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Dear Residents and Friends of District F,
A lot has been happening in District F this summer. Several projects are underway and a couple of more are expected to kick off in just a few months. While I am thrilled with these projects, our office continues to advocate and push for more infrastructure improvements throughout the district.
I also remain committed to bring to fruition a new Alief regional library at the Alief Park Community Center. As many of us know, Henington-Alief Library has been in need of serious expansion for quite some time. Unfortunately, due to land constraints at the current location, we cannot expand too much beyond the existing footprint. My plan would maximize public resources by constructing a new state-of-the-art library and renovating parts of the existing community center at Alief park. This would be a library, community center and park at one location.
I continue to gain support for this on city council, and will work with the administration and others to secure the necessary funds. So far, we have identified over $8 million (park and library-specific funds) that could be used for this proposed project and even more could come if voters approve a public improvement bond package in November.
Briarmeadow Park Improvements
City council approved funding for improvements at Briarmeadow Park (formerly in District G) early last month. The community has worked hard for years to secure these funds and transform the park. I would like to thank the Briarmeadow residents and HOA as well as former District G Council Member Pam Holm and Oliver Pennington for laying the groundwork.
The scope of work includes construction of a new concrete sidewalk, concrete plaza, decomposed granite trail, new tennis courts and new playground, as well as overlay of the existing parking lot, new entry fencing, new picnic shelter, site furniture, site grading and drainage, irrigation and tree planting. Work began July 23 and is scheduled to be completed by early 2013.
Dairy Ashford Improvements
Public Works will be performing maintenance on Dairy Ashford from Buffalo Bayou to Beechnut during the next six months. Due to varying levels of deterioration caused by different traffic volumes along Dairy Ashford, the project has been broken into three segments (listed below) for maintenance. From north to south, traffic volumes decrease from approximately 33,500 to 19,000 vehicles per day. As you would expect, street degradation is worst north of Westheimer where higher traffic volumes exist, while the southern section is in fairly good shape with only spot repairs necessary.
Buffalo Bayou to Westheimer: This section is planned for panel replacement and concrete repair. Pedestrian ramps will also be upgraded as needed to meet ADA requirements. This work is currently underway.
Westheimer to Westpark Toll: This section is planned for multi-panel replacement and concrete point repair. This work is planned to be accomplished by December 2012.
Westpark Toll to Beechnut: In solid shape. However, there are a few spot areas that have degraded and will be repaired to maintain the overall section at a good condition. For each identified spot either a panel replacement or concrete patch is planned. Work will be completed by December 2012.
Beechnut Reconstruction
As I have mentioned before, Beechnut reconstruction from Wilcrest to S. Kirkwood (the portion in District F) should be underway by the end of the year. As most of us who travel this stretch know, Beechnut has deteriorated beyond the point of repair and normal maintenance. Reconstruction will greatly improve traffic circulation, mobility and drainage in the area.
I will have updates on this and other projects in upcoming newsletters.
Respectfully,
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Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr., announced HPD’s patrol vehicles will soon sport a more traditional black and white color scheme. In addition, several vehicles of different makes and models are being tested for consideration as a replacement to the current Ford Crown Victoria, which Ford will no longer manufacture. 
It is estimated the conversion for the entire HPD fleet will take about two years. During that time, some patrol vehicles with the original blue and white banner will still be in circulation. The transition is being paid for by forfeiture assets, so no cost to taxpayers.
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