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Pearland Friendswood Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10 SEPT. 13 OCT. 16, 2023
Drought challenges local farmers
Fourth-generation farmer Tyler Froberg inspects an irrigated crop section. Froberg Farm’s irrigated portions are watered arti cially and have fared better than the dryland sections, which rely solely on rainwater that has been scarce for months.
RACHEL LELAND COMMUNITY IMPACT
which Schaefer relies on to sell produce, eggs, goat milk soap and honey at local farmers markets, the drought and high temperatures have made regular farm operations more di cult, she said. “Even digging holes for posts involved a tractor, auger and lots of water to try to break through the dry clay,” Schaefer said.
She said the small farm in Brookside Village has lost chickens and trees this year, and the garden stopped producing earlier due to the heat. On Aug. 20, the temperature in the city of Houston reached 108 degrees, nearly breaking the city’s all-time highest record of 109 degrees. It was the 22nd consecutive 100-degree day for the city, according to the National Weather Service. Aside from being tough on crops and animals,
BY RACHEL LELAND
Local farmers and ranchers are feeling the heat as Brazoria County enters a severe drought and swelters under record-breaking temperatures. “We have a deep [groundwater] well and a high water table, but that doesn’t give the animals or plants relief from the sun,” Schaefer Farm Execu- tive Director Cynthia Schaefer said.
CONTINUED ON 16
Also in this issue
Impacts: Master Air Inc. celebrates 35 years in Pearland (Page 6)
Education: House Bill 114 changes school discipline (Page 11)
Transportation: Grand Parkway Segment B begins in 2026 (Page 14)
Business: Pearland Town Center creates chances (Page 18)
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Impacts
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N. SPECTRUM BLVD.
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N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
2 Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse The restaurant serves New York-style pizza, wings, calzones, sandwiches, wraps, salads and pastas in addition to 72 craft beers on draft. The restaurant has a large patio. • Opened July 24 • 144 El Dorado Blvd., Ste. 240, Webster • www.parryspizza.com 3 OMG! Burger The restaurant’s menu includes artisanal burger concepts like the beef patty with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, sauteed onion, bell pepper, jalapeno and spicy green sauce. Since 2016, sisters Annie Khan and Nina Ahmed have opened three other locations in Katy, Spring and Sugar Land.
• Opened Aug. 4 • 11901 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland • www.txomgburger.com 4 Dick’s House of Sport The retail store aims to bring together sports, community engagement and technology. It offers a diverse range of activities, from outdoor fields to rock climbing, along with a wide selection of athletic gear, apparel and equipment. • Opened July 7 • 18650 Gulf Freeway, Friendswood • www.dickssportinggoods.com
Now open
1 Millar Inc. A medical device company that specializes in developing and manufacturing pressure sensor-enabled devices for medical and clinical applications opened a new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Pearland, according to the Pearland Economic Development Corp. The facility occupies a total area of 56,000 square feet. It is situated on a 5-acre site and is home to approximately 140 employees for Millar’s research and development and manufacturing capabilities. • Opened Aug. 15 • 11950 N. Spectrum Blvd., Pearland • www.millar.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
In the news
Now open
5 Golf Galaxy A retail store specializing in golf equipment celebrated its grand opening. The business sells golf clubs, apparel, shoes, balls and bags. The store also offers a golf simulator. • Opened July 7 • 18650 Gulf Freeway, Friendswood • www.golfgalaxy.com
8 Texas Huddle The restaurant closed in early June after experiencing issues with its air conditioning system and reopened Aug. 12. The business originally opened in January 2021 and has 45 TVs, five arcade games, indoor and outdoor seating, and more than 40 beers on tap.
• 803 E. NASA Parkway, Ste. 100, Webster • www.texashuddle.com
6 The Crafty Pear & Boutique The store sells personalized engraved and printed gifts like T-shirts, tumblers, water bottles, cutting boards and embroidery. The shop will also host a calendar full of classes and workshops such as a mum-making workshop for homecoming season. • Opened July 28 7 Renzo Gracie Pearland The martial arts academy offers jiujitsu classes for adults and children, along with advanced level, MMA and private training. Professor Joe Murphy, who trains students at the academy, is a first-degree black belt under professor Brian Marvin at Renzo Gracie Houston and a chief master sergeant in the United States Air Force Reserve. • 2206 E. Broadway St., Ste. D, Pearland • www.facebook.com/craftypearboutique
10 Master Air Inc. This heating and cooling company offering furnace and air conditioning services in and around Pearland celebrated its 35th anniversary Aug. 8. The business employs technicians skilled in repairing, installing and upgrading these systems. The business also provides filtration systems for healthier homes and businesses that are free of indoor pollution. • 2020 E. Broadway St., Ste. A, Pearland • www.masterair.com 11 Stephanie’s School of Dance For 25 years, this studio has been teaching boys and girls ages 2-18 a variety of styles of dance. The business celebrated its anniversary Aug. 4.
