Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | October 2024

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 6 OCT. 4NOV. 4, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Investing in infrastructure November ballot packed with local bonds, tax rate propositions

A Harris County Flood Control District project in Meyerland includes constructing a stormwater detention basin inside Loop 610 between Brays Bayou and North Braeswood Boulevard. The ood control district is asking voters to approve a tax rate increase this November to maintain large stormwater projects such as this one.

CASSANDRA JENKINSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

to a higher anticipated voter turnout often associ- ated with presidential elections. “If you are going to do a [tax rate increase], the best year to do it is during a presidential election,” he said. “Turnout is at its highest, and you are less likely to be targeted by smaller groups who oppose them.”

• $4.4 billion in bonds for HISD to upgrade cam- puses and fund technology improvements • A 58% tax rate increase for the Harris County Flood Control District to fund deferred projects Mark Jones, political science professor at Rice University, said he believes many local organizations are adding big ticket items to the ballot this year due

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & MELISSA ENAJE

Residents within Bellaire, Harris County and Houston ISD will be asked to vote on a number of bond referendums as well as a tax rate increase. Items on the Nov.5 ballot include: • $70 million in bonds for Bellaire to improve drainage and wastewater infrastructure

CONTINUED ON 14

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Gold Tooth Tony’s opens in Bellaire oering Detroit-style pizza (Page 4)

Transportation: West University Place approves plans for sidewalk improvements (Page 6)

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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Impacts

build-your-own Mediterranean-inspired wraps, bowls and plates. • Opened Sept. 13 • 4024 Bellaire Blvd., Houston • www.thekebabshop.com 6 Mi lto n’s The Italian-American dining destination focuses on house- made pastas, wood-fire meats and creative antipasto, among other items, in the former location of Eau Tour. • Opened Sept. 27 • 5117 Kelvin Drive, Houston • Instagram: miltonshtx 7 New H o pe Housing Savoy Library The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation opened a new family library for residents of the New Hope Housing Savoy community. The renovated library is home to over 700 books. • Opened Aug. 23 8 Chipotle The chain eatery serves build-your-own Mexican- inspired cuisine, such as bowls, burritos and quesadillas. • Opened Sept. 30 • 8825 W. Loop 610 S., Houston • www.chipotle.com • 6315 Savoy Drive, Houston • www.liveatsavoyhtx.com Tootl T ra nsport The ride service offers rides for seniors, wheelchair users or anyone with mobility or cognitive challenges. The family-run, Black-owned business provides specially-equipped vehicles and professionally-trained drivers. Destinations include medical appointments and student transportation, among others. • Opened in August • Serves the Greater Houston area • www.ridetootl.com

W E S T H E I M E R R D .

R I C H

West University Place

SAVOY DR.

HERMANN PARK

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

288

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

TANGLEY ST. 6

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

Bellaire

DUNSTAN RD.

610

BEECHNUT ST.

Meyerland

BRAYS BAYOU

RICEBLVD.

S. POST OAK RD.

S. BRAESWOOD BLVD.

3 Gold Tooth Tony’s Pizzeria The pizzeria specializes in Detroit-style pizza, which has thick, doughy crust, crispy cheese and dollops of sauce. • Opened Aug. 30

Now open

1 Bricks & Minifigs Meyerland The destination for Lego lovers and collectors offers selections of new, used and rare Lego sets, minifigures and bulk items. • Opened Aug. 10 • 5407 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston • www.bricksandminifigs.com/meyerland-tx 2 Bare Necessiti e s Spa and Boutique A second location of the Houston-based skincare spa opened after the original Montrose location was lost to a fire in March 2023. The new space offers seven treatment rooms and a dedicated spray tan room. • Opened in early September • 3800 Southwest Fwy., Ste. 108, Houston • www.bnwax.com

• 5225 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.goldtoothtonys.com

4 Fred Astaire Dance Studio The studio provides social and ballroom dance education for all ages across a variety of styles. Guests can learn how to dance in a private one-on-one lesson, in a group setting or during practice parties. • Opened Aug. 22

• 5103 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.fredastaire.com/bellaire

