The Thomas Telegraph – Happy Holidays | Vol. 7, Issue 22

As you settle in with leftovers and holiday movies, I want to share a few reflections about constituent services and the conversations happening inside and outside of the horseshoe about our community. I also need your input and want to remind us of our collective agreement to stay focused on District F’s priorities.

SOLID WASTE:
KPRC recently covered the ongoing solid waste delays in District F and highlighted two critical points I want you to keep front and center:

My office has escalated over 400 cases of delays, organized by subdivision, across District F.

More than likely, we already know you are delayed and have requested action from the Solid Waste Department.
We are working hard to clear debris and if SWD missed you during Thanksgiving we are asking them to prioritize your subdivision.

A note to HOA leadership:
Trash delays are citywide and well documented. As a courtesy, please refrain from citing or penalizing homeowners during this period. Much of the debris accumulating in front of homes is being magnified by illegal dumping—and based on the photos you’re sending, we are seeing an unusual surge in construction waste, toilets, carpets, drywall, and other non-household items. Residents simply do not have the equipment to haul these materials to a depository. After four months in the elements, I also would not put any of this in my own car.

Let’s extend grace to each other while we work through this. Many of you have been overwhelmingly gracious as we work through this citywide delay.

Additional Trash Updates:
The District F Hot Spot Team has cleared the backlog of black bins and is actively delivering replacements to more than 400 homes. Recycling bins, however, are still being restocked at the SWD depositories. As soon as inventory is available, we will deliver those as well.

If you see our team in your neighborhood, please thank them—they are operating beyond their usual duties to keep our community moving.

DRAINAGE:
Ashton Village Subdivision Drainage Project ($6,087,272.00) is scheduled for a council agenda soon which means we can expect a notice for construction shortly after. For context, this project was submitted during the FY23 year and we are currently in FY26. The project scope includes upgrading storm sewers and inlets to reduce water surface evaluations and ponding based on the drainage study. We deserve to celebrate this!
(PROPOSED) Park Glen West (77099) Sec 2 Phase 1 ($1,337,490.00)
(PROPOSED) Park Glen West (77099) Sec 2 Phase 2 ($1,769,130.00)
(PROPOSED) Richmond Ave and Gessner Drainage Analysis ($250,000)
(SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW) Bellaire West (77072). More details to come.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY:
Last week, a woman was killed while crossing Westheimer at Tanglewilde after exiting a METRO bus. This is the third pedestrian incident in District F this year and the second fatality. You may read more about the incident here. On the same day, The Washington Post reported what we already know: Westheimer Road is one of the most dangerous streets in Houston. I want to give special attention to the corridor from Fondren to Hillcroft, impacting Briarmeadow, Crossview, and Westmont. My office has already approved several sidewalk and street improvement projects in this area—$84K for a new sidewalk installation on Fondren (8817 Westheimer Rd) – but it’s still not enough.

I need your help.

Drivers: Share the road with pedestrians and cyclists. Pay attention to lights, signage, and right-of-way. Pedestrians: Please, do not attempt to beat traffic. I’ve darted across Bagby downtown more times than I care to admit, and I know better. Let’s all use the intersections. This is the safest—and only—way to reduce preventable tragedies.

If your neighborhood is experiencing dangerous intersections, you can request a traffic study by calling 311, designate either a traffic signal, add a sign (stop or yield) and HPW will investigate and provide recommendations. Please send your recorded service request number to [email protected]

BISSONNET SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS:
In 2021, I submitted a letter supporting the City of Houston’s application for a $28 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve pedestrian safety across Districts F, J, and C. Bissonnet currently has the second-highest number of serious crashes in the city on Houston-owned streets. I am excited to share that this item is on the December 3rd City Council agenda for official acceptance of the funds. Watch our PSA with details here.

This is a major victory—for drivers, pedestrians, transit riders, and the entire westside.

DANGEROUS BUILDINGS:
Last month, I shared an update about six properties classified as dangerous and moving through the demolition process. Texas property law requires a long, multi-step process before the city can move forward.  With the efficiency between Houston Public Works and Department of Neighborhoods, we only need one 311 service request number to report a dangerous building (structure) or nuisance property (grass, fence, windows/junk motor vehicles). In the past, multiple requests yielded attention, but now with our new process, we only need one.

Below are the current statuses and definitions so you can understand the process even more:

3206 Chris Dr – Abatement Prep (SN20)
11406 Cliffgate Dr – Legal Inspection (SN25)
11410 Pagoda Dr – Legal Review (SN25)
7631 Belle Park Dr – Legal Inspection (SN25)
11335 Bayou Place Ln – Legal Inspection (SN25)
3138 Ashlock Dr – Title Review (SN17)

Legal Review – the legal dept reviews each case and approves for hearing.
Legal inspection – prior to hearing this inspection is completed for Legal to have current evidence.
Abatement Prep – preparing site for demo i.e. utility disconnects, serving seizure warrant etc.
Title Review – approved by legal, now a title review is conducted to ensure all parties are correctly notified for hearing etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATES:
Chromium-6
Alief residents have raised water quality concerns for nearly a decade plus. Below (and on the District F website) you’ll find the most recent water testing results from Houston Public Works–Water Division. I am grateful to HPW for working with me from day one to ensure transparent reporting so we can have an informed community-wide conversation. I need to get my hands on the data and trends and come back to you all with an update.

