students—and the resources needed to achieve that were billed as a top priority in the newest 2023 Texas Teacher Poll from the Charles Butt Foundation. This year’s report, released Sept. 5, emphasized the “hearts and minds of teachers,” said Melissa Garza, Charles Butt Foundation research associate. The newest survey findings show 75% of teachers have considered leaving the profession. Results show many are worried about increasing workloads with shrinking resources. This number is slightly down from last year but higher than 2020. Combined with that is a number of teachers who don’t feel mentally well at their job. Pay also is a stressor, with the vast majority, 81%, reporting they feel underpaid. Poll: Teachers need resources

Also of note

The bottom line

The recent legislative session didn’t yield much for education challenges across Texas, said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy for Raise Your Hand Texas, a nonprofit aimed at promoting public policy. Meanwhile, polling from Charles Butt shows teachers feel responsible for not only teaching but for promoting mental health and safety. While 80% said they feel they have support and resources needed to allow students to be their “genuine self,” half said they didn’t have adequate training or support to respond to a student mental health crisis, according to the report. The Charles Butt poll on public spending shows teachers support a pay increase, along with: • Resources for students’ mental needs • Security • Addressing COVID-19-related learning gaps • Providing free meals to students. Other resources such as mentorship programs or therapy can help teachers prepare more for the role and mentally feel well, Popinski said. Looking ahead, Robison said a special legislative session aimed at addressing public schools could be coming in October, which could include public school money and teacher pay. “We’re seeing increased standards in public school but making it harder for teachers to [meet those requirements],” Popinski said.

Results show a higher number of teachers have considered leaving the profession since the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing workload teachers are dealing with, combined with pay, are not only causing teachers to think about leaving the profession but are also prompting some to go out and look for work on the side, said Clay Robison, Texas State Teachers Associa- tion spokesperson. To that end, 41% of teachers in spring 2022 reported working a second job during the school year to make ends meet, Robison said. That number is up from 31% in spring 2016. “Teacher pay is more than $7,000 below the national average,” Robison said. ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ While 2023 saw a slight decline compared to previous years, a majority of the 1,029 teachers polled in the newest survey reported “seriously considering” leaving the profession.

Teachers considering leaving

Mental health of teachers by age A higher rate of young teachers reported their mental health was worse off compared to older teachers.

100%

75%

80%

Percent of teachers reporting only fair/poor mental health

60%

58%

40%

0% 50% 100%

20%

<30 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+

2020 2021 2022 2023

SOURCE: CHARLES BUTT FOUNDATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY DAVE MANNING

School board approves new tax rate Katy ISD board of trustees approved a decreased tax rate for scal year 2023-24 at a Sept. 25 meeting. The specics The new $1.12 per $100 valuation tax rate would result in approximately $3,680 of annual taxes for the district’s calculated average taxable home value of $328,719. For comparison, the average tax bill from last scal year was estimated to be $4,242, or a $562 decrease year over year. These projections from the district assume the successful passing of the statewide proposition proposing an increase in the school district homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 and buying down of school district property tax rates, which will be on ballots in Nov. 7.

Katy ISD revises library policy that banned books After months of public outcry over the banning of some children’s books, Katy ISD has revised its library policy by altering a phrase in the description of what would cause a book to be removed from library shelves. “The only change [to the July 31 revision] is to provide more specicity as to nudity, and we have deleted the term 'implied nudity.' ... The goal

of this board continues to be to protect children from ... harmful material.” VICTOR PEREZ, KATY ISD BOARD PRESIDENT

Katy citizens addressed the board Sept. 25 in pub- lic comments regarding book banning and cham- pioned district librarians, saying they are highly trained professionals with advanced degrees whom the board and the district should better support. In response, board members voted 7-0 to remove the words “implied nudity” from the language of the board policy revision approved July 31. What happened The board’s library policy specic to elemen- tary schools originally stated the following: “No materials in elementary school libraries shall contain: 1) visual or visually implied depic- tions of sexual acts or simulations of such acts, 2) explicit written descriptions of sexual acts, 3)

non-explicit written descriptions of sexual acts, except for purposes of teaching students (as may be approved by parents) to avoid and report molestation, or 4) visual depictions of nudity or implied nudity.”