Coming soon

5 The Keba b S hop The San Diego-based Mediterranean restaurant offers

9 Rita’s Italian Ice & F roz en Custard The Italian ice and frozen custard brand offers over 80

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• 3709 Eastside St., Houston • www.gaspachoshtx.com

flavors with real fruit, old-fashioned custard and gelati, a combination of Italian ice and custard. Other menu options include milkshakes, cookie sandwiches and frozen lemonade. • Opening in late 2024 • 5429 S. Braeswood Blvd., Ste. A, Houston • www.ritasice.com

Now open

12 Prime Gri ll & Bar Restaurant officials celebrated the one-year anniversary in the Braeswood Place community in August. The Mediterranean restaurant offers a variety of grilled kosher meats, house salads, homemade falafel, hummus and burgers. • 5621 Beechnut St., Ste. B, Houston • Facebook: Prime Grill&Bar

Relocations

10 Funk Law Group After opening in Bellaire last July, the personal injury law firm has grown out of its original office space on Bissonnet Street. The firm provides legal services for those who have been injured due to a car crash, medical malpractice and negligent security, among other reasons. • Relocated in August • 6300 W. Loop S., Ste. 288, Bellaire • www.funklawgroup.com

Closings

13 Gratify Neighborho od Bistro The Rice Village restaurant has permanently closed, management confirmed. The eatery—which had a raw bar, craft cocktails and plates with charred octopus and New York strip steak—closed over the summer, when owners decided not to renew the lease. • Closed mid-July • 5212 Morningside Drive, Houston • Facebook: Gratify Neighborhood Bistro

14 Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar The award-winning chefs behind other Houston restaurants Uchi and Franklin Barbecue bring what they call “smoked meats, boozy slushes, rad veggies and chill vibes” to their restaurant and bar. Dishes include brisket nigiri and smoked prawn fritters. • Opened Sept. 28 • 5333 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.loroeats.com

In the news

11 Gaspachos M exi can Bites Officials with the Mexican street food vendor celebrated the eatery’s one-year anniversary Sept. 20. Gaspachos recently expanded its menu offerings to include asada tortas and birria elotes.

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Transportation

BY MELISSA ENAJE, HALEY MCLEOD & HANNAH NORTON

West U, METRO partner on sidewalk repairs The replacement and improvement of sidewalks within West University Place city limits could begin as early as February. West U City Council members unanimously accepted a $400,000 subgrant award with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County and the Federal Transportation Administration for the project at an Aug. 26 council meeting. What they’re saying Assistant City Manager Austin Bishop said the program will target sidewalk repair and replace- ment for connections not only within METRO bus stops in the city, but also located in other areas of interest, including the recreational center and senior center. The program, called the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program, includes roughly 2,440 square yards of completed

TxDOT issues $123M for public transit The Texas Department of Transportation approved $123 million for public transit initiatives July 30, adding to another $33 million previously approved by the agency. Funding was allocated to rural transit districts; however, entities across the Austin, Houston and San Antonio areas will also receive funding. The details The funding will help transit agencies: • Construct or improve public transit facilities and fund over 150 new buses for older fleets • Increase long-distance connections between rural and urban metropolitan areas along 15 routes across the state • Increase the quality of services

West University Place city limits

Sidewalk repairs

BISSONNET ST.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

BELLAIRE BLVD.

SOURCE: CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

sidewalk improvements in West U and will meet or exceed requirements within the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to agenda documents. The cost Under the grant award agreement, the $500,000 project will be funded with:

• $400,000 from METRO and the FTA • $100,000 from West University Place

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Real estate

Both the 77025 and 77096 ZIP codes saw drops in total home sales of nearly 50% when comparing data from August 2024 with August 2023. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

August 2023

August 2024

-20.83%

-46.43%

+25%

-48.15%

+25.53%

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

77005

77401

77030

Median home sales price

77025

610

August

2023

2024

77096

$1,477,500 $539,500 $1,585,000

$2,005,000 $436,500 $855,000 $446,750 $1,167,090

77005

288

77025

Homes sold by price point

77030

$429,533

August 2024

77096

$1,039,000

77401

$1,000,000+

$750,00-$999,999

Average days on market +107.69%

$500,000-$749,999

+110.71%

-29.69%

+29.41%

+46.81%

$250,000-$499,999

<$250,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 WWW.SPARROW-REALTY.COM

