Vol. 6, Issue 22 – 12.06.2024
Dear District F:

TRASH TALK
The Solid Waste Department is behind schedule, and I want to assure you that my office has received and logged every inquiry about delayed pickups. Last week, I met extensively with the Solid Waste Director and his Chief of Staff to review the routes and address the delays. They have committed to clearing the backlogs as soon as possible.

I kindly ask for your continued patience as they work through the holiday season. For the latest updates, please visit the Solid Waste Department’swebsite, follow their social media pages, and download the HTX Collectsapp to confirm your route and holiday schedules.

ILLEGAL DUMPING
Super Neighborhood 17 has flagged an illegal dumping site on Synott between Richmond and Westheimer. Thanks to the District F Hot Spot Team and with support from the Solid Waste Department, we’ve cleared 28 loadsof debris and items from the area using a large container.

We’ve also made significant progress on Amanda Ln, with 50% of the site cleared. However, the area’s challenges are compounded by its designation as an official encampment on Google Maps, which contributes to increased activity and dumping.

Your vigilance is invaluable in keeping District F clean. Please report illegal dumping to 311, include photos, and provide as much detail as possible. Your reports help me allocate resources and request additional support.

On a positive note, we’ve reached a preliminary agreement with Pilgrim’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church to assist with routine beautification of Amanda Ln once the cleanup is complete.

FILL THE FRIDGE INITIATIVE
As of December 6, my office has 37 Kroger gift cards worth $75 each. These are available to families and seniors (65+) within District F who have been impacted by Hurricane Beryl and are facing holiday challenges.

To request a card, please email [email protected] with:

  • Your name
  • Your District F address
  • Your age

If you do not reside in District F, please contact your respective council member, as each office received 100 gift cards for distribution.

GESSNER CORRIDOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
Last week, Houston Public Works hosted a design survey meeting to review existing data from 2019 for the upcoming Gessner Corridor project(spanning Districts F and G). While some of you attended, broader participation is crucial as this process moves forward.

The meeting served as a review of previous data and introduced proposed options for further study, including a secondary traffic survey with updated community input. I personally met with the project team to discuss the scope, explore the options, and ask questions on your behalf.

Your continued engagement is critical. My office is collaborating with civic clubs (Westmont, Tanglewilde, and Piney Point) to ensure all residents and stakeholders who work, play and spend in the area are included in this process. Sign up at EngageHouston.org for direct updates.

WESTPARK MOBILITY STUDY
The Westpark Mobility Study focuses on the tollway stretch from South Gessner (near Beltway 8) to FM1093 in Fulshear, much of which runs through District F. This study, launched in partnership with HCTRA, METRO, the City of Houston, and Fort Bend County, aims to address mobility and connectivity needs.

On October 19, a community meeting was held at the Alief Neighborhood Center to discuss the study. My office has since requested a briefing to understand the findings and ensure the entire district—not just Alief—is included in future engagement.

This project includes a proposed expansion to Fulshear, making your input essential. Learn more about the study here.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES
District F has a robust lineup of ongoing infrastructure projects, including:

  • Street panel replacements
  • Sidewalk repairs
  • Speed bump installations
  • ADA improvements
  • Street light installations

In mid-late December, I will share a detailed update on these projects, including expected detours and direct contacts for project managers should you have concerns.


Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas
HOT TEAM UPDATE
Total Work Orders: 21
Hotspot of the Week:  8639 Richmond
Total Man Hours Worked: 60
Tree Waste: 1,500 lbs.
Mattresses: 4
Furniture Waste: 16 pieces
Tires: 19
Trash Debris: 1,250 lbs.
Shopping Carts: 4
Bandit Signs: 64
Landscaping: Amanda Lane 3,000 sq. ft.
System: 3 pending illegal dump sites and 0 pending missed yard waste, with 2 pending landscaping locations as of 12.6.2024
DISTRICT F NEWS AND UPDATES
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BQ!
Alief Super Neighborhood president Barbara Quattro celebrated her birthday on December 5. Barbara has dedicated over 20 years to leading beautification efforts in Alief by planting thousands of trees. District F thanks her for her tireless work making our community a better place and for fostering 
THANKSGIVING TURKEY DROP-OFF
On Monday, November 25, Council Member Thomas dropped off turkeys and chickens at the George R. Brown Convention Center for the Houston Thanksgiving Super Feast. The annual feast hands out thousands of pounds of food, either as a hot meal at the convention center or as a food basket, to thousands of families every Thanksgiving. 
VACA FALL FESTIVAL
On November 23, District F Chief of Staff, Isaac Eguia, joined the Vietnamese American Cultural Association’s fall festival at Bellnott Square. Leaders from around the district, including HPD Westside Commander Mario Clinton, joined the community for an afternoon of community building and fun. 

HOUSTON HOUSING COLLABORATIVE CONFERENCE
The HHC Affordable Housing Conference was held on November 19 at the Federal Reserve Bank. Council Member Thomas spoke during the Innovative Partnerships in Affordable Housing panel. She emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to bring more affordable housing to the city. 

BLACK WOMEN IN POLITICS PANEL
Council Member Thomas moderated a panel on Sunday, November 17 at the University of St. Thomas. Panelists included State Representative-Elect Charlene Ward Johnson (HD-139), Houston Voting Initiative Founder Dr. Annie Benifield, and many other esteemed guests.  
ISLAMINSPANISH GRAND OPENING
Council Member Thomas joined the IslamInSpanish team for their official grand opening on November 16. As quoted in the Houston Chronicle, Council Member Thomas said, “there are people who may be running away from danger who seek cover at this mosque, and they will interact with you, and you can set them on a better path.” Read the full article about the opening here.
AFROTECH
On November 16, Council Member Thomas presented a proclamation at the AFROTECH – Blavity Block Party at Discovery Green. AFROTECH is a tech conference that connects thousands of Black tech innovators from all over the world. Read more about the eventhere
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
PUBLIC HEARING regarding an amended Project Plan and Reinvestment Zone Financing Plan for REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER TWENTY (SOUTHWEST HOUSTON) – DISTRICT C – KAMIN; F – THOMAS; J – POLLARD and K – CASTEX-TATUM

ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Subrecipient Agreement between City of Houston and CHINESE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC to provide Community Development Block Grant Funds for Early Childhood Development and Out-of-School Time Youth Enrichment Programs for low-to-moderate income families – $140,000.00 – Grant Fund – DISTRICT F – THOMAS and J – POLLARD

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