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KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION

PROP A PROP B PROP C PROP D $722,992,054 $83,567,360 $4,195,456 $29,875,472

4 New Schools, Purchase of School Sites, 26 Renovations & Expansions for Aging Campuses, 85 Safety & Security Upgrades, Buses, 61 Building Component Replacements Districtwide Classroom & Campus Technology Existing Districtwide Natatorium (Competition Swimming Pools) Component Replacements

Katy ISD Districtwide Proposed 2023 Bond Projects

Districtwide Campus Athletic Facilities & Rhoads Stadium Repairs

TOTAL BOND: $840.6M ZERO TAX RATE INCREASE

New Facilities

Campus Bldg Component Replacements Technology Improvements

Projected Enrollment Growth

Existing Campus Expansions/Renovations

Other

Safety & Security Improvements

Future Campuses Elementary Campus 49 Junior High Campus 19

Future Programs Katy Plus Behavioral Learning Center

EARLY VOTING October 23- November 3 ELECTION DAY November 7

www.katyisd.org/Bond2023

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

Houston Methodist West unveils $65M facility Houston Methodist West Hospital held a rib- bon-cutting to commemorate the opening of a new medical oce building at 18500 Katy Freeway, Houston, on Sept. 18, according to a news release. The details The six-story medical oce building spans 150,000 square feet and will house various depart- ments, including: • Orthopedics and sports medicine • Physical therapy • Primary care • Neuroscience services • Sports eld for physical therapy The medical oce building is part of a $65 million expansion project, which includes 900 parking spaces, nature spaces with walking trails

New town coming to Fort Bend County The Signorelli Co. kicked o Phase 1 of a 4,700-acre master-planned community in Fort Bend County called Austin Point, according to a Sept. 21 news release. The details Austin Point—which The Signorelli Co. is calling a master-planned town—is expected to have over 14,000 single- and multi-family homes and 50,000 residents, according to the release. The master-planned project will also consist of 15 million square feet of mixed-use space. According to The Signorelli Co., the population would be larger than the city of Rosenberg. The development is planned along FM 762 and south of I-69.

Houston Methodist West Hospital’s new medical oce building is now open in Katy.

COURTESY HOUSTON METHODIST WEST HOSPITAL

and an access road linking I-10 to Park Row, according to the release. What’s next The expansion project is part of a master plan that envisions further additions in the future in

areas around the hospital, such as: • A neonatal intensive care unit

• Surgery • Imaging • Emergency services

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KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION

Real estate

Number of homes sold

September 2022

September 2023

Residential market data

11 6

196 171

-45.5%

-12.8%

77094

77493

Katy area ZIP codes overall saw a decrease in home sales year over year, with the sole exception of the 77441 ZIP code. The median home sales price remained mostly consistent, with no ZIP code seeing an increase or decrease above 8%.

188 114

64 92

-39.4%

77494

+43.8%

77441

138 100

24 22

-27.5%

-8.3%

77449

77450

529

99 TOLL

Median home sales price

1093

2022

2023

2022

2023

77094

77493

+5.16%

+0.86%

$489,000

$353,000

$465,000

$350,000

77449 77493

77094 77441 77450 77494

77441

-1.99%

77494

$520,655

$531,250

+7.47%

$477,128

$443,973

77449

77450

+0.96%

-6.88%

$290,500

$372,500

$287,750

$400,000

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

Real estate

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

TxDOT plans improvements to Grand Parkway frontage roads According to a news release, the proposed front- age roads—spanning approximately 3 miles—will feature 8- to 10-foot-wide continuous shared-use paths designed for both bicycles and pedestrians, and this path will connect with the existing shared-use pathway. The project also includes adjustments of ramp access, according to the news release. What else? Approximately 6.77 acres of right of way would be required for the project. According to the T H Y 99 TOLL L D R . BAY HILL BLVD.

The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on improvements along the Grand Parkway between Highland Knolls/Bay Hill Boulevard and South Fry Road to enhance transportation in the area. The details The proposed plans from TxDOT and Fort Bend County for the Grand Parkway improvement project costing about $87 million includes adding continuous two-lane frontage roads. • A section of frontage road will be constructed along Grand Parkway northbound from South Fry Road to Highland Knolls/Bay Hill Boulevard. • Two additional sections of frontage road will be constructed along Grand Parkway southbound from Highland Knolls/Bay Hill Boulevard to Cinco Ranch Boulevard and from Westheimer Parkway to South Fry Road.

release, the project does not expect any homes or commercial buildings to be forced to move or be removed due to its implementation. Construction for the project is expected to start in mid 2025 and would take place in flood plains and wetlands, so environmental considerations will be taken into account, according to the release.

MASON ROAD 1640 S Mason Rd (281) 395-6262

FALCON LANDING 9722 Gaston Rd (281) 574-3008 KATY MILLS 24417 Katy Fwy (281) 394-5780

KATY 23702 Westheimer Pkwy (281) 392-5554

FULSHEAR 24940 FM 1093 (281) 391-4008

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

From the cover

BY ASIA ARMOUR

The big picture

Where’s the fun? Opened 2020 1 Urban Air Trampoline Park 2 Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Opened 2021 3 Awesome Entertainment Opened 2022 4 The Perfect Round 5 Dig World 6 AGR Sports Adventure Park 7 PopStroke

GRAND CIRCLE BLVD.

