The Thomas Telegraph | Vol. 6, Issue 23 – December 20

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones to announce the Places 4 People Call for Projects. This initiative prioritizes investments across our communities, and when invited to participate, District F was ready with projects in hand. Commissioner Briones has generously committed matching funds to support us.

Special thanks to the current and former Houston Public Works staff for working closely with me to prioritize these improvements, and to our partners at Catalina Square Improvement Association, Briarmeadow HOA, and Brays Village HOA for helping us bring these projects to the finish line.

PLANNING & PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

• $250,000 | Catalina Area Paving and Drainage (Design)

INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS WITH PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

• $270,000 | New Traffic Signal at Westpark & Eldridge

TRAFFIC SIGNAL REBUILDS

• $270,000 | Richmond & Beltway 8
• $270,000 | South & Wilcrest
• $270,000 | Richmond & Stoney Brook
• $270,000 | Bellaire & Belle Park

Stay tuned for updates on construction timelines in the upcoming District F newsletters.

RICHMOND AVE RECONSTRUCTION
Due to weather delays caused by temperature and rain, the reconstruction project will begin in early 2025. Before work begins, residents directly impacted (those along Richmond Ave.) will receive door hangers with details, similar to last week’s newsletter update.
For direct notifications, sign up at EngageHouston.org.

SOLID WASTE DELAYS
We are delayed. I know it’s frustrating, and I’ve personally responded to dozens of calls and emails from residents including my Daddy about the trash. While the Solid Waste Department continues working to clear debris, heavy trash, and recycling, delays remain ongoing. SWD provided my office an update on December 19. Heavy trash for part of the district that has 1st week of the month service day will be serviced December 27-28. The rest of the district that has 2nd week of the month pickup will be serviced January 2-3.

To HOA and Civic Club leaders—please refrain from submitting 311 tickets on residents following Solid Waste Department’s current curbside instructions.

DISTRICT F BUDGET
This year, we launched the District F Budget Tool to encourage participatory budgeting. Residents can propose projects and submit details for departmental review. While engagement hasn’t met expectations, funds remain focused on critical street repair projects.

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 31, 2024. More information will be shared once received.

HOUSTON ZOO TICKETS ARE BACK!
We have an additional 500 tickets available, expiring in December 2025. The holidays are the perfect time to make memories at the Houston Zoo with your family and guests. Tickets are prioritized for District F residents, with 5 tickets per household. Please note these tickets do not include Holiday Zoo Lights. CLICK HERE.

LOOKING AHEAD
We will release one final newsletter this year, featuring the 2024 District F Annual Report. Each year, I am in awe of our collective progress—from public safety and neighborhood revitalization to economic development, youth engagement, and enhancing quality of life. In January, we’re hitting the ground running! We’re kicking off the year with three community pop-ups across District F: Wellington Park, Braewood Estates, and in Westchase. These events will provide updates on public infrastructure projects and include an important public safety announcement regarding a new initiative in Westchase in collaboration with the Westside HPD Command Station.

District F Staff will be working virtually next week. Email[email protected] if you have any issues. District F Hot Team will be off on Tuesday and Wednesday and working holiday hours on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Thank you to the Hot Team for their hard work throughout the year.

Thank you for continuing to build with us on the westside, the best side of Houston. Merry Christmas to each of you – may you experience joy, peace, family, and a good meal.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23

• All scheduled curbside collections will be serviced, except for recycling and yard waste.
• Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices will remain open.
• Important: Bulk waste collection will be delayed this week.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

• Collections: Tuesday’s garbage and bulk waste will be serviced.
• All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices, will be closed.
• Important: Curbside recycling and yard waste collection scheduled for Monday and Tuesday will occur on your next regular collection day.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 (CHRISTMAS DAY)

• CITY HOLIDAY: No Collections on Christmas Day.
• All facilities and administrative offices will be closed.
• Important: Bulk waste collection will be delayed this week.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26

• Collections: Thursday’s recycling, garbage, yard waste, and Wednesday bulk waste routes will be serviced.
• All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices, will reopen.

FRIDAY, DECMEBER 27

• Collections: Friday’s recycling, garbage, yard waste, and Thursday’s bulk waste routes will be serviced.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28

• Friday’s bulk waste routes will be serviced.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 (NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY)

• CITY HOLIDAY: No Collections on New Years’s Day.
• All facilities and administrative offices will be closed.
• Important: Tree waste collection will be delayed this week.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2

• Collections: Thursday’s recycling, garbage, yard waste, and Wednesday’s tree waste routes will be serviced.
• All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices, will reopen.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3

• Collections: Friday’s recycling, garbage, yard waste, and Thursday’s tree waste routes will be serviced.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4

• Friday’s bulk waste routes will be serviced.

ORDINANCE approving seventh amended Project Plan and Reinvestment Zone Financing Plan for REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER TWENTY, CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS (SOUTHWEST HOUSTON ZONE) – DISTRICTS C – KAMIN; F – THOMAS; J – POLLARD and K – CASTEX-TATUM

ORDINANCE appropriating $634,219.00 out of Dedicating Drainage and Street Renewal Capital Fund – Drainage Charge as an additional appropriation; approving and authorizing first amendment to Professional Engineering Services Contract between City of Houston and DE CORP for Boone Park and Hackberry Park Detention Basins (as approved by Ordinance No. 2023-0724); providing funding for CIP Cost Recovery relating to construction of facilities financed by the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Capital Fund – Drainage Charge – DISTRICTS D – EVANS-SHABAZZ and F – THOMAS