trymahjong

from Costello's enewsletter Houston Bike Plan Get Engaged The City of Houston is looking for feedback to incorporate into the new Bike Plan. In an effort to create a comprehensive, sustainable plan, stakeholder input is crucial. Ways you can get involved: 1.) Take the on-line survey and help define the issues important to you. The survey takes about 15-20 minutes, but will affect bike planning in Houston for years to come. (Survey is also available in Spanish.) 2.) Use the interactive maps to identify gaps within the existing network, discuss where you want to bike or help locate key trail connection locations, and more. 3.) Visit the discussion forum to review daily posts and provide feedback, or post your own question and start a discussion. 4.) Use the meeting-in-a-box to download materials and start a discussion in your neighborhood, homeowners association, civic club, church or any other group. For more information and to sign up, visit www.houstonbikeplan.org or contact at 832- 395-2700.

from Costello's enewsletter Pyburns Bringing Fresh Food & New Jobs to Food Desert Made possible through Public-Private Partnership Last week, one Houston food desert was eliminated. The opening of Pyburns Farm Fresh Foods in South Union marks the exciting culmination of efforts by the city of Houston, the Houston Housing Finance Corporation, and John Vuong, independent grocery store operator and Pyburns owner. Council Member Costello first met John Vuong and his family several years ago while participating as a member of the Grocery Access Task Force. Soon after this meeting, Costello was contacted by representatives from Vuong's food distributor, Grocer's Supply. Knowing of the council member's interest in increasing food access in underserved areas of Houston, the distributor's representatives reached out to let him know Vuong shared the same goal. In fact, Vuong had been operating independent grocery stores in some of Houston's most distressed neighborhoods for years. Fast forward to today. Construction is complete, employees have been hired and residents are filling their carts with fresh meats, fruits and vegetables. In coming months, a pharmacy will be added. How did all of this happen? In order to make the economics work for a new store, Vuong needed a financial incentive from the city. At the time, the city had no program in place to assist grocers willing to invest in food deserts. Seeing this void, Costello worked together with city officials and staff from the Houston Housing Finance Corporation to create and establish such a program. Grocers may now apply for a portion of the city's federal economic development grant dollars to assist with start-up costs associated with constructing or remodeling grocery stores in high-need areas. Vuong received a $1.7 million performance-based loan through this program. Strict performance measures related to job creation, shopping experience and availability of healthy food are in place in the city's agreement with Vuong.

http://www.khou.com/videos/tech/2015/06/30/29500695/ Guess the announcment comes out today

From Cohen's enewsletter Council Member Cohen and District K Council Member Green met with Chief Engineer Steve Fitzgerald of the Harris County Flood Control District to receive an update on Project Brays. Districts C and K include the neighborhoods hardest hit by the Memorial Day floods and, once completed, Project Brays is anticipated to reduce structural flooding in neighborhoods along Brays Bayou including Braeswood Place, Willow Meadows, Meyerland, and Maplewood in District C. The project involves the creation of several detention basins (which are nearly complete), channel-widening, and bridge upgrades and has a projected completion date of 2021. Council Members Cohen and Green are committed to advocating in Congress to ensure steady federal funding for this Harris County project.

Is there any road construction that will make getting to the parade annoying? BTW I heard the permitting for the alternative parade along the original route proposed for October was denied.

