City of houston seal
From the Office of Council Member Mike Laster 

District Journal

Official Newsletter of Houston City Council District J
 
Monday, February 9, 2015

Mike Laster - Flipped
832.393.3015

City Hall Annex
900 Bagby

Houston, TX 77002

PO Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251-1562

Chief of Staff
  
Agenda & Policy Director

Sharon Shanahan
Administrative Services Director

 
Constituent & Community Affairs Director
  
Community Links

District J Parks 

Anderson Park

 Bayland Park (Harris County, Pct 3)

Bonham Family Nature Park

Brays Bayou Hike and Bike Trail

City Contacts 
 

HPD (non-emergency) 

713.884.3131

 

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A New Vision for the Richmond Corridor

District J to Host Urban Land Institute Study

 

Many of you have heard me speak about how important neighborhood revitalization is to the future of District J. Such is the case with Richmond Avenue corridor that lies between Chimney Rock and Hillcroft.

 

If there was ever a microcosm of Houston’s development pattern, the Richmond corridor surely must be it! The area consists of a mixture of industrial and commercial businesses; single-family housing with condominiums from $50,000 to $1 million and multifamily housing; sports bars and restaurants of all business hours and prices; religious and educational facilities, a City park, an HPD storefront and Fire Station 28.

 

Over the past two years, I have had the pleasure of gathering together a coalition of merchants and landowners along the corridor. Together, we began the process of visioning what the future holds for this dynamic part of Houston and District J. I am pleased to announce this coalition, along with your District J Office, HISD, and METRO, will be hosting an Urban Land Institute TAP (Technical Assistance Program) study that will re-imagine the future of the Richmond corridor.

 

The Urban Land Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes leadership in the responsible use of land and in building thriving communities. Established in 1947, ULI has completed over 600 panels, in 47 states, 12 countries, and 4 continents. Our panelists, coming from across the United States with experience in addressing re-development projects, will work to develop practical recommendations for moving towards the future.

 

On that note, stakeholders are invited to participate in this study, that will take place from 10:00am to 12:00pm and 1:30pm to 3:00pm at the JW Marriott Hotel (5150 Westheimer) on Monday, Feb. 23rd. These sessions will give the panelists insight into the strengths and challenges of the area.

 

I am proud of the hard work put forth by our friends along Richmond in planning this important event, and I look forward to hearing the recommendations on how best to breath new life into this vital and vibrant part of District J.

 

Blessings,

Mike Laster - signature 

-Mike Laster, Council Member – District J

Community Garden Takes Root

Volunteers Needed to Help with Improvements

 

When a handful of residents at

 

the Bellerive Senior Living Center began planting a few vegetables on an old ditch easement last year, they probably didn’t think anyone would take notice. But as more residents began to take interest, the garden began to grow. Now, with the combined support of multiple organizations, the community garden will soon be receiving a major face lift!

 

 

Landscaping designs to vastly improve the garden have been warmly received by residents. The plans will include improved landscaping, the laying of brick pathways, and the removal of weeds, and debris in the green space.

 

These improvements have been made possible through an amazing partnership between the Houston Housing Authority, Keep Houston Beautiful, TBG Partners, Public Works’ Street and Drainage Division, the City’s Reuse Warehouse, the Solid Waste Department, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and your District J office.

 

But the work hasn’t even

 

started! Volunteers are needed for the Clean-Up day, which is scheduled to take place on February 21, 2015, at 8am at the Senior Living facility (7225 Bellerive, Houston, TX). If you know any students in need of some volunteer hours, or would like to participate yourself, please join us in making this incredible project a reality for these seniors. To volunteer, please contact Keep Houston Beautiful at 713-839-8855.

 

District J Capital Improvement Plan Meeting

 

Please mark your calendars for the  greyscale-drafting.jpgAnnual District J CIP Meeting which will be held at 6:30pm at the Sharpstown Community Center (6600 Harbor Town Dr., Houston, TX 77036) on Wednesday, February 25th.

   

The CIP is a five-year document outlining the city’s infrastructure improvement strategy, which is organized by priority, project capacity and timing constraints. Additionally, funding sources are identified for all proposed projects. For more information about District J CIP projects, please visit the CIP home page by clicking here.

 

Please feel free to contact the District J office by e-mail or phone (832-393-3015) should you have any further questions.

Westwood Super Neighborhood Meeting

 

The next Westwood Super Neighborhood meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, at 5:30pm at Betty Best Elementary School (10000 Center Parkway, Houston, TX 77036).

Upcoming Events
  
Calendar2
Please refer to the Community Events Calendar on our website for the time, location and other event details.

New events are added every

week. Be sure to check it often!
  

Tuesday, February 10
  •  Westwood SN Meeting, Betty Best Elementary  School, 5:45pm
  •  Sharpstown Rotary Club
  •  City Council – Public Session
  •  AARP Chapter 50 Meeting
Wednesday, February 11
  •  City Council
Monday, February 16
  •  Brays Bayou Association Meeting
Tuesday, February 17
  •  Sharpstown Rotary Club
  •  City Council – Public Session
  •  Braeburn PIP Meeting
Wednesday, February 18
  •  City Council
  •  GSMD – Environmental & Urban Design Committee Meeting
  •  Midwest PIP Meeting
Thursday, February 19
  •  Westside Division PIP
Saturday, February 21
  •  Bellerive Senior Living Community Garden Work-Day
Monday, February 23
  •  Greater Sharpstown Management District Board Meeting
  •  Gulfton Super Neighborhood #27 Meeting
  •  ULI Meeting
Tuesday, February 24
  •  Sharpstown Rotary Club
  •  Gulfton PIP
  •  City Council – Public Session
  •  Alief Super Neighborhood Council Meeting