• Opened July 5 • 2000 Reflection Bay Drive, Pearland • www.renzograciepearland.com
In the news
9 Pearland Coffee Roasters The coffee shop will continue its operations under new ownership. Former owner Jeff Barnett sold the business to Albert Rogers, a former employee, Barnett said. The decision to sell comes after a social media post on June 18 announcing the coffee shop would permanently close its doors after 13 years of service. • 4106 Broadway St., Pearland • www.pearlandcoffeeroasters.com
• 6831 Broadway St., Pearland • http://stephaniesdance.com
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Government
BY JAMES T. NORMAN
Officials optimistic about coastal protection district funding
The outlook Paul said he thinks there is support for the bill, and making the needed changes should be “an easy fix.” He added he expects a follow-up bill to come up at some point during upcoming special sessions with different wording. However, it will likely come after the state finishes dealing with a few other priorities, Paul said. At this point, he thinks the opportunity to get it on a special session agenda—of which Abbott has total control—might not come until October. “What we need is for the community to support the trust fund and ask the governor to stick it on a special session,” Paul said. Nicole Sunstrum, executive director of the Texas Gulf Coast Protection District, agreed with Paul that it would be “very easy” to amend the bill to fix the wording. “It was to prevent any unintended conse- quences,” Sunstrum said.
Despite receiving almost unanimous support from the Texas Legislature, Gov. Greg Abbott has vetoed a bill that would have created a funding account to help pay for Gulf Coast protection projects due to concerns over how it was worded. The overview House Bill 2416, sponsored by state Rep. Dennis Paul, R-Houston, aimed to create a trust fund to allow extra federal funds to be deposited for future and current Gulf Coast protection projects. The goal was to begin depositing money to be invested to help fund those projects further, Paul said. “We didn’t fund anything [with the bill],” Paul said. “But it’s a start to get something going on it and showing the seriousness of the state.” However, due to some technical wording within the bill, Abbott vetoed the bill in June. “I look forward to working with the author on enacting language that will achieve its intended purpose,” Abbott said about the veto.
Mapping it out The Texas Gulf Coast Protection District covers about 5,220 square miles of land across five counties, including Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson and Orange counties.
COUNTIES
Harris County Jefferson County Orange County
Galveston County Chambers County
N
SOURCE: TEXAS GULF COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY RACHEL LELAND
Pearland library o ers free recording studio for residents
Creatives, podcasters and content producers now have a free new space to create at the West Pearland Library. The backstory Tucked in the corner of the library’s second oor, the makerspace is home to recording and editing tools such as green screens, cameras, microphones, editing software, an iPad, an iMac and a Dell computer with a true color monitor, which is optimal for photo editing, branch librar- ian Jessica Williams said. The makerspace has a small shelf of books to help guide people to use the equipment to record and edit content. All of the equipment was funded by the Friends of Pearland Westside Library, a nonpro t that began in 2008 and supports the Brazoria County Library system.
Quote of note “We’re really lucky and grateful that the Friends were able to fund the space for us,” Williams said. “All of the equipment that we have in that space is courtesy of our Friends group. So rst and foremost, kudos and thanks to them.” One more thing The library’s makerspace is part of a larger network of makerspaces spread out across the Brazoria County Library system’s 12 branches. For example, at its sister library, Pearland Library, the makerspace o ers embroidery and quilting materials. The makerspace is free to use with a Brazoria County library card. Library sta asks that people interested in using the equipment book online at least four days in advance.
Library clerk Natalie Daughtery uses the editing software in the West Pearland Library's new makerspace.
