trymahjong

From Costello enewsletter

At the end of yesterday's lengthy City Council meeting, the Fiscal Year 2016-2020 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) passed in a 13-3 vote. The CIP sets forth $8.7 billion in capital spending over the next five years.

Council Member Stephen Costello, the city's Budget and Finance Committee chair, offered an amendment to the CIP aimed at preserving $9.2 million in ReBuild Houston funds for badly-needed street and drainage projects. Costello challenged the Parker Administration's plans to use this money to reimburse developers for infrastructure improvements made as part of economic development agreements known as 380 Agreements, allowed under Chapter 380 of the Texas Government Code.

"ReBuild Houston funds are to be used to rebuild the city's long-neglected street and drainage infrastructure. That is the intent of the program. These funds were never envisioned as a means to supplement new economic development projects," says Costello.

The passage of this amendment means $9.2 million of ReBuild Houston funds will be freed up in the CIP to accelerate and/or add desperately-needed street and drainage projects throughout the city.

I live where Montrose meets Midtown in Avondale and really planted the milkweeds in my yard--and other flowering plants I thought might attract butterflies. In the past few years it seemed like I usually could see a few each day every day. Not really none so far this year-- I thought it might be the the huge rains but I did some more surfing on internet-

http://ens-newswire.com/2015/04/06/insecticide-blamed-for-monarch-butterfly-decline/

Now I'm wondering if milkweed flourishes in Texas or Oklahoma or Kansas (etc etc etc) pastures anymore.

from Cohen enewsletter

TWO Flood Recovery Workshops TONIGHT
Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center
5601 S. Braeswood, 77096
5PM - 6:30PM & 7PM - 8:30PM
During this meeting, Federal and City officials will present requirements for filing claims and permitting repairs, which are unique for each individual structure impacted by flooding. In addition, beginning at 4PM, residents with proper documentation of their home values and the cost estimate of repairs will be able to visit with experts to have specific questions answered, including whether their homes are considered to be ‘substantially damaged’ by FEMA guidelines.
Please note that residents whose homes are located in the floodplain must contact the FMO prior to making repairs: (832) 394-8854 or fmo@houstontx.gov.

from Cohen enewsletter

The Solid Waste Department has begun its final round of storm debris collection for residents impacted by the extreme weather over Memorial Day weekend. In District C, pickup will be based on the following schedule:

Monday, July 20, 2015
Northwest Region
(west of I-45 North and north of I-10 West)

Monday, July 27, 2015
Southwest Region
(west of 288 South and south of I-10 West)

Residents must have all debris curbside by 7AM on their designated day of collection and items should be placed away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, power lines, and other objects that will obstruct safe pickup. Debris should be sorted into the following categories when possible:

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
Please note that normal household trash and bagged debris of any kind will not be picked up with storm debris.

REMINDER!
TWO Flood Recovery Workshops TONIGHT
Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center
5601 S. Braeswood, 77096
5PM - 6:30PM & 7PM - 8:30PM

During this meeting, Federal and City officials will present requirements for filing claims and permitting repairs, which are unique for each individual structure impacted by flooding. In addition, beginning at 4PM, residents with proper documentation of their home values and the cost estimate of repairs will be able to visit with experts to have specific questions answered, including whether their homes are considered to be ‘substantially damaged’ by FEMA guidelines.

Please note that residents whose homes are located in the floodplain must contact the FMO prior to making repairs: (832) 394-8854 or fmo@houstontx.gov.

feh -

...

Sigh

Saw in the Chronicle today that State Comptroller Glenn Hegar approved funds to study Monarch Butterfly decline. A quick search of Internet showed plenty of articles concerning Monarch decline. I have only seen a very few this Spring and Summer-- so Are they disappearing from Houston?

Houstonbikeplan.org

I don't know the status of exemption from Historical Designation but I drove by after being out of town for 3 weeks and it looks like work is being done? or maybe I'm being optimistic and demolition has begun.

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?

Moonshiners isn't the extension of Prohibition - that is supposed to go in the Prohibition basement and I don't remember the name of it.

 

Moonshiners is from the owners of Beer Market on Studemont.  They are a branch off of the ownership group behind a lot of the midtown bars (Pub Fiction, Celtic Gardens, Shot Bar,....etc.).

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