Vol. 6, Issue 15 – 08.23.2024
Dear Friends:

Please take the time to browse the district’s updates and trending topics. A lot of information has been prepared for your benefit.

DISTRICT F DISASTER PLAN

As you know, District F has a hyper-local disaster plan that serves as a guide to respond to immediate needs before we receive federal support. Last week the team reviewed what worked, feedback, and collected new data. It expanded our scope to include additional partners such as the Houston Food Bank, multi-family developments with children, and Independent Living Facilities to prioritize water, ice, and hot meals for delivery.

The good news is that we have a robust framework and better working relationships with federal agencies to educate residents on the steps to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. Two weeks ago, FEMA reported they ran out of emergency assistance, with hundreds of thousands of Houstonians still waiting to receive support.

Additional authorization will only occur once Congress returns to session to vote on the appropriation. Please contact Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Rep. Al Green (TX-09) and ask them to support an additional authorization. We want to thank our volunteers and partners. Save the date for the District F Hurricane Beryl volunteer reception on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. 

ALIEF & HOUSTON ISD NOVEMBER 2024 BALLOT

It’s already August, so school is back in session in Alief and Houston ISD. Although you may not have students in school, please consider supporting our public schools by volunteering your time as a mentor. Now more than ever, our young people need the wisdom and support from our communities. Please visit HoustonISD.org and AliefISD.net for more information. In addition, both Districts have scheduled tax rate/bond elections on the November 5, 2024, ballot. Please educate yourself accordingly and be prepared to vote.

BAD DEVELOPERS IN DISTRICT F

Unfortunately, our office has been informed of a predatory developer at Mediterranean Forest on Beechnut and Dairy Ashford. We will work directly with the residents to ensure they receive a water bill, establish their HOA, and regain a sense of order. However, as you know, private property rights limit our ability to fully interject on behalf of the owners. FOX 26 visited us on Monday, August 19, to learn more about their story and challenges. You can view the story here. All residents are invited to a follow-up meeting with representatives from the Houston Permitting Center and legal representatives on Friday, August 23, at 6 PM at the Alief Neighborhood Center.

Since the segment aired, another community (Venetian on Gessner and W. Belfort in District J) contacted our office, experiencing the same issues with the same developer, Bill Yin. We are working with District J to ensure those residents receive similar information.

HELP US by familiarizing yourself with the permit activity report in the newsletter. You are an extra set of eyes and ears. Unfortunately, this development was approved by the Planning Commission in 2017, before our time together, but bad actors can still be stopped.

RECONSTRUCTION OF ONE ORLEANS PLACE

Residents in the condo community at 2800 Jeanetta Road lost their homes due to a fire during the week of the Texas Freeze in 2021. Unfortunately, after three years of paying their mortgage and temporary housing, they are still not in their homes. I am calling the contractor and their sub-contractors to get on the same page and provide accurate information to the management company and HOA board.

If you are a resident impacted by the delay, visit the website here and add the project number 24037251 to follow the status for yourself. Remember you must INSPECT what you EXPECT, especially when paying for services that directly impact your well-being.

DEBRIS

Solid Waste expects to complete the first pass of collections on Saturday, August 31. The solid waste department and the contracted vendors work overtime to clear debris on each route. HOA and Civic Clubs, please share the information at bit.ly/HTXStorm broadly and remind neighbors to place their debris in front of their homes. There is a better time to place mattresses, televisions, electronics, and other restricted items, as they will not be picked up. Again, consider amending your contract to include debris removal in anticipation of future storms for subdivisions with private trash service. Therefore, you will not have to wait on solid waste to service a neighborhood that is not included in the 100 routes in the city.

FAITH & HOUSING SUMMIT | OCTOBER 12, 2024

It is no secret that housing inventory is a challenge in Houston and nationwide, and we can only increase housing options with everyone at the table. In the last few years, faith leaders have approached my office and city council, and they are interested in developing their land to include multi- and single-family housing. Save the date for Saturday, October 12th, 2024. As a reminder, the Housing and Affordability Committee meeting will be held on August 26th, 2024, at 10 AM in person at City Hall.

