Vol. 6, Issue 21 – 11.15.2024
Dear District F:

District F is Lit: Streetlight Installations
Our public safety initiative continues to brighten dark intersections in our neighborhoods. I’m pleased to announce the approval of 25 new streetlights—20 in Park Glen and 5 in Brays Forest. Since 2022, at no cost to you, my office has covered installation costs by simply completing a simple application. Click here to access the application. Once your location is verified to meet the guidelines, installation can be completed in 10-12 weeks. This is a powerful and simple way to enhance your neighborhood’s safety.

A Tragic Loss in Synott/Clarewood
On Monday, we tragically lost an elderly neighbor in a car accident in the Synott/Clarewood area. Though District F and Houston Public Works have multiple improvement projects scheduled for the area, we could not prevent this tragic incident. My office will hold a community meeting in early 2024 to discuss other quality-of-life issues in the area, including street lighting, street repairs, and the potential for speed bumps. We will share details in the next newsletter after the holidays. In the meantime, please stay vigilant, especially as daylight savings time has made evenings darker earlier.

Speed Cushions in High Demand
Speed cushions are in high demand across the district, and we currently have several locations in the queue awaiting cost estimates. Below are areas awaiting installation or awaiting confirmation:

Braewood Glen – Awaiting cost estimate
Imperial Point – $29,900 (funded)
Piney Point Elementary – $52,600 (funded)
Westhollow – $60,000 (funded)
Westpark Village – $19,900 (funded)
Brays Forest Section 1 – $19,900 (funded)
Ashford Point – $67,900 (funded)
Parkridge – $24,900 (funded)

Your feedback on proposed speed cushions is crucial. Please respond to any notices you receive, as this is your opportunity to improve your neighborhood’s safety.

Sidewalk Ordinance Updates
If you’ve emailed my office about sidewalk improvements, I encourage you to attend the upcoming Planning Commission special meeting regarding Chapter 40 Article XXII; Sidewalk Network Requirements on November 21 at 2:30 PM (900 Bagby St.). Revisions to the sidewalk ordinance are scheduled for presentation, and it’s important for District F to be well-represented.

Blighted Homes
Many homes in District F have fallen into disrepair, especially those owned by deceased individuals without heirs to manage the property. In collaboration with Houston Public Works, the Department of Neighborhoods, and Career Recovery Resources, we’ve provided funding to address blighted properties by securing them, boarding up broken windows, and sealing gaps to prevent squatters. To date, we’ve mitigated the following properties:

12728 Hollandale Dr
11215 Carvel Ln
9022 Beverly Hill St.
11015 Triola Ln.
8606 Amblewood (squatters identified and must be handled by HPD)

Additionally, 3138 Ashlock (Ashton Village) was inspected by the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) on Tuesday, November 12. The inspection revealed several violations; however, it does not meet the criteriafor a dangerous building. My office will continue working with the HOA Board of Directors to address the issue.

If you notice a blighted property, please report it to 311. Including a photo can help expedite the process. You can also report properties to my office for follow-up.

Animal Lovers: BARC Advisory Role
BARC has invited me to nominate someone to serve in an advisory role on their local government corporation (LGC). I am awaiting additional details and time commitments, but I encourage those interested to send their resume or CV to [email protected] with the subject line “BARC FOR F” by December 1, 2024. More information will be shared once received.

Case for Kids After-School Programs
Congratulations to the following nonprofits, selected by the Harris County Department of Education, and funded by CDSF to provide after-school programs in District F:

Chinese Community Center – $10,000
Bricks Foundation – $10,000
The Ensemble Theater – $10,000
Young Audiences of Houston – $10,000
The Sanders Hand – $5,000
Spirit of Youth Fencing Foundation – $5,000
GirlStart – $5,250
Agape Christian Fellowship – $10,000
Visit the organizations’ websites to learn more about their programs and how to get involved.

Acknowledging Chief Vera Bumpers
I would like to take a moment to honor METRO Police Chief Vera Bumpers, who has retired after an award-winning, 43-year career with METRO. Chief Bumpers made history as the first Black woman to rise through every rank in METRO, becoming the first Black woman to lead as Chief of Police. Chief Bumpers, you are a trailblazer, and your legacy is not just a footnote in a press release but a vital part of Texas and American history. Thank you for your service. I wish you well in your retirement.

If you have any questions, concerns, or want more information about these updates, don’t hesitate to contact my office at [email protected]. Stay safe, and thank you for being an active part of our community.

Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas
DISTRICT F NEWS AND UPDATES
GESSNER CORRIDOR RECONSTRUCTION SURVEY
EngageHouston has extended the survey period to December 13 for the Gessner Corridor Reconstruction Survey. Choose between the options above and provide additional feedback for the project team. Click on the image above to go to the survey page and go here to watch the meeting from Thursday night. 
STREETLIGHT INSTALLATIONS
The District F Office solicited feedback from residents about where more streetlights are needed in the district. Twenty 45-watt LED metal pole streetlights and two 95-watt LED metal pole streetlights are scheduled for the Park Glen neighborhood. Five 95-watt streetlights will be installed along Bandlon Dr and one 45-watt streetlight will be installed along Skymeadow Dr. The streetlights will be installed as CenterPoint Energy’s workload permits.
OAK HARBOR SIDEWALKS WORK AUTHORIZATION
A work authorization was approved to remove/replace sidewalks and ramps along Wispwind Dr from S Dairy Ashford Dr to 7202 Valeview Dr and to 7315 Treewater Dr in the Oak Harbor neighborhood. Construction is anticipated to end by January 3, 2025. The project contractor is DCE Construction, LLC. An additional project will be spearheaded by the Mayor’s Office of People with Disabilities. The total cost for both projects is $158,000. 
RICHMOND AVE STREET REHABILITATION
A work authorization was issued for composite concrete and asphalt removal and new surface overlay along Richmond Ave, between Dunvale Rd and Hillcroft Ave. Work will take 150 days and be completed by April 11, 2025. This $4 million project is being done by Grava, LLC. 
PARK EIGHT PLACE WALKABLE PLACES
The Westchase development, Park Eight Place, became the first Walkable Place in Houston after a city council vote on November 14. The 70-acre village will be a mix of residential, commercial, office and recreational spaces. The project will include 6 acres of green space and 2 miles of trails leading into Arthur Storey Park. 
BRAYS BAYOU GREENWAY CLOSURE
The Houston Parks Board began construction on the Brays Bayou Greenway on November 4. This section, near the Westchase District Trail and Arthur Storey Park, is being repaired and will re-open in late November or early December. Please refer to the map above for the closure (in red) and alternative route (in blue). Contact HPB at [email protected] or (713) 942-8500 if you have any questions. 
TANGLEWILDE PARK UPDATE
The District F Office has heard from residents about excess trash and poor upkeep at Tanglewilde Park. Park Rangers will be on site during peak hours to monitor the park. Trash is collected at all parks every five days, but the Parks Department will work to increase the frequency. 
NLC PANEL DISCUSSION ON HOUSING
Council Member Thomas joined other Council Members in Tampa, FL for the National League of Cities. She spoke on a panel about housing with the Mayor of San Antonio Ron Nirenberg and Mayor of Tempe, AZ Corey Woods. She shared the ways that Houston has been a leader in reducing homelessness with their Housing First model.
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES
On November 14, Council Member Thomas gave the keynote address at the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) luncheon at NLC. She spoke to 450 Black elected leaders from around the country. 
ISLAMINSPANISH CENTRO ISLAMICO VISIT
Council Member Thomas visited the IslamInSpanish Centro Islamico at 12703 Brant Rock Dr on Friday, November 8. It is the first of its kind Latino-led Islamic center in the U.S. Council Member Thomas toured the center including their cafe, teen room and more. Their grand opening is Saturday, November 16 at 12pm. 
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
Council Member Thomas joined HCC Northwest President Dr. Zach Hodges and others to celebrate veterans at the West Houston Institute –  Houston Community College on November 8. The Salute to Veterans event is an annual celebration sponsored by the Houston West Chamber of Commerce. 
COMCAST STORE RIBBON CUTTING
On November 8, Council Member Thomas was proud to join Comcast representatives at their brand new store at 19859 Katy Fwy, Suite D. She joined stakeholders such as Kathy Chamber of Commerce VP of Business Development Stacy Jacobs, Comcast Texas Region Senior Vice President Jose Espinel, and more. 
KPRC ELECTION NIGHT COVERAGE
On November 5, Council Member Thomas joined KPRC2 for their election night coverage. She shared her insight with about the importance of local offices and their impact on everyday life. 
ALLISON B. HUDSON – 40 UNDER 40
Allison B. Hudson, HPD Police Administrator, was recently honored at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in Boston. She was recognized as an IACP 40 Under 40 which highlights law enforcement professionals from around the world. 
ALIEF TREE PLANTING
The Alief Super Neighborhood Council led a tree planting on Saturday, November 2. Youth volunteers showed up in the early morning to plant dozens of trees in the median along Wilcrest Dr. You can join the next tree planting on November 16 at 9:00am at 11011 Wilcrest Dr. Contact[email protected] if you have any questions. 
ANGOLA INDEPENDENCE DAY
On November 1, Council Member Thomas joined District J Council Member Ed Pollard and Congressman Al Green to celebrate Angola Independence Day with Consul General Ana Nascimento. Luanda, Angola has been one of Houston’s Sister Cities since 2003. 
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
ORDINANCE establishing creation of Park Eight Walkable Places Area pursuant to Chapter 33 of the Code of Ordinances, within the designated area north of Bellaire Boulevard and west of Beltway 8; identifying and establishing street classifications on the Walkable Places Plan; making findings and containing other provisions related thereto; establishing an effective date – DISTRICT F – THOMAS

ORDINANCE designating an area located in the vicinity of north Bellaire Boulevard and west of Beltway 8 within the proposed Park Eight District Walkable Place Area, as a Special Parking Area within the City of Houston – DISTRICT F – THOMAS

 
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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 Chapter 3264: Every 1st Thursday at 10 AM 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 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 PM
Location: Clubhouse, 9511 Cook Road

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