P O O L T I M E !

As a refresher and for our new residents, below is The Enclave’s Community Pool rules. Hope everyone enjoys the new, resurfaced pool!

Swimming Pool Rules:

Pool keys are available from Community Asset Management.  Contact Vickie Cain, 281.852.1155.

  1. No pets allowed inside the pool area.
  2. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed
  3. No smoking allowed inside pool area
  4. No loud music or excessive noise of any kind
  5. Put all trash in containers provided
  6. Keep gates and restrooms closed and locked at all times.  This also applies while you are inside the pool area
  7. Any child 14 years of age or younger must be accompanied
  8. All guest must be accompanied by a resident at all times
  9. Appropriate swim wear required
  10. Parties of 15 or more must call Community Asset Management at 281.852.1155 and register their function.  A lifeguard arranged by Community Asset Management and paid for by the homeowner will be required.
  11. May-Sept pool hours are 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.  Other hours are 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.  Anyone caught in the pool after hours will be suspended for the remainder of the season and trespassing charges will be filed against that person or persons
  12. Tots in diapers must wear rubber pants over any type of diaper
  13. The pool is reserved for the exclusive use of the residents of Kings Crossing The Enclave and their accompanied guests

RAIN EVENT RECAP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 2019
Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008 districte@houstontx.gov

Rain Event Recap
Houston, TX – Council Member Dave Martin would like for residents to be aware that thanks to reports made to our office there has been a policy change to the Houston 311 system. After previous major flood events like Harvey and the Tax Day flood, the city created event-specific service request numbers in 311 to collect city-wide flooding and storm debris data for FEMA reporting. Last week’s storms were not as widespread, but still generated localized flooding and storm debris. This created some confusion among 311 operators on how to record flooding and debris reports.   Since storms are becoming more frequent, and even a relatively small storm can produce severe results, thanks to the diligence of the District E office, 311 is making the flooding and storm debris service requests permanent. This means that anytime anyone reports flooding or storm debris, whether it’s a Tax Day or just a Tuesday, Houston 311 will create a service request number and send it to the appropriate department to process. As this is a new change, please continue to report any issues with 311 to the District E Office by calling 832-393-3008. As of today, this policy change has been shared with all 311 agents.

The heavy rainfall event that occurred May 7 – 9 was a slow-moving storm system that resulted in two rounds of heavy rainfall that severely impacted the northeast and southeast Harris County region. District E communities that were impacted by these rain events include Kingwood, Huffman, Crosby, in the Lake Houston Area as well as Sagemont, and Home Owned Estates located in Clear Lake/Southeast Houston.

The rain that occurred on May 7 produced a one-hour rain rate of 4 inches at US 59 on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River. At FM 1485 on the East Fork of the San Jacinto River a six-hour rainfall rate of 7.9 inches was recorded. At Horsepen Creek and Bay Area Boulevard a twelve-hour rain rate of 5.4 inches was recorded. During that same twelve-hours a rain rate of 5.8 inches was recorded at Armand Bayou and Genoa-Red Bluff Road.

Two days later on May 9 lower rainfall rates were experienced which did not exacerbate flooding issues over the weekend. The one-hour rain rate at US 59 on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River was 1.8 inches and the six-hour rain rate at FM1485 on the East Fork of the San Jacinto River was 2.2 inches. On May 9 at Horsepen Creek and Bay Area Boulevard a twelve-hour rain rate of 4.9 inches was recorded. During that same twelve-hours a rain rate of 5.4 inches was recorded at Armand Bayou and Genoa-Red Bluff Road.

During this rain event, intense rainfall rates greatly exceeded internal and primary drainage systems capabilities resulting in significant and at times deep street flooding and sheetflow that was especially evident in the Kingwood area on Tuesday afternoon. On May 8, City of Houston contractors, as well as Harris County Flood Control, investigated their designated drainage systems and determined the flooding was potentially caused by development upstream in Montgomery County that sent large volumes of sheetflow into the subdivision and Taylor Gully (G103-80-03-1), which is maintained by Harris County Flood Control. 