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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Government
BY RACHEL LELAND
Manvel resident survey shows desire for projects Results from a Manvel community feedback survey show residents would like to see greater investments in city parks and open spaces as well as the maintenance of existing public infrastruc- ture, yet they are wary of raising taxes. The big picture Between July 1-28, the city of Manvel distrib- uted a survey designed to gather feedback to help inform the city’s fiscal year 2023-24 budget. The survey, which had over 700 respondents, showed strong support for maintaining existing infrastructure and funding city parks. • 63% said city parks and open spaces were the most important city facilities. • 68% said the maintenance of public infrastruc- ture was most important. • 47% said minimizing traffic congestion was
New laws tackle human trafficking
Residents’ priorities Survey respondents were asked to rank their top two priorities.
said maintaining public infrastructure was one of their top two.
House Bill 3579 allows the Texas Depart- ment of Licensing and Regulation to shut down massage establishments where human trafficking is suspected, according to a news release. Other state laws offering preventa- tive measures that affect the TDLR include: • HB 2313 requires rideshare companies to provide human trafficking training to their drivers regarding awareness and how to report suspected trafficking. • HB 2016 prevents someone from getting a massage therapy license if they have been convicted of sexual assault and aggra- vated sexual assault. Although existing laws provide for license ineligibility for some offenses, according to the agency, it does not explicitly prohibit licensure for sexual assault offenses.
68%
said minimizing traffic congestion was one of their top two.
47%
SOURCE: CITY OF MANVEL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
most important. • 71% said introducing a farmers market was the most important event for them and their family. • 76% said safety and security was the most important city issue. About 79% of respondents said they don’t support tax rate increases for these projects.
Development corporation allocates funds for projects to unburden residents As a result of a collaboration between the city of Pearland and the Pearland Economic Development Corp., critical public projects will receive funding from sales tax collected by the PEDC, lifting the burden from taxpayers. Zooming in corporation’s annual sales tax to fund qualified infrastructure recapitalization projects for redevel- opment in targeted areas of Pearland. The projects included Old Town drainage and utilities, Industrial Drive, Alice Street, Shank Road,
What they’re saying Council Member Rushi Patel, who formerly sat on the PEDC board, said he hoped the funding from the agreement would lift the tax burden of funding these projects for Pearland residents. Mayor Kevin Cole said such agreements create a way for smaller projects to get funded.
Woody Road and other potential roads in and around the Hwy. 35 and Old Townsite areas. The allocation will be averaged over a five-year period beginning in fiscal year 2023-24.
On Aug. 14, City Council voted 6-0 in support of agreeing with the PEDC to allocate 20% of the
10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY JAMES T. NORMAN
A new state bill, House Bill 114, which went into e ect Sept. 1, will now require school districts to place students caught with vape devices into an alternative education program. However, some o cials said they’re concerned about having enough seats in their respective alternative programs or if the punishment is appropriate. While it steepens the penalty for getting caught with a device on campus, the bill also lowers it for those with THC, which used to lead to expulsion. The new requirements are prompting some districts to look for ways to cover the extra seats that could be needed in their respective programs. Others are saying too much emphasis is being put on discipline rather than programs to help rehabilitate students. HB 114 changes school discipline
What they’re saying
“I think we need to discourage kids from using these vape pens, period. These kids are old enough to understand the consequences.” STATE REP. ED THOMPSON, R PEARLAND
“We had hoped for a more restorative measure [in House Bill 114]. If we don’t address the root,
we can’t get change.” MELISSA IGO, DIRECTOR OF COALITIONS FOR THE BAY AREA COUNCIL ON DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
“There aren’t enough seats in any alternative education program anywhere to house the number of students caught vaping.” DAYNA OWEN, FRIENDSWOOD ISD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
“On the face [the bill] is not exactly what we started out with, but it still meets the intent very well. It’s better for kids now.” RORY GESCH, ALVIN ISD ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
In the hot seat
By the numbers
House Bill 114
Some area districts are increasing their DAEP, which means they will have more room to house students who are caught with vapes.
State Rep. Ed Thompson, R Pearland, who authored the bill, said the goal was to give school districts exibility in how they discipline students caught with vape pens. The previous system required many students to go through the county alternative education pro- gram, which Thompson said was being “overrun.” However, several district o cials said they are now worried about running out of seats in their own DAEP programs as a result of the bill.
• Students caught with vape devices must be placed in their district’s alternative education program, also known as DAEP. • If a DAEP is at capacity, vaping students can be placed in in-school suspension to make room for violent offenders but must be put back in if space opens up. • Districts maintain power over how long a DAEP term lasts as well as capacity and staf ing.