IN MEMORIUM: REVEREND JONES

In closing, the best part of the job is celebrating our successes and providing solutions to problems; the worst part is saying goodbye to people I have worked with to make that happen. We lost one of our neighbors, J. Amos Jones.

Rev. J. Amos Jones was one of the first people I met on the campaign trail 2019. I remember his initial email inviting me to introduce myself to the historic Piney Point Civic Club. He was firm, always dressed to impress, and had a wealth of information about the neighborhood and the people. He encouraged me during hard times and always had a warm smile on his face. He was deeply grateful for the infrastructure improvements such as concrete replacements, speed cushions, SWAT projects, and securing Piney Point as a Conservation District. He was in awe of the improvements, and I would jokingly reply, ‘I told you so…’
A few months ago, something told me to stop and give him a call. It was another late night in the office, and I was tired, but I am grateful I listened. We had a great call, and it was good to hear his voice. I will join all who loved him this weekend and celebrate a well-lived life at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at 16138 W. Belfort Ave. Sugarland, TX 77498, on Saturday, August 24, at 11:00 a.m. In addition to the funeral service on Saturday, Aug. 24th, there will be a Memorial Service to commemorate the life of Pastor J. Amos Jones on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Friendship M.B.C.

Rest well, thy good and faithful servant.

It will be another hot week in Houston, so treat everyone well; you do not know what they are going through. It has been a rough few months for us.


Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas
HOT SPOT TEAM UPDATE
WEEK OF AUGUST 19
Total Work Orders: 25
Hotspot of the Week:  9684 Court Glen (recurring)
Total Man Hours Worked: 48
Tree Waste: 600 lbs.
Mattresses: 2
Furniture Waste: 7 piece
Tires: 15
Trash Debris: 650 lbs.
Shopping Carts: 2
Bandit Signs: 129
Landscaping: none
System: 0 pending illegal dump site and 0 pending missed yard waste, with 2 pending landscaping locations as of 8.15.2024
DISTRICT F NEWS AND UPDATES
HOUSTON SOLID WASTE UPDATES
After collecting more than 2.1 million cubic yards of storm debris generated by Hurricane Beryl, the City of Houston’s Department of Solid Waste Management (SWMD) expects to conclude the first collection pass on Saturday, August 31st.

In preparation for the next phase of debris collection, SWMD requests residents to place all remaining storm debris at the curbside by Sunday, August 25th. The department will begin the second pass in earnest on Monday, September 2nd. Read more here.

Councilmember Thomas joined Solid Waste employees in a ride-along in Tanglewilde. She had a front-row seat to the incredible operation our solid waste drivers execute weekly, and we are thankful. Additionally, we have invested $3,000 into a riding mower to address overgrown easements on Spring Grove, Amanda Ln, and near Oak Harbor/Bellaire Villas. If there is an overgrown easement, please contact our office at [email protected].
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT PLANNING
The Office of Council Member Thomas is excited about the upcoming National Night Out! On Tuesday, October 1st, thousands of Houstonians will be in celebration and community building with neighbors and local law enforcement. Our office invites you all to participate if you have yet to.

We encourage you all to have your event throughout October. Complete the form here and let us know if we can make your event!
NAREB CONFERENCE IN NEW ORLEANS
Council Member Thomas attended the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) conference in New Orleans on Friday, August 2nd. There, she supported real estate industry professionals and contributed to discussions on affordable housing. Her involvement underscores her commitment to ensuring affordable housing remains a priority in our community. 
ALIEFVOTES & LINK HOUSTON IN ALIEF
On Saturday, August 10th, District F attended a transit working workshop hosted by AliefVotes and Link Houston in Alief. This event was a valuable opportunity to listen to the diverse concerns of our community members, which were voiced in multiple languages. We are committed to ensuring that transit meets the needs of all residents, and we are actively relaying these concerns.
BACK TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Monday, August 12th, marked the first school day for many students across Alief and HISD. Council Member Thomas visited several schools, including Elsik High School and Albright Middle School in Alief and Piney Point Elementary, Emerson Elementary, and Briar Meadow Charter in HISD. Each school received 150 backpacks. District F also donated backpacks and school supplies to students, ensuring they have the tools necessary for a successful academic year. 