99 TOLL

In the last ve years, more than 10 diverse entertainment options have opened in Katy, according to previous Community Impact business reporting. Slick City, an indoor slide park for ages 3 and older, will join venues near Katy Mills mall this winter, representatives with the mall said. Its neighbors include Dig World, the construction- themed amusement park that opened in March 2022; Urban Air Trampoline Park that opened March 2020; and Typhoon Texas, which opened a $4 million kids-only minipark in late 2022. Along I-10 and Grand Parkway, sports-centered venues Home Run Dugout and PopStroke cater to both kids and adults. Opened March 2023 and December 2022, respectively, they feature several bars and full-service restaurants in addition to batting bays and a small-scale golf course. Ferraro noted each location is near a major thoroughfare that provides access to and from heavily populated areas around Greater Houston. “It’s pulling people from Tomball, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, just because of ease of access,” Ferraro said.

GRAND WEST BLVD.

KATY MILLS CIR.

5 12

MORTONRD.

KATY FORT BEND RD.

KINGSLAND BLVD.

99 TOLL

FRANZ RD.

K I N G S L

Katy

HIGHLAND KNOLLS DR.

1463

Opened 2023 8 Home Run Dugout 9 Typhoon Junior 10 X-Golf 11 Activate Games

CINCO RANCH BLVD.

GEORGE BUSH PARK

1463

CROSS CREEK BEND LN.

Coming soon 12 Slick City Electric Pickle*

99 TOLL

359

1098

SOURCES: KATY AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, KATY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCECOMMUNITY IMPACT *THE LOCATION HASN’T BEEN RELEASED, BUT OFFICIALS SAID IT WILL BE LOCATED NEAR THE GRAND PARKWAY AND I10 INTERSECTION.

How we got here

What they’re saying

Looking ahead

A concentration of entertainment businesses are located at the intersection of I-10 and the Grand Parkway, Katy Mills mall, and Hwy. 90 and First Street, near Katy’s downtown square. “You can drive down I-10, Grand Parkway, Franz Road, any of the roadways in the Katy area one week, and the next week something new has popped in,” Thomason said. “It’s just great for the economic growth of our community.” Increased tourism Katy’s hotel occupancy tax revenue projections have grown rapidly to account for increased tourism since the drop caused by COVID-19 in scal year 2019-20.

“The city of Katy and Katy ISD … work collaboratively with developers and the county to bring the best possible entertainment business opportunities to this marketplace.” MATTHEW FERRARO, PRESIDENT OF THE KATY AREA CHAMBER OF OF COMMERCE

These entertainment venues cater to Katy’s growing population, ocials said.

COURTESY ANDRETTI INDOOR KARTING & GAMES

Continuing the trend of new entertainment venues is the incoming Electric Pickle, a complex to be located near the intersection of I-10 and the Grand Parkway that will feature 10 pickleball courts and full-service private cabanas with TVs, replaces and a 10,000-square-foot restaurant, Thomason said. “Any of these new businesses coming, whether it’s entertainment or [otherwise], will bring job opportunities, economic growth and improvement of quality of life for our community,” she said.

“You can stay in Katy and have everything that we would have years ago had to drive into Houston for.

Hotel occupancy tax revenue

$2.5M $2M $1.5M $1M $500K $0

It’s all right here in Katy, but we still feel like that small community.” ANGIE THOMASON, CEO OF KATY AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

2019-20 2020-21

2021-22 2022-23*2023-24**

**FY 202324 REPRESENTS CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATES OF PROJECTED HOT REVENUE. *THIS YEAR’S REVENUE INCLUDES DRAWING IN $1.2M FROM THE HOT FUND BALANCE

SOURCE: CITY OF KATYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION

LAZY RIVER

Top Katy ISD schools!

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

The Retreat Lazy River Amenity Village is now under construction and will feature: • An amazing lazy river— Get rolling down a river! • Splash Pad & Water Slide– Let the splashing begin! • Resort-style Swimming Pool— Dive in! • Dog Park, Tennis Courts— And so much more! The Sol Club Lagoon Amenity Village Coming Soon!

View The Retreat Amenity Renderings

Stockdick Rd.

New Homes $300s-$800s SUNTERRATX.COM

Clay Rd.