DAEP seats in 2022-23
DAEP seats in 2023-24
150
90
60
60
45
30
SOURCES: HOUSE BILL 114, REP. ED THOMPSON, R PEARLAND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Pearland ISD
Alvin ISD Friendswood ISD
SOURCES: ALVIN ISD, FRIENDSWOOD ISD, PEARLAND ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
The approach
Pearland ISD
Alvin ISD
Friendswood ISD
While PISD o cials called HB 114 “a bit of an overreach,” the new bill is not expected to burden the district’s DAEP system, and the district will not be making changes to its program or adding seats for the 2023-24 school year. If the new requirements do cause the DAEP to become overcrowded, o cials said there are ways to manage that problem.
Due to its growth in recent years, the district has expanded its DAEP program and this year will have it housed in a new facility that will increase its capacity from around 90 students to 150 students. Due to the new location, Assistant Superintendent Rory Gesch said he believes the district will have no issue with space needed to house additional students.
To house students who violate the vaping policy, the district is building an in-house DAEP, Executive Director of Communications Dayna Owen said. As a result, none of the allotted 30 seats in its external DAEP program will be used for vaping. District o cials can also use the new in-house program for other instances that call for DAEP placement.
11
PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Education
BY JAMES T. NORMAN
Aim for the STAARs More Alvin ISD, Friendswood ISD and Pearland ISD students approached grade level—or had higher passing rates—in nearly every STAAR when compared to the state and regional averages. Key
Alvin ISD welcomes new board member After bidding farewell to former Trustee Vivian Scheibel, who resigned due to an out-of-district move, the Alvin ISD board on Aug. 14 appointed Gabe Garza to nish out her term. Garza will serve until the spring 2024 elections, according to the district’s website. He is a Texas Tech graduate and has served on many committees within the district, as well as several other boards.
Local districts approve tax rate elections To help close shortfalls in their respective budgets, both Friendswood ISD and Pearland ISD’s boards of trustees unanimously decided to move forward with a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, which will be held Nov. 7. The big picture PISD is facing a $12.7 million shortfall in its new budget, according to district documents. A VATRE would add more than $11 million in extra revenue. FISD o cials hope to generate $1.2 million from its VATRE. The district’s general fund this year has a shortfall of $2.45 million, according to district
PISD to defer state- mandated safety plan Pearland ISD will need more time and money before it can meet all the requirements in a new state bill intended to improve safety on campuses. House Bill 3, which went into e ect Sept. 1, requires school districts to have an armed guard on each campus throughout the day. While the bill provided some new funding, PISD Superintendent Larry Berger said the district will still need $3.5 million to satisfy the requirements. The hope is for funding to come from either the state or through grants, he said. In the meantime, the district will bring on a sergeant and four o -duty o cers to rotate between campuses not currently covered. Trustees voted on Aug. 21 to reconsider the plan in a year.
3rd grade
4th grade
5th grade
Tax bills before and after Despite potential VATREs raising tax rates above the max set by the state, Friendswood ISD and Pearland ISD’s new tax rates would both be lower than previous years.
100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0
Alvin ISD
Friendswood ISD
With VATRE
Without VATRE
Reading Math
Reading Math Reading Math
Pearland ISD
State 2023
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
$1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 $4,000 $4,500 $5,000
Local districts outscore region on STAAR Spring 2023 results for the State of Texas Assess- ments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, were released on Aug. 16, which was later than usual due to a redesign of the test. The gist
with a 90% or higher passing rate in almost every exam, both PISD and AISD saw improvement in some tests when compared to its spring 2022 passing rates. Quote of note “This year’s results show the e orts of our educators continue to deliver improved results for students,” Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said in a news release.
“I am humbled to be entrusted with pursuing [the best] for every student attending an Alvin ISD school.”
documents. The details
0 $500
Alvin ISD, Friendswood ISD and Pearland ISD outscored both the regional and state averages in nearly all non-Spanish exams. While FISD scored the highest out of the bunch
In both cases, the new tax rate would be lower than previous years due to recent state legislation compressing tax rates.