Additionally, this past Saturday at the Chinese Community Center, we served over 100 families, distributing 400 backpacks and school supplies. This event was a success thanks to our partnership with The Sanders Hand, the Chinese Community Center, Alief ISD, and AliefVotes. A special thank you to our student volunteers and translators who helped make it all possible!
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIE DAVIS’ TOWN HALL 
On Monday, August 12th, Council Member Willie Davis hosted a Town Hall at the Alief Neighborhood Center. Your participation is vital to our community’s success, and we are grateful for your input and engagement as we address District F’s needs and concerns.
CELEBRATING FIRE CHIEF SAM PEÑA
On Monday, August 12th, we celebrated Chief Sam Peña’s retirement, honoring his years of dedicated service to the Houston Fire Department. His leadership and commitment to our city have made a lasting impact, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors. As we bid farewell to Chief Peña, we warmly welcome new leadership and look forward to continued excellence in service.
REPORT ON ONE ORLEANS PLACE
On Thursday, August 15th, We recently connected with the management team at One Orleans Place, a condominium complex on Jeanetta Street, to ensure they have the support they need after Winterstorm Uri’s damages. Our office is committed to assisting residents and property managers throughout District F, and we will continue to work closely with local communities to address any concerns, relieve financial burdens, and provide a safe return home.
THE LAWNDALE RIBBON CUTTING
On Thursday, August 15th, we recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of The Lawndale, a shining example of ‘smart housing’ in a historically high-opportunity neighborhood. This development is a testament to our commitment to creating inclusive communities, with 50% of the units reserved for hard-working people. Council Member Thomas was honored to give remarks at the opening, highlighting the importance of such projects in ensuring access to quality housing for all.
 ASSOCIATION FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS
On Thursday, August 15th, Councilmember Thomas joined the Association for Financial Professionals and Foley for an insightful networking meeting. It was an excellent opportunity to catch up and learn more about their impactful work in the public service financial sector.
ALIEF ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUSSES
On Friday, August 16th, Council Member Thomas joined Alief ISD and federal partners as we celebrated a $7.9 million grant to bring clean, electric school buses to our district. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and other key leaders, we’re taking a bold step toward a greener, healthier future for our students and community. 
HURRICANE BERYL RELIEF
On Friday, August 16th, Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas proudly participated in the “Helping Hands Program – to Fill the Fridge” press conference hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex Tatum in partnership with Union Pacific and Kroger. This important initiative was launched as part of our continued recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl. During the event, each District Council Member, including Council Member Thomas, received 75 gift cards from Kroger, each worth $75, to distribute to residents in District F, such as those in One Orleans Place who were displaced since the 2021 winter freeze.
TAIWANESE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
On Saturday, August 17th, Councilmember Thomas was privileged to attend the 46th Taiwan Benevolent Association of America Annual Conference. She was honored to present acknowledgments and deliver remarks to celebrate this significant event. This gathering was a testament to the strength and unity of our community, and we are proud to have been a part of it.
STATUE OF UNION REVEAL
On Sunday, August 18th, District F’s Chief of Staff Isaac Eguia visited the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple near Sugar Land, where America’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman, the Statue of Union, was revealed. Standing 90 feet tall, this project, envisioned by His Holiness Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, symbolizes strength, devotion, and hope. The statue will serve as a spiritual epicenter for our community, offering a place where future generations can seek the divine blessings of Lord Hanuman.
BELLAIRE WEST PANEL REPLACEMENT
We’re pleased to announce that the panel replacement project in Bellaire West is nearing completion, with an estimated finish date of September 6th, 2024. This essential infrastructure upgrade, which represents an investment of $1,200,000.00, will significantly enhance the durability and safety of our roads. The funded speed cushions will be installed after completion. I’ve attached a map for detailed information on the affected areas. 
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
PROTEST ORDINANCE VOTE
On Wednesday, August 14th, the Houston City Council voted on a protest ordinance to be sent to the Public Safety Committee for further review. Sending this to a council committee gives life to a dead issue. You can read the ordinance here and learn more here. 
Read the City Council Agenda
Watch the City Council MeetingsRECOMMENDATION from Chief Operating Officer, Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $5,308,820.18 and acceptance of work on contract with T CONSTRUCTION, LLC for FY2018 Drainage Rehabilitation Work Order #1 – 11.52% under the original contract amount – DISTRICTS B – JACKSON; D – EVANS-SHABAZZ; E – FLICKINGER; F – THOMAS; H – CASTILLO; I – MARTINEZ and K – CASTEX-TATUM