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Government

SHAWN ARRAJJ, MELISSA ENAJE & CASSANDRA JENKINS

First phase of west side drainage project advances West University Place City Council approved a design contract Sept. 9 for a project to install a stormwater pipeline on the city’s west side. The cost 59 West University Place city limits Project area Proposed new trunk sewer line 69

Property tax rate increase approved Harris County commissioners approved an increase in the county’s property tax rate at a Sept. 19 meeting alongside the fiscal year 2024-25 budget. The takeaway Commissioners approved property tax rates for the county, its hospital district and the Port of Houston. Commissioners also approved a property tax rate for the Harris County Flood Control District in August, which will need voter approval on Nov. 5 to be official. Harris County tax rates per $100 valuation *NOTE: SUBJECT TO VOTER APPROVAL OF HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TAX RATE ON NOV. 5 SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT 2024-25 2023-24 $0.53029 +13.9% $0.60389*

The $3.6 million contract was awarded to HDR Engineering, Inc. The project will be an eight-year, multiphase undertaking with an estimated cost of $203 million-$258 million. A project timeline from the city’s engineer estimated the project could see completion in the third quarter of 2030. Design phases will last more than 12 months each and involve coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the cities of Houston and Bellaire, Harris County Flood Control District and other permitting authorities, officials said. The timeline The project involves work on drainage infra- structure on the city’s west side as well as building a new trunkline from Bissonnet Street to Brays

BELLAIRE BLVD.

BRAYS BAYOU

610

N. BRAESWOOD BLVD.

B E E C H N U T S T .

S. BRAESWOOD BLVD.

Bayou. In late August, city officials announced the purchase of $4.5 million in property needed for the trunkline construction. Once completed, the trunkline will move water from the city limits to Brays Bayou.

Bellaire establishes new residential, commercial fees for stormwater system

increase yearly until it reaches a peak in five years, according to the agenda item. Residential owners will start with a fee of $6 in fiscal year 2024-25 and will see a steady $0.50 increase until it caps out at $8.25 in FY 2029-30. Also of note The fee for nonresidential property owners will be based on a seven-tier system that factors in the

Bellaire homeowners started seeing a $6 storm- water drainage utility fee on their bills Oct. 1. What you need to know Bellaire City Council members voted unani- mously Sept. 16 to establish a new utility charge that will help generate revenue for drainage and infrastructure projects. The fee structure will follow a phase-in approach where charges gradually

amount of square footage of impervious surface area at each property, according to the agenda item. For example, a property between 5,001- 10,000 square feet of impervious surface area will start out with a $12 fee in FY 2024-25. The city is set to gain about $500,000 from the fee in its first year. Officials said they will use the money to add, maintain and rehabilitate drainage infrastructure and improve stormwater quality.

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Election Voter Guide

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Harris County residents can cast their ballots at any polling center during early voting and on Election Day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

NOTE: CANDIDATES ARE LISTED IN BALLOT ORDER.

Harris County tax assessor-collector R Steve Radack D Annette Ramirez Harris County Department of Education trustee, At-Large Position 3 R Danielle Dick D Richard Cantu* Harris County commissioner, Precinct 1 R Gerry Vander-Lyn D Rodney Ellis* Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 1 R James Lombardino D Israel Garcia* Harris County constable, Precinct 5

D Holly Taylor Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 7 R Gina Parker D Nancy Mulder Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 8 R Lee Finley D Chika Anyiam Texas Senate, District 15 R Joseph L. Trahan D Molly Cook* Texas House or Representatives, District 134 R Audrey Douglas D Ann Johnson* Texas House or Representatives, District 146 R Lance York D Lauren Ashley Simmons

Sample ballot

Federal elections President R Donald J. Trump D Kamala D. Harris L Chase Oliver G Jill Stein U.S. Senate R Ted Cruz* D Colin Allred L Ted Brown U.S. Congress, District 7 R Caroline Kane D Lizzie Fletcher* State elections Texas railroad commissioner

R Terry Allbritton D Jerome Moore

City of Bellaire Proposition A A $40 million bond referendum in support of stormwater and drainage improvements Proposition B A $30 million bond referendum in support of water and wastewater improvements Houston ISD Proposition A A $3.96 billion bond referendum in support of building and renovating school buildings Proposition B A $440 million bond referendum in support of upgrading technology infrastructure