Friendswood ISD
Pearland ISD
GABE GARZA, AISD TRUSTEE
NOTE: THE ABOVE TAX BILLS ARE BASED ON HOMESTEADS ASSESSED AT $350,000. SOURCES: FRIENDSWOOD ISD, PEARLAND ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
SHADOW CREEK 11023 Shadow Creek Pkwy (281) 977-1027
PEARLAND 10555 Pearland Pkwy (713) 987-9205
ALMEDA 11130 Gulf Fwy (713) 910-3941
FRIENDSWOOD 3126 FM 528 (281) 648-5473
Transportation
BY RACHEL LELAND
I-45 to Alvin section of Grand Parkway slated for 2026 relocation, right-of-way acquisition, contract administration and other associated costs in addition to construction costs. 45
Construction for sections of the Grand Parkway to run through Galveston and Brazoria counties is scheduled to begin in 2026. The big picture Tagged as Segment B, the 28-mile toll road will run from League City to just south of Alvin. Two key connections will be built at I-45 and Hwy. 35, creating a new route west of the interstate. Construction for Segment B will be divided into two phases, with the first phase connecting I-45 to Hwy. 35 and the second phase connecting Hwy. 35 to Hwy. 288. Texas Department of Transportation officials estimate the first phase will cost $1.03 billion, to be funded by future toll revenues. At this point, TxDOT has not done assessments to estimate how long it will take to recuperate the funds from collected tolls, TxDOT Public Information Officer Danny Perez said. The $1.03 billion figure includes utility
99
In fiscal year 2021-22, the open sections of the Grand Parkway generated $246.6 million in toll revenues, which was $57.1 million or 30.1% more than what was generated in the previous fiscal year, according to a TxDOT financial report. Diving deeper TxDOT has hired a general engineering consul- tant to help develop a contract and preliminary design for the project. “TxDOT and the general engineering consultant will be working on obtaining various permits, third-party agreements, right-of-way acquisition and government approvals,” Perez said. “After choosing a qualified design-build developer with the best proposal, there will be a significant effort by the design-builder to prepare final designs ... before construction efforts will begin.”
69
1960
290
8
99
10
10
610
99
8
69
A
45
35
288
6
C
99
99
Segment B
N
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
Number of homes sold
July 2022
July 2023
Residential market data
66 49
122 92
-25.76%
-24.59%
77546
77583
More homes were sold in July 2022 than July 2023 in the Pearland and Friendswood area. The median price of homes sold decreased in most area ZIP codes.
54 50
104 83
-7.41%
-20.19%
77578
77584
45
521
518
59 47
-20.34%
77581
35
Median home sales price
6
288
2022
2023
N
77546
+32.96%
$480,000
$361,000
77546 77583
77584 77578
77581
77578
+1.75%
$465,000
$457,000
77581
-0.56%
$358,000
$360,000
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 ALINAWROGERS@YAHOO.COM
77583
-6.24%
$328,745
$350,615
77584
-1.99%
$375,000
$382,600
We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community. We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community. YES, WE DO. We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community. We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community. YES, WE DO. YES, DO.
4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses* 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses* 4 Free app for your smartphone 4 Send money to friends and family using their email or phone number* 4 Instant debit card transaction alerts with SecurLock Equip 4 Move money easily between external accounts* 4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses* Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit *Fees could apply Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: Equipment loans Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Move money easily between external accounts* 4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses Free app for your smartphone Send money to friends and family using their email or phone number* 4 Instant debit card transaction alerts with SecurLock Equip 4 Move money easily between external accounts* 4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses 4 Free app for your smartphone 4 Send money to friends and family using their email or phone number* 4 Instant debit card transaction alerts with SecurLock Equip 4 Move money easily between external accounts* 4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses* 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses* *Fees could apply 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit
Your Year of Adventure!
We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community.
This year is a new opportunity to forge your own path and discover amazing things about yourself. Don’t miss your chance to grow, learn, and laugh with new friends by your side!
What’s it like being a Girl Scout? It’s late-night laughter on an overnight trip with your besties. It’s teaming up with your troop to help your town. It’s starting your own business and learning how
Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager
to make your dreams come true. Now is your chance to join the fun!
As a Girl Scout, you’ll discover hidden talents, take fun trips, and—most importantly—find the space to be truly, totally yourself. Now’s the perfect time to start your Girl Scout journey. Get ready to make amazing memories with forever friends today!
Be a Girl Scout.
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Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager
*Fees could apply
Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager
Scan QR Code to join Girl Scouts!