* Ranking based on RCLCO 2023 mid-year report. Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Amenity designs and construction are subject to first obtaining the appropriate federal, state and local permits and approvals. Features listed for The Retreat Lazy River Amenity Village are representative only, and Land Tejas reserves the right, without notice to or approval by the Buyer, to make changes or substitutions of equal or better quality for any features, materials and equipment. The location and size of The Retreat Lazy River Amenity Village are subject to feasibility studies and local government approvals. 08/23

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Houston Folk Festival This traveling country, folk and blues music festival stops in Katy this fall. It features talents such as American Music Awards-winning group The Steepwater Band. In addition to musical acts, attendees can expect 100 artists and crafters, a farmers market, and a Taste of Texas Food Garden with gourmet cuisine as well as craft beer and wine. • Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. • Free (admission and parking) • Katy Mills Mall, 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy • www.houstonfolkfestival.com

Deka Strong Road Show F45 Training on Morton Ranch Road will host this decathlon-style challenge designed to test and celebrate fitness. The competition and showcase consists of 10 training zones, tailored for both men and women weights. Competitors can enter solo or in

two-person teams. • Nov. 11, 8 a.m.-noon • Starts at $25 • 3011 W. Grand Parkway N., Katy • https://tickets-usdk.spartan.com/event/DS816

long to celebrate Halloween. Prizes will be awarded for best costume. • Oct. 29, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. • Free (admission)

• Free (admission) • 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane, Fulshear • www.fulshearpolicefoundation.org

October

Haunted Halloween Horror Market & Music Fest The Wildcatter Saloon presents a Halloween-themed and celebrity-studded event. Costume contests, trick- or-treating, live music and a local vendor market are some of the features of this event. • Oct. 28, noon -1 a.m. • Starts at $20 • 26913 Katy Freeway, Katy • www.houstonhorrorfilmfest.com Home Run Hounds Home Run Dugout will host a dog costume party all day

• 1220 Grand West Blvd., Katy • www.homerundugout.com

Annual Community Campout The city of Katy hosts this yearly event for Katy families to enjoy the outdoors and amenities at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Park. Register to pitch tents and bring sleeping bags to enjoy movies; games hosted by Dick’s House of Sport, and Katy Parks and Recreation; dinner and breakfast; and s’mores at the overnight campout. • Nov. 17-18, 4 p.m.-9 a.m. • Free • 6202 George Bush Drive, Katy • www.cityofkaty.com/communitycampout

November

Annual FPF Gumbo Cookoff Gumbo chefs will battle for first place at this competition cookoff benefiting the Fulshear Police Foundation. This year’s cookoff, hosted at Cross Creek Ranch, will include gumbo samplings, family fun, outdoor games, zydeco music performances, and both live and silent auctions. • Nov. 11, 1-5 p.m.

9th - 12th contact Jennifer Janicek at 281-222-5035 and 3rd through 8th contact Claudia Eichberger at 281-744-0519 .

Visit katyladycavs.com for additional information

KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION

More than ever, it's a time for hope. For every new home purchased in Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, Cross Creek Ranch and Cross Creek West will donate a portion of each home sale to these 4 charities. Give Back.

• Abigail’s Place • Family Hope • Fort Bend PAWS • Reining Strength

Purchase a new home in Cross Creek Ranch or Cross Creek West to be entered to win $3,000

To further help, visitors to the community can drop off items for each of these charities at the Cross Creek Ranch Welcome Center 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane, Fulshear, Tx 77441

SCAN HERE FOR A LIST OF NEEDS

* Must purchase a new home November 1 - December 31, 2023 to be eligible for the $3,000. $3,000 will be awarded upon closing of the home in CCR or CCW. Must close by 12/31/2024. Restrictions apply, please see website for more details. For a full list of items needed, please visit the website.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Dulcédo has a menu of pastries, sandwiches and more.

Dulcédo Coee pays attention to ratios, extraction times and temperatures for coee brewing.

PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Dulcédo Coee delivers sweetness, sanctuary The name comes from the way he prays, said Oscar Gushiken, the owner of Dulcédo Coee. “It means sweetness [in] medieval Latin. I’m one of those people that sometimes prays in Latin,” Gushiken said. “If you look around [the shop], there’s certain Christian elements here and there. ... That’s just part of who I am.” want people to be happy to come in.” The inspiration

Owner Oscar Gushiken said serving people is a passion.

Gushiken’s heritage is a mixture of Mexican and Japanese. He grew up in Veracruz—a coastal state in the southeast area of the Gulf of Mexico and the second-largest coee-producing state in Mexico. “We have people that telecommute or study here,” he said. “People [are] having all kinds of meetings here: book clubs, Bible studies; we’ve [even] seen people bring in racks of clothing to display. Sometimes they’re just having private business meetings—but they choose to have it here.”

S. FRYRD.

The coee shop opened in November 2019 near the intersection of FM 1463 and FM 1093 in the still-developing Richmond community. In the few months before COVID-19 shut down businesses in the area, Gushiken said the warmth and kindness of his sta helped to build their customer base. “Small things make a huge dierence,” he said. “We try to give o a great vibe because we really

1463

1093

26750 FM 1093, Ste. 120, Richmond www.dulcedo.coee

KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION

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