Air Monitors
Several months ago, my office purchased three air monitors for installation near the concrete batch plant at Westpark/Wilcrest. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CenterPoint and the Houston Health Department is now complete. We expect an installation date and reporting schedule soon. As a reminder, the following intersections have been slated for installation – Westpark/Wilcrest, Harwin/Wilcrest and Judson Robinson Westchase Library.

Sugar Hill Golf / Doty Landfill Redevelopment
For longtime Alief residents, the Bissonnet corridor near Sugar Hill Golf Course—or the old Doty Landfill—carries a mixed legacy.

In 2019, the International Management District and the Houston Galveston Area Council partnered for a Livable Places Study and residents, business leaders and community stakeholders agreed that Bissonnet and Kirkwood should be reimagined for safe and affordable housing and commercial development to spur economic activity. That position still stands.

Between 2022–2023, Bissonnet LLC purchased the full 146-acre site for redevelopment. My office worked with the development team to incorporate community feedback on the proposed mix of commercial and residential uses, increased detention, green space, flooding mitigation, and infrastructure improvements. A municipal utility district was approved in December 2023 by city council to support water infrastructure. There have been changes to the project to include better detention, drainage, and public infrastructure. I am currently scheduling a meeting with the developers to provide a full public update.

Bissonnet is finally receiving the attention it has deserved for decades. Every one of us will have a role to play in shaping what it becomes. District F is truly the future….

HOMELESSNESS:
On December 5th, I am hosting a stakeholder breakfast to address homelessness on the westside. We have identified 10 encampments in public spaces, and it is time for a coordinated plan with nonprofits, law enforcement, behavioral health specialists, and outreach professionals. This discussion will help craft our next steps when an opportunity to move forward with funding presents itself. Please continue reporting encampments to 311 and forwarding the service request numbers to [email protected]. This documentation is essential to creating a comprehensive response.

A FINAL WORD OF GRATITUDE:
I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve District F and the City of Houston in the most authentic and lively way possible. We have much more ahead of us. I am especially grateful for my top-notch team, who help me execute a big vision day in and day out. If you see them in the community, please tell them thank you—they contribute every day to a culture of excellence in public service. Check out the some of the work the District F team lead in partnership with HISD Emerson Elementary School. District F sponsored 300 turkeys – 150 to Alief ISD and 150 to HISD. Watch the video in the body of the newsletter.

Welp, I think I have shared enough of my thoughts. Enjoy your break and I will see you all soon. The District F team is out of the office until Monday, December 1st.

Let’s keep the westside the best side!

As featured in this latest article from KPRC Channel 2 our office has escalated nearly 400 cases of heavy trash within the district.

If you are still without regular trash or recycling pickup, please:

• File a 311 case, and
• Forward your case number to [email protected]

If your entire subdivision needs servicing for regular trash or recycling pickup, please:

• File a 311 case, and
• Email Sarai stating that your subdivision needs servicing and include your subdivision name.
• Include photos if possible.

You can also find your trash and recycling schedule or check for updates by visiting the Solid Waste Management website and entering your address under “Service Updates”:
https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/

If you encountered a missed collection after two days delayed please report it to 311 and let our office know at [email protected].

Garbage collections are on schedule. Recycling collections may be up to one day behind schedule.

Green waste will be collected with Bulk waste.

This year, Operation Stocking Stuffer will be hosted by Districts A, G, and F in partnership with the Houston Fire Department. It’s a holiday toy drive and family event that helps spread joy to about 20,000 kids and families across Houston during the holiday season. District F will be hosting 200 families this year, with up to three kids per household and two parents or guardians allowed per family.

Registration has now closed and our office will be in contact soon with the families selected.

From November 17 to December 7, 2025, dine in all six (6) participating restaurants and get a chance to win exciting prizes! See below for a culinary passport with contest mechanics, which can be obtained at any of the participating restaurants for the duration of the contest period.

The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department has simplified the application for the Single-Family Home Repair Program, making it faster and easier for homeowners impacted by Winter Storm Uri to apply for recovery assistance. Yes, funds are still available for eligible homeowners to receive up to $100,000 for home repairs (rehabilitation), up to $300,000 for full reconstruction, and up to $10,000 reimbursement for out-of-pocket storm repairs.

Don’t leave money on the table. Learn more by visiting: houstontx.gov/hcdrecovery/dr21

Sign up here for general Volunteer Team opportunities.

Sign up here for our Volunteer Translation Team to assist with outreach and ensure all voices in our diverse district are heard.

Together, we can strengthen and support District F!

Hurricane Beryl Disaster Recovery Free Home Repairs
Ibn Sina Avicena Clinics Child and Parental Health Services

Obtain additional information about permits by contacting Houston Public Works (HPW) via 311, or by visiting their Permitting Center website at www.houstonpermittingcenter.org. If you have further questions about any permits, please contact the Code Enforcement Group at 832-394-9494.

Additionally, the Plat Activity Report contains biweekly information from PlatTracker about plats, replats, public hearings, variances, and special exceptions to plats that will be considered at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting.

The report provides application information for each agenda item; compiled by the City of Houston Planning and Development Department. The excel format can be sorted based on particular data, such as location or council district.

The new PlatTracker is now available online. To access the portal, please visit https://plattracker.powerappsportals.us

For questions or additional information contact the Development Services Planner of the Day at (832) 393-6624.