How can you get involved? Membership dues are just $25 annually, and financial aid is available. You can start a new troop for your girl and her friends or join an existing troop.
OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded September, 2022 OOOOO 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded September, 2022 OOOOO 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded September, 2022 OOOOO 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank
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15
PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Drought challenges local farmers From the cover
The overview
Brazoria County total rainfall (May 1-July 31)
Brazoria County average temperature (May 1-July 31)
Inches
Degrees
0
20 40
60 80
100
0
5 10
15 20
25 30
Like much of Texas, as of early September Brazoria County was in an extreme drought—the third- highest rating in the U.S. Drought Monitor’s scale. In response to the statewide drought in 1996, the 75th Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 1, which required public water suppliers to develop drought contingency and water conservation plans. The city of Pearland on Aug. 10 initiated Stage 1 of its drought contingency plan, which asks residents to adhere to twice-per-week watering schedules. Pearland triggers the plan when daily water demand surpasses 60% of Pearland Water’s available system operating capacity for three consecutive days, Pearland Director of Utilities David Sohns said. As drought conditions worsened, on Aug. 30 Pearland moved to Stage 2 of its drought contingency plan, which makes the watering schedules mandatory. Residents can be fined up to $2,000 for violating the restrictions.
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
SOURCE: NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Stage 2 can be initiated once the city’s total daily water demand equaled or exceeded 70% of the current available system operating capacity for three consecutive days or by 75% for one day. Neighboring Friendswood and Alvin have not initiated drought contingency plans; however,
Friendswood began supplementing its surface water supply with its groundwater supply in early August due to dry weather and soil conditions. On Aug. 10, Brazoria County issued a burn ban, prohibiting outdoor burning on unincorporated spaces due to the drought.
Diving deeper
“Last year we had one pig that died from the heat. And then we had a couple of chickens and a turkey that died this year.” BILL GROVES, THE GROVES FAMILY FARM OWNER
The Froberg family has been farming since 1896 when they provided fruits for jellies served to train passengers coming through Alvin. Yet this year the strawberry crop is threatened. “The last really good rain we got was Mother’s Day,” said Tyler Froberg, owner of Froberg’s Farm in Alvin. “After that, things started to heat up, and the moisture quit coming.” Purple hull peas are one of the most important crops at Froberg’s Farm because Froberg uses the peas to fertilize the soil for other produce. By August, Froberg said he would have planted them once per month since the spring; however, with the drought, Froberg has planted them only once and lost the crop—a $10,000 revenue loss. Normally, Froberg plants two rounds of the peas before planting the strawberries, but due to the dry soil, he’s only going to be able to plant one round. While portions of Froberg’s Farm rely solely on rainwater, other sections have irrigation, but Froberg said the heat has not spared those crops. Farmer Bill Groves, who owns a family farm in Alvin, said he has lost multiple animals due to the heat. To prepare for this summer, Groves built shade structures for his animals.
Farmer Bill Groves inspects the shade structures he installed to protect his chickens and guineas from heat exposure.
RACHEL LELAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY RACHEL LELAND
While most area farmers rely on private wells, some smaller-scale farms such as Red Pelican in Pearland rely on city water and are seeing increased water bills. At least eight farms in the area provide fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, meat and other items to customers.
Zooming out
The takeaway
Pearland officials and Judith McGeary, executive director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, recommended these tips for farmers and residents during droughts: Tips for farmers
45
MEADOWVILLE DR.
Farms around Pearland 1 Schaefer Farm 2 Helderman Farms 3 Ali's Farm 4 Takes 2 Farm 5 Froberg's Farm 6 Stroope Honey Farms 7 The Groves Family Farm 8 Red Pelican
1
4
MCHARD RD.
Keep tillage to a minimum so as not to allow moisture to escape. Composting or adding lots of layers of mulch can help soil retain moisture.
W. BROA D W A
518
WALNUT ST.
Ask local representatives for a drought mandate exemption.
AGNOLIA PKWY.
90
288
W. FRIENDSWOOD DR.
8
Tips for residents
6
BA I L E Y A V E .
Double check for leaks to avoid using more water than needed.
35
GRACE ST.
2351
COUNTRY DR.
89
879C
Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving. Tune sprinklers, and don’t run them outside of watering schedules.
N. WAYNE LN.
3
6
6
2
BELLINI RD.