From Costellos enewsletter ity Council Adopts Fiscal Year 2016 Operating Budget June 17, 2015, 11:08 P.M. - City Council just adopted, in an 11 to 4 vote, the Fiscal Year 2016 Operating Budget. The total budget includes $5.1 billion in spending, $2.3 billion in the tax-supported General Fund and the remainder in Special Revenue and Enterprise Funds, including the airport and water/sewer system. The tax-supported operating budget grew by $134 million over the last year with the bulk of the increase caused by contractual obligations for employee compensation, health benefits and pension contributions. The adopted budget complies with the financial policy to maintain a fund balance of 7.5% of operating expenditures less debt. The importance of having adequate reserves cannot be overstated since projections show a $126 million budget deficit in Fiscal Year 2017. Amendments passed by council: A $5.5 million increase to the Council District Service Fund. Funds for the increase were transferred from the General Government business area. HPD to allocate $250,000 toward efforts to remove cars from the bayous, if Harris County matches the funds. The Department of Neighborhoods to use up to $497,000 for weed mowing and debris removal services. Council Member Costello supported cost cutting measures in excess of $20 million; however, these measures failed to receive a majority vote of council. He also attempted to disallow the use of ReBuild Houston funds for 380 Agreement reimbursements. He wanted this $6.4 million to go to much needed street and drainage projects instead. His amendment to accomplish this was narrowly defeated.

From Cohens enewsletter Council Member Cohen and the Department of Public Works & Engineering invite you to a presentation on the upcoming reconstruction of T.C. Jester Blvd, from Washington Ave to Timbergrove Ln. PUBLIC MEETING: T.C. JESTER BLVD RECONSTRUCTION Tuesday, June 23, 2015 6PM - 7:30PM Texas Department of Transportation Building Ned S. Holmes Auditorium 7600 Washington Ave | 77007 Project improvements will address pavement condition, traffic congestion, bicycle access, and storm drainage. For more details, please visit: www.RebuildHouston.org.

From Cohen enewsletter Council began their deliberations over the budget for Fiscal Year 2016, which begins July 1, 2015. Mayor Parker’s proposed budget totals $5.1 billion, with the General Fund (or tax-supported portion of the budget) totaling $2.4 billion. Highlights include: Body Camera Implementation Houston Police Department will be allocated $2.8 million for the program's first phase. Tax Relief for Seniors Property tax exemption for seniors and the disabled will be doubled, providing approximately $250 of tax relief for the average senior household. This allocation will allow Houston to comply with the $1.1 billion property tax Revenue Cap. Pothole Repair The Public Works and Engineering Department's budget for pothole and skin patch repairs will be increased by $3.6 million. Council is expected to vote on the proposed budget and their amendments on Wednesday, June 17th. Council meetings are open to the public and begin at 9:00AM in Council Chambers at City Hall. Meetings are also streamed live online via HTV.

From Cohen enewsletter Council approved the designation of District C’s Magnolia Cemetery as a historic landmark. Located at the intersection of Montrose Blvd and Allen Pkwy, Magnolia Cemetery was established in 1884 by members of First German Methodist Church of Houston (later known as Bering Memorial Methodist Church). The cemetery’s most well-known interments are Gus Wortham and his wife, Elizabeth Lyndall Finley, creators of the Wortham Foundation. This iconic institution supports cultural activities and the development of parks in the Houston area.

From Cohen enewsletter In order to make Houston a safer, healthier, more bike-friendly city, the Planning and Development Department and the Public Works and Engineering Department are leading an effort to create a Bike Plan for Houston. The endeavor seeks to clarify a vision and goals for biking in Houston and identify future projects to create a citywide bicycle network. Two additional open house events will take place in June, at which the project team will present information on existing conditions and solicit input from the public on their vision for biking in Houston. The meetings will take place Tuesday, June 16th from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at the HCC Memorial City Performing Arts Center and on Tuesday, June 23rd from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at the Baker-Ripley Neighborhood Center. Those unable to attend the events may participate online at HoustonBikePlan.org.