Local elections Harris County district attorney

R Christi Craddick* D Katherine Culbert L Hawk Dunlap G Eddie Espinoza Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 R Jane Bland* D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L J. David Roberson Texas Court of Criminal Appeals presiding judge R David J. Schenck

R Dan Simons D Sean Teare Harris County Criminal Court No. 16 judge R Linda Garcia D Ashley Mays Guice Harris County Probate Court No. 5 judge R Ray Black Jr. D Fransheneka “Fran” Watson Harris County attorney

R Jacqueline Lucci Smith D Christian D. Menefee* Harris County Sheriff R Mike Knox D Ed Gonzalez*

Harris County Flood Control District Proposition A

Allowing the Harris County Flood Control District to increase its property tax rate from $0.03105 to $0.04897 per $100 of valuation

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Election

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

What about your background makes you stand out as a candidate? I grew up homeless and in foster care. At 12, I moved in with friends to graduate high school. I joined the Air Force as a cop. I was a child victim from eight to 15 years old. I would be the rst Thurgood Marshall District Attorney in Harris County.

Harris County district attorney

If elected, what would your top priorities be?

Confronting courthouse case backlog, building a team of “play-no-favorite” prosecutors, making sure the oce runs eciently, and building strong coalitions with law enforcement and all communities.

Dan Simons Occupation & experience: former Harris County prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, 16 years combined solo business experience www.dan4da.com

My top priorities as district attorney would be reducing violent crime, expanding diversion programs for nonviolent oenders and improving case management. I’ll also focus on rebuilding morale within the oce, retaining experienced prosecutors, and ensuring a fair, transparent justice system that protects our community.

With over a decade of experience as a prosecutor, including six years leading the Vehicular Crimes Division, I’ve handled a wide range of cases, from misdemeanors to capital murder. My deep roots in Harris County, coupled with my commitment to justice and community safety, set me apart as a candidate.

Sean Teare Occupation & experience: former Harris County prosecutor, 11 years; division chief, Vehicular Crimes Division, 6 years; criminal defense attorney www.seanteareforda.com

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Why are you running for Harris County sheriff?

How would you address understaffing at Harris County jails? Our jail is now in full compliance with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. I’ve advocated for higher pay for our detention personnel, and as a result, our workforce is more stable and attrition rates have improved. We are now consistently hiring more officers and staff than are leaving.

Harris County sheriff

As sheriff, public safety is always my north star. We’re bringing accountability by requiring body cameras for all deputies and detention officers. We’re making our county stronger against natural disasters, leading rescue operations during emergencies. We’re doing more to keep women and families safe. I am the only pro-choice candidate.

Ed Gonzalez* Occupation & experience: Houston police officer: 18 years; Houston City Council member: three terms; Harris County sheriff: two terms www.edgonzalez.com

Law enforcement has always been a passion. I see what is going on in Harris County and believe I can do a better job. The sheriff should be an advocate for the people of Harris County. I will be advocating for public safety to be priority No. 1 in Harris County.

Staffing retention involves more than hourly wage. Employees must feel relatively safe, appreciated, and see opportunities for advancement. None of which are present in the jail. I will work to make the pay competitive, improve the standards of continuing education and will promote from within the department.

Mike Knox Occupation & experience: retired consultant; retired HPD officer; small-business owner; former Houston City Council member; author/expert www.mikeknox.org

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Election

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

BY WESLEY GARDNER

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

How will you involve people in decision-making processes to ensure transparency? Advocating for our community means understanding our needs. I have prioritized partnering with city and county leaders, and organizations, and communicating directly with constituents, meeting regularly with them in Washington and Houston. I send a weekly email newsletter during session weeks designed to inform and engage our community.

What is the biggest issue the district is currently facing and how will you address it? Low voter turnout. Whether it is fully funding our schools, reducing gun violence or expanding Medicaid, the vision and values of Texas Senate District 15 will not be realized until we increase voter turnout and make changes to our statewide leadership.

U.S. Congress, District 7

Texas Senate, District 15

Why are you running for election to District 7?

What is your top priority if elected?

Representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District is an honor and a privilege. I am proud of the work I have done for our community and country since 2019, but there is much more work to do to ensure progress, equality and opportunity for all Americans.

Public health. Whether we are fighting for abortion access, safer transportation or to fully fund our public schools, every policy decision we make should be data-driven and rooted in the goal of uplifting vulnerable communities and promoting health.