7
5
190
TOP HAT RD.
695A
N
SOURCES: FARM AND RANCH FREEDOM ALLIANCE, CITY OF PEARLAND/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
6
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17
PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Business
BY RACHEL LELAND
Pearland Town Center creates chances for local businesses
Lack of resources is one of the biggest hurdles new business owners face when pursuing a brick- and-mortar location. A specialty program o ered at Pearland Town Center has lowered the barrier of entry for many local entrepreneurs, Senior Marketing Director Nicole Bowen said. The full story Pearland Town Center’s specialty leasing program allows small business owners to test the market through turn-key spaces in high-tra c areas of the mall. Through the program, the Center utilizes spaces that don’t currently have a long- term lease and rents them to business owners at a lower rate with a shorter lease, Bowen said. While leases typically range from three to ve years, specialty leases only range from a couple of months to two years. Pearland Town Center o cials were unable to provide rates business owners in the specialty program were o ered. Zooming in Jose Hernandez, owner of Spuds TCG, a Pokémon registered retailer, is one such business owner who found success with the program. Before opening at Pearland Town Center, Hernandez had a mall cart but primarily made sales online. He and his wife felt they didn’t have enough money to open a store, he said. When the couple reached out to the Pearland Town Center, they had low expectations they would be able to a ord a space. Quote of note “I told my wife it’s going to be really expensive,” Hernandez said. “We can’t a ord it.” Hernandez said he was o ered a surprisingly
Jose Hernandez, owner of Spuds TCG, a Pokémon registered retailer, is one of the business owners who operates out of the Pearland Town Center through the mall’s specialty leasing program, which o ers below-market rates.
RACHEL LELAND COMMUNITY IMPACT
low rate for the space, and while he was initially skeptical, after doing more research, he decided to sign a short-term lease through the specialty program. A year and two months later, Hernandez’s business has been so successful that he’s been able to sign a longer lease. “What makes Pearland Town Center so unique is that we do focus on our local retailers just as much as our national retailers,” Bowen said, adding the Center has over 40 locally owned businesses. The bottom line Currently, Pearland Town Center has about 10 specialty businesses, including locally owned Jen- niBelle Boutique, Paisley’s Closet, Razzle Dazzle Dancewear and Suit Warehouse.
Pearland Town Center The Pearland Town Center is home to 40 locally owned businesses and 10 businesses operating in the center’s short-term leasing specialty program.
BROADWAY ST.
288
N
N
11555 Magnolia Pkwy., Suite 170 Pearland, TX 77584 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org
*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. APY accurate as of 09.01.23. Minimum opening deposit of $1,000. Minimum to earn advertised APY is $50,000. Rates subject to change without notice. Dividends paid monthly. Fees could reduce earnings. Early withdrawal penalties apply to all certificate accounts.
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ASIA ARMOUR
The business owner tries to make customers feel special on their birthdays.
Best Donuts of Pearland rebranded in June 2019 and is known for its “b-day donuts.”
PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOUR COMMUNITY IMPACT
Best Donuts of Pearland makes customers feel special Linda Nhean, owner of Best Donuts of Pearland, said she takes pride in making her customers feel celebrated on their birthday, which is why she created the “b-day doughnut” after taking over the shop in June 2019. “I love it because of the kids,” Nhean said. “Some of them feel like they hit the jackpot just to get a free doughnut. It’s so adorable.” What’s on the menu? The business along Broadway Street carries customizations, Nhean said. These include themed doughnuts to commemorate holidays and other signi cant events. Best Donuts of Pearland was established in 2000 and has loyal patrons who return again and again simply for the nostalgia, Nhean said. “We have customers [who] grew up here, and they still come here,” Nhean said. “... They come visit because they came when they were little.” What else?
Linda Nhean owns Best Donuts of Pearland.
288
90
variations of doughnuts loaded up with di erent toppings, such as candies, cookies, sprinkles and desserts. The menu includes kolaches, hot breakfast items and a variety of drinks. However, the doughnut shop specializes in
Though she enjoys the freedom of ownership, it also takes a lot of work, but Nhean trusts her customers, she said. “[Pearland] supports a lot of small [businesses],” Nhean said. “I feel close to my customers.”
N
9430 Broadway St., Ste. 140, Pearland www.facebook.com/bestdonutsofpearland
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19
PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
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