ORDINANCE appropriating $2,505,000.00 out of Water & Sewer System Consolidated Construction, awarding contract to T CONSTRUCTION, LLC for Force Main Renewal and Replacement for Belle Park #3, Northbrook and Woodway #2 Lift Stations; setting a deadline for the bidder’s execution of the contract and delivery of all bonds, insurance, and other required contract documents to the City; holding the bidder in default if it fails to meet the deadlines; providing funding for CIP Cost Recovery relating to construction of facilities financed by the Water & Sewer System Consolidated Construction, for contingency, and testing services – DISTRICTS F – THOMAS; G – HUFFMAN and K – CASTEX-TATUM

The Housing and Affordability Committee meeting, chaired by Councilmember Thomas, will be held on August 26th, 2024, at 10 AM in person at City Hall. Please sign up to speak and view the agenda here.
Council Member Thomas’ Pop Off Comments on August 21, 2024
Council Member Thomas’ Pop Off Comments on August 14, 2024
Council Member Thomas Speaks on FOX 26 about Mediterranean Forest
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
WESTCHASE DISTRICT PERFORMANCE VENUE COMMUNITY SURVEY
The Westchase District, located closest to the intersection of Westheimer and Beltway 8, is looking into the viability of developing a new venue for live performances. One of the first tasks is to understand how this space could serve the community and what your preferences are for live entertainment. Please take a moment to fill out this survey and add your thoughts to the mix. The survey should take approximately 8 minutes to complete. Available in multiple langagues (Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese).

The closing date for the survey will be Friday, September 6, 2024.
PERMITS
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
You can engage with your neighbors and receive accurate information about District F and the greater Houston area from community partners, elected officials, and public safety leadership.

Alief AARP: The Alief AARP Chapter 3264 will have its next meeting on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX.

Super Neighborhood 17 (West Oaks and Eldridge): Every 2nd Wednesday at 7 PM
Location: Eagles Trace Austin Square Catering Room, 14703 Eagle Vista Dr

Super Neighborhood 25 (Alief): Every 4th Tuesday at 6:30 PM
Location: Alief Neighborhood Center, 11903 Bellaire Blvd

Westside PIP Meeting: Every 3rd Thursday at 6:30 PM
Location: Westside Station, 3203 S. Dairy Ashford Street, 3rd floor

Midwest PIP Meeting: Every 3rd Wednesday at 7 PM
Location: 7277 Regency Square Boulevard

Briarmeadow HOA: Every 2nd Tuesday at 6 PM
Location: 3202 Freshmeadows Drive

Westmont Civic Club: Every 4th Thursday of every quarter at 7:00 PM
Location: Treemont Retirement Community, 2501 Westerland

Piney Point Civic Club: Every 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 PM
Location: Pilgrim Rest MBC, 3401 Jeanetta St

Huntington Village HOA: Every 3rd Thursday at 7:00 PM
Location: Clubhouse, 9511 Cook Road

Tanglewilde Civic Club: Quarterly
Location: Los Tios, 9527 Westheimer, in the meeting room