Lizzie Fletcher* Occupation & experience: member of Congress, Texas’ Seventh Congressional District, since 2019; lawyer www.lizziefletcher.com

Molly Cook * Occupation & experience: Texas state senator, District 15; [emergency room] nurse; community organizer, Yes on Prop B, Stop TxDOT I-45 www.mollyfortexas.com Joseph L. Trahan Occupation & experience: technology innovator, angel investor, community developer, citizen statesman, children’s charities for career readiness www.josephltrahan.com

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

End this criminal invasion at the border and fortify law enforcement to end this crime spree created by the woke agenda making Houston a quasi-sanctuary city.

The district is very diverse with parts needing jobs programs for high school graduates to make a living wage. Crime and drugs are common in certain districts harming our citizens, and the illegal alien invasion is putting a strain on all city and community services throughout. We are a city ...

Caroline Kane Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time. www.carolinekaneforcongress.com

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY 9733 Buffalo Speedway (713) 838-7486

HOLCOMBE 2314 W Holcombe Blvd (713) 669-1722

WESLAYAN 3902 Bissonnet (713) 218-8144

Investing in infrastructure From the cover

Bellaire wastewater treatment plant

On the ballot

Proposition A: $40 million Drainage facilities and improvements

EDITHST.

E S W O O D B L V

Bellaire’s contribution to the $110 million Cypress Ditch flood mitigation project Land swap with cIty of Houston to obtain land for detention Facilitates future upstream improvements of Cypress Ditch Increase in stormwater conveyance capacity

Bellaire’s $70 million bond will be split between Proposition A, which would fund a $40 million bond for drainage improvements, and Proposition B, which would provide $30 million for water and wastewater facilities. The city’s proposal includes using the funds for major capital projects such as decommissioning Bellaire’s wastewater treatment plant, redirecting the city’s wastewater to Houston and investing in the Cypress Ditch project. Cypress Ditch is a 9,300- foot channel that runs along Bellaire’s southern border and conveys 75% of the city’s stormwater, according to the city’s master drainage plan. Work on Cypress Ditch involves widening the channel to capture more runo and improve overall drainage and ooding issues, city ocials said. The $40 million price would be Bellaire’s contribution to the $110 million project. City Engineer Beth Jones said the remaining $70 million will be funded by partnerships, grants, and federal and state appropriations. If the bond is approved, construction would start in fall 2025. Jones said 95% of Bellaire properties are at risk of ooding, and—with rain events becoming more frequent and intense—the city’s aging infrastructure has become outdated, creating a

BEECHNUT

Houston wastewater treatment plant

Proposition B: $30 million Water and wastewater facilities and improvements

critical need for improvement or replacement. “These capital projects are truly what our city needs to move water out of our city,” Jones said. “Delays extend our risks and our costs.” Chief Financial Ocer Terrence Beaman said if the bond is approved, sta could account for it in the tax rate set in scal year 2025-26 or through a newly adopted drainage fee. As of early September, he said that a funding decision has not been made. Ocials said Bellaire City Council will decide on how to fund the projects and repay the debt after the election. If the propositions fail, the council will have to nd alternative funding sources.

Decommissioning, demolition of Bellaire wastewater treatment plant Redirection of Bellaire’s wastewater to city of Houston treatment plant Relocation, replacement of Bellaire lift station Repurposing city land for stormwater detention

SOURCE: CITY OF BELLAIRECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Other projects

Measuring the impact

Bellaire residents will also join other Harris County voters to choose whether to fund the Harris County Flood Control District’s proposed tax rate of $0.04897 per $100 of valuation, a nearly 58% tax rate increase from last year.

If the tax rate increase passes, an additional $113 million would go directly into a dedi- cated maintenance fund supporting critical maintenance projects, stang needs and new resident-focused communication initiatives.

If voters approve the ood control measure, for example, Harris County homeowners with the county’s average property value of $379,030 would see a $60 increase per year in annual taxes, including a homestead exemption, according to the county’s Oce of Management and Budget. The average property values in Bellaire and West University Place are $1 million to $1.6 million, respectively, according to Zillow, a real estate marketplace company. The tax rate increase for a $1 million home is $158.

Major maintenance Among other maintenance needs in Harris County, flood control officials are leading 36 major maintenance projects that are either underway or planned. Estimated costs have not been calculated for 20 of those projects, and the remaining 16 cost a projected $20.8 million.