From Costello's enewsletter U.S. Small Business Administration Information As a result of the Presidential Disaster Declaration, Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Texas businesses and residents impacted by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that began on May 4, 2015. The declaration covers the following counties. Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Denton, Eastland, Fort Bend, Gaines, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Johnson, Milam, Montague, Navarro, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Van Zandt, Wichita, Williamson & Wise. For businesses: Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, non-profit organizations of any size may borrow to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster, regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. The maximum business disaster loan is $2 million for any combination of property damage and working capital. For residents: Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their disaster-damaged primary residence. Further, homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace disaster-damaged personal property, including vehicles. Interest rates may be as low as 4% for businesses, 2.625% private non-profit organizations and 1.688% for homeowners and renters. Terms may be up to 30 years, SBA determines loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future. Three ways to apply 1. Apply online using SBA's secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela 2. Apply in person at any Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center 3. Apply by mailing your application to SBA at 14925 Kingsport Rd., Ft. Worth, TX 76155-2243 SBA disaster representatives are at the following locations in Houston to meet individually with business owners and residents to explain how an SBA low-interest disaster loan can help pay for their disaster losses, answer questions, and help each individual complete their application online. Spring Woods Middle School Entrance in back of school at 9600 block of Hammerly Blvd & Pine Village Dr Houston, TX 77080 Hours: Mondays - Sundays 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Meyerland Community Improvement Association 4999 West Bellfort Street Houston, TX 77035 Hours: Mondays - Sundays 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Call (800) 659-2955 for updates on locations.

Heard the Mayor speak at the Info meeting concerning 2222 Cleburne senior housing proposal-- She mentions that COH is still exploring trying to bring a grocery store to the third ward. No other details but maybe there is a bit of hope?

From Cohen's enewsletter Council awarded a contract to Industrial TX Corp for odor control improvements to the wastewater treatment plant located at 2100 W. 11th St in Timbergrove Manor. Council Member Cohen has been working with the Public Works and Engineering Department to address the ongoing odor control issues at this facility since she began her first term in 2012. The planned upgrades will include the construction of two new biological odor control treatment systems and fans, chemical feed systems, and three new chemical storage tanks. The contract duration is set for 360 days.

EMA Mobile Registration Sites Now Open FEMA has opened two mobile registration sites that connect residents impacted by flooding to FEMA staff, City departments, and non-governmental agencies to aid in rebuilding. The temporary Disaster Mobile Assistance Centers will be located at the Meyerland Community Improvement Association and at Spring Woods Middle School. Residents have 60 days from Friday, May 29th to apply for disaster relief and may do so at one of the mobile registration sites or online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Requirements for repair and availability of aid are unique for each individual structure impacted by flooding. Please note that residents whose homes are located in the floodplain must contact the City of Houston Flood Management Office (FMO) within the Houston Permitting Center prior to making repairs. The FMO can be reached at (832) 394-8854 or via email at fmo@houstontx.gov.

Drove by tonite-- It looks almost finished. I wonder about the parking. KATZ rented out all the additonal parking of the Women's home across the street and also bought the property next door--presumably so it couldn't be used for parking either?

Are these people part of the OKRA group? http://friedokra.org/about-okra

from the Cohen's enewsletter Dear Friend, As our city continues to move forward towards recovery from last week's extreme storm events, several updates have become available for residents who have experienced flooding in their home or business. The federal government issued a Declaration of Disaster for Houston on Friday, May 29th. Now that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is officially partnering with the City of Houston, residents may begin to register on the FEMA Disaster Assistance website so they may be considered for federal aid. Now that this process is in place, Mayor Parker will host two opportunities to discuss the flood recovery resources now available, which will take place tomorrow evening and the following evening. Representatives from FEMA will be available at both events to answer questions relating to the process for applying for federal assistance, information on their various resource programs, FEMA’s relief deployment scope and timeline, and more. The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management, Office of Flood Management, Solid Waste Department, and many other recovery-related City departments and outside entities will also be present to answer questions. Flood Recovery Resources Town Halls: Wednesday, June 3, 2015 7:00PM – 8:30PM Fondren Middle School 6333 S. Braeswood Blvd, 77096 Thursday, June 4, 2015 7:00PM – 8:30PM Key Middle School 4000 Kelley St, 77026 Both meetings will be available online via HTV. The Public Works and Engineering Department has created a Flood Repair Frequently Asked Questions document with information on how to determine whether your home is located in the floodplain (which impacts the requirements for repairs), how to obtain the appropriate permitting for repairs, how to obtain a Substantial Damage Determination letter (example) from the City of Houston (which is needed in some cases to apply for certain types of federal assistance), and more. Please also see their Notice Regarding Flood and Wind Event Repair Work. Please note: Residents whose homes are located in the floodplain must contact the City of Houston Flood Management Office (FMO) prior to making repairs. The FMO can be reached at (832) 394-8854 or via email at fmo@houstontx.gov. You may also visit the FMO in person at the Houston Permitting Center (Mon-Fri, 8:00AM - 5:00PM). Mayor Parker's office has prepared some Tips for Cleaning and Sanitizing to prevent mold damage and food-related illnesses. Storm debris pickup is underway and all Solid Waste Department services (including trash, recycling, yard waste, and junk waste, unrelated to the storm events) have resumed their normal schedules. I hope to see you at the town hall events! Sincerely, Ellen