Precinct 2 Total projects: 11 Estimated cost: $1.9M (costs TBD for 8 projects) Precinct 1 Total projects: 9 Estimated cost: $6.8M (costs TBD for 4 projects) Precinct 3 Total projects: 8 Estimated cost: $6.8M (costs TBD for 3 projects) Precinct 4 Total projects: 8 Estimated cost: $5.3M (costs TBD for 5 projects)

Estimated tax increase per year

Property Value

290

$200,000 $300,000 $500,000 $700,000 $900,000 $1,000,000

+$32 +$47 +$79 +$110 +$142 +$158

99 TOLL

610

149

GALVESTON BAY

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & MELISSA ENAJE

One more thing

Staying informed

Oct.

Oct. 7: Last day to register to vote Oct. 9: Houston tax rate public hearing Oct. 10: Bellaire informational bond meeting Oct. 21: Early voting starts Oct. 22: Second Bellaire informational bond meeting Oct. 28: Houston City Council votes on tax rate Nov. 5: Election Day

Houston has not increased taxes in nearly two decades. In the last 10 years, the city’s tax rate has decreased from $0.6388 per $100 valuation to $0.5191 per $100 valuation, according to the city’s website. “The residents have seen the benefits of having a lower tax bill, but the flipside of that is the impact to city services,” Dubowski said. “Yes, you’ve had a lower bill, but your services have been impacted as well.” Meanwhile, Houston ISD has a $4.4 billion bond package on the November ballot, although district officials said the bond will not require a tax rate increase. The bond focuses largely on upgrading and improving more than 270 campuses throughout the district. The most significant improvements at local schools include a partial renovation at Pin Oak Middle School. Almost every other school would see security upgrades and heating, ventilation and/ or air conditioning improvements.

Taxpayers within the city of Houston could also see increases in their annual bills. Houston city officials are considering raising the property tax rate for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Houston City Council is expected to vote in October to adopt a new tax rate that could reflect a 3- to 6-cent increase per $100 of valuation to cover the costs accrued from Hurricane Beryl and the May derecho. Finance Director Melissa Dubowski said the city can use a disaster exception that would allow it to surpass the state revenue cap and raise property taxes without going to the polls for voter approval. The council has until Oct. 28 to decide if it will raise taxes for fiscal year 2024-25. However, city officials have also discussed going to the voters in a future election cycle to raise taxes above the locally imposed revenue cap to expand city services without cutting from the budget.

Nov.

SOURCES: CITY OF HOUSTON, CITY OF BELLAIRE, HOUSTON ISD, HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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• Free (admission) • 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire • www.naturediscoverycenter.org

October

Zoo Boo 2024 During the month-long event, visitors are encouraged to wear costumes while walking through a pumpkin lantern tunnel between the lion and tiger exhibits. Other activities include riding the scary-go-round and traveling through a ghost town near the giraffe barn. • Through Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tenth Annual Park to Port Bike Ride This 20-mile round trip ride will take cyclists from Hermann Park’s Bayou Parkland along Bayou Greenway trail to Mason Park, near the Port of Houston. Celebrate at the post-ride party under the Bill Coats Bridge. This event is open to riders of all skill levels and is not a race. • Oct. 26, 8 a.m. • $45 • Bayou Parkland, 6532 Almeda Road, Houston • www.runsignup.com

• $21.20-$32.70 (free for members) • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.houstonzoo.org

Friends of the Bellaire Library book sale The nonprofit Friends of the Bellaire Library hosts a fall book sale. Attendees can purchase books in good, clean condition, including hardback books for $2 and

November

Spirits & Skeletons The Houston Museum of Natural Science welcomes goblins and ghouls to this annual Halloween party. The event features three DJs, food trucks and cocktails. • Oct. 26, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. • $50-60 (general admission), $120 (VIP) • 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.hmns.org

Pilobolus Re:Creation Acclaimed dance theater organization Pilobolus brings its nationwide tour to Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park this fall with this sensory dance performance. • Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. • Free • 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

paperback books for $1. • Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • 5101 Jessamine St., Bellaire • www.fotbl.org Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival

Tens of thousands of pounds of pumpkins will be available for picking at the Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire. • Oct. 19-20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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