It looks like fill dirt is being placed on lot on NE corner of Dowling and Elgin. Maybe something is going to be built?

I went to KPRC.com to read article. This is a quote that puzzles me. Officers arrested the suspect and took him into custody. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the crime over the weekend. This all comes on the heels of a major push to drive crime out of Montrose. Was there a major push to drive crime out of Montrose?

ownership----was "murky" a family member of the "owner/business" was charged with insurance fraud---current" owner" is some lady that is refusing to sell any property to FBar and apparently others were interested in purchase also. I say "murky" because of the trouble COH has in billing for the graffiti abatement--or so I was told.

Yes -really trashed inside but only partly because of fire-- homeless have moved in by pulling off boards in back. Rumor is FBar owner tried to buy the lot and Late Nite Pie land but owner wouldn't sell.

from Cohen's enews letter City Services Operational Due to the recent extreme weather events, Solid Waste trucks were diverted from their normal routes to aid heavily flooded communities throughout Houston. As a result, recycling bins were missed in several neighborhoods. The Solid Waste Department has confirmed that the missed recycling will be picked up on the next scheduled recycling collection date, so carts should be placed out accordingly. Normal pickup schedules for all solid waste services will resume by Monday, June 1st. Residents may begin to place storm debris at their curbsides and schedules for pickup are currently being drafted. Debris should be separated into the following categories to facilitate collection: • Appliances: air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and water heaters • Construction and Demolition Debris: building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattresses, and plumbing • Electronics: computers, radios, stereos, televisions, and other devices with a cord • Household Hazardous Waste: cleaning supplies, batteries, lawn chemicals, oils, oil-based paints, stains, and pesticides • Vegetative Debris: leaves (do not put in bags), logs, plants, tree branches Residents are asked to please not place debris near other objects such as fire hydrants and mailboxes or under power lines. Normal household trash and bagged debris of any kind will not be picked up with storm debris. Contrary to some false reports, the Public Works and Engineering Department has confirmed that Houston’s potable water system was not affected by the recent flooding. Although the Meyerland Groundwater Plant was surrounded by flooded streets during the storms, the facility has received a thorough inspection and showed no evidence of any damage to the plant. All City of Houston water treatment plants are fully operational and water quality within the City owned and operated public system has not been impacted.

I didn't see any of this on news so I thought it had happened overnight during that bid storm that went over.

I drove by early this morning-- The Chimney is totally blown out--maybe lightening struck? Anyway The drawing of the housing is from a 1907 pamphlet for Avondale-- 108 is the second House you can almost see the porch. The first house is 106 Westheimer -- that house belonged to a Ross Sterling relative and was moved to Bagby at Rosalie.

There was a notice put out that Mayor Parker would be speaking at Washington Terrace Civic meeting this Wednesday, concerning development on that piece of land. I noticed a bit of grumbling and lots of rumors about this development from residents Does anyone know any details? Is this part of Midtown TIRZ meeting it's requirement to build affordable housing?