The City of Houston contractors have reviewed several thousand feet of sanitary sewer and storm water drainage lines since May 8 that have shown no blockages or debris. This lack of blockage and debris points to again the system being overloaded due to the amount of rain that was experienced in a short period of time. If you feel that your area was impacted by a possible drainage blockage please report that to 311 and follow up with an email to the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov). Harris County Flood Control has continued to be active in the area reviewing their open channels for debris and has been working  to remove as quickly as possible.   Since last week the City of Houston has identified over 380 residences with structural flooding and storm debris, over half those cases were entered by District E staff. If you are beginning to make repairs to your home, please ensure the appropriate permit has been obtained from the Houston Permitting Center. By state law, all electrical work requires a permit and must be completed by a licensed electrical contractor. For questions, contact Electrical Inspections at (832) 394-8860.   Permits are not required for the installation or replacement of thermostats and grills that are part of the HVAC system. Permits are required for all other mechanical work. For questions, contact Mechanical Inspections at (832) 394-8850.   Permits are not required to replace bathroom or kitchen faucets, ballcocks or water control valves, garbage disposals, or water closets. Permits are required for all other plumbing work, including sinks. For questions, contact Plumbing Inspections at (832) 394-8870.   For homes located in the floodplain, you must contact the Floodplain Management Office prior to making any repairs at (832) 394-8854. For information on flood damage repair requirements, visit floodplain.houstontx.gov. The City of Houston’s interactive mapping system can help residents find their estimated Base Flood Elevation (BFE) or 500 year flood elevation for their property online here (must use internet explorer), instructions to navigate this site can be found here.   The Houston Permitting Center Main Office is located at 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas, 77002 and open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   Applications can be routed from the Kingwood and Clear Lake Satellite permitting offices to the Main Office for customers not wanting to drive, but the process will be greatly expedited if the customers are informed beforehand of the Flood Department’s requirements and expectations.

  • Kingwood Satellite Office at 3915 Rustic Woods, Kingwood, Tx 77339, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Clear Lake Satellite Office at 1335 Regents Park Drive, Suite 130, Houston, Tx 77058, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In advance of Hurricane Season, which begins on June 1, it is crucial that residents know and understand that flash flooding can occur at any time and it is strongly recommended that all residents take precautions like preparing emergency kits  and purchasing flood insurance. Please keep in mind that flood insurance does not go in to effect immediately and has a 30-day waiting period between the purchase date and effective date.   Please contact the District E office by phone (832) 393-3008 or email districte@houstontx.gov with any questions.

-end-

PROPERTY OWNERS SHOULD PREPARE FOR LOWER LAKE LEVELS

City of Houston Houston Public Works
Parks & Recreation
Joint Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 05/17/2019
HOUSTON –  Houston Public Works will lower Lake Houston by
6 inches on Monday, May 20th to allow contractors to begin a
rehabilitation project on the dam. Lake Houston will be lowered
another 6 inches on Tuesday, May 28th following Memorial Day
weekend, for a total of 1 foot. Work on the dam will continue
through the end of the year. 
 
The levels in Lake Houston will naturally return to full and require
lowering to 41.5 feet to continue the rehabilitation project.
Property owners should be prepared, as advance notice may not
be possible. 

Separately, if Lake Houston is above 41.5 feet and the National
Weather Service predicts greater than 3 inches of rain within a
48-hour period, the lake may be temporarily lowered to 41.5 feet
before the storm. It takes 24-hours to lower Lake Houston by
12-inches. Lake Houston has a normal pool elevation of 42.5
feet. To monitor current water levels at Lake Houston, visit:
www.coastalwaterauthority.org

Property owners should secure property along the shoreline.

For more information on the Lake Houston dam rehabilitation
project, contact Erin Jones.  


ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS
Houston Public Works (www.HoustonPublicWorks.org) is the
largest and most diverse public works organization in the country,
responsible for creating a strong foundation for Houston to thrive.
Houston Public Works is responsible for streets and drainage,
production and distribution of water, collection, and treatment of
wastewater, and permitting and regulation of public and private
construction covering a 627-square mile service area. Houston
Public Works is accredited by the American Public Works Association.
Facebook & Twitter: @HouPublicWorks Contact:
Erin Jones  |  Public Information Officer
Office: 832-395-2530
Cell: 713-853-6073
Erin.Jones@houstontx.gov

Alanna Reed | Communications Director 
Office: 832-395-2455
Cell: 713-899-0165
Alanna.Reed@houstontx.gov

Estella Espinosa | Communications Manager 
Office: 832.395.7022
Mobile: 832.465.4782
Estella.Espinosa@houstontx.gov

Hamblen Road Repairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2019   Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008 districte@houstontx.gov

Houston, TX – Council Member Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood residents aware Houston Public Works will begin repairs to the wash out on Hamblen Road, between Redbud Lane and Bonnie Glen Lane, May 15, 2019. The wash out occurred as a result of last Tuesday’s storm. The repairs include complete reconstruction of the roadway. 

The contractor has completed mobilization and has equipment on site as of today. Crews will be working during the daylight hours, and will not be working weekends. The work will begin May 15, and is expected to be completed within four to six weeks, weather permitting. Residents may experience an increase in noise levels because of trucks and equipment in the area.

Council Member Martin would like to thank the Houston Public Works, Houston Police, and Houston Fire Departments for their quick response to the scene following the collapse. These departments placed barricades at the site and monitored the location to keep individuals from driving through the collapsed roadway. 

For additional information, please contact the District E office by emailing districte@houstontx.gov.

-end-

Upcoming Rainxiety Event – Tuesday, May 21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2019
Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008 districte@houstontx.gov

Houston, TX – City Council Member Dave Martin would like to invite residents to an upcoming free group therapy event being hosted by Allied Mental Health, PLLC that will focus on flood victims dealing with anxiety. The event is called “Rainxiety” and will take place on Tuesday, May 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Kingwood Community Center, located at 4102 Rustic Woods, Kingwood, TX 77345.   The event will include several volunteers and counselors available to assist flood victims directly, as well as a presentation by Psychologist, Dr. Marty Lerman who will volunteer some helpful methods to cope with anxiety.

The District E Office thanks Allied Mental Health, PLLC for the opportunity to share this event with the community and encourages all residents to attend. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Allied Mental Health, PLLC by calling (281) 812-3322.  

The District E office can be reached at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov  

-end-

Lake Houston Mouth Bar Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 26, 2019  

Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008 districte@houstontx.gov

Lake Houston Mouth Bar Update Houston, TX – Council Member Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood and Lake Houston area residents aware the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has authorized the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to remove sand and siltation from the Lake Houston mouth bar.   In October 2018, the USACE began removing debris from the San Jacinto River that was deposited during Hurricane Harvey. This project was designated as a FEMA Mission Assignment (DR 4332) and directed the USACE to restore the river to pre-Harvey conditions. DR 4332 has removed debris from three out of four identified sections of the San Jacinto River, and this project is due to be completed in May. The mouth bar, which was identified as the fourth section, was not included in the scope of work for DR 4332.   Last month, the application for the additional dredge material disposal site, as well as mouth bar removal, were submitted by the City of Houston, for review by the USACE and FEMA. The State of Texas, the City of Houston, as well as multiple stakeholders from the Lake Houston area, requested expedited consideration for FEMA to authorize a Mission Assignment for the debris removal and dredging of the mouth bar while the equipment is still in the river.

At a meeting last week in Austin, FEMA issued a directive of Mission Assignment to the USACE for dredging of the mouth bar at the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston. FEMA has been working with TDEM, the City of Houston, and USACE to determine the amount of silt deposited at the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston attributable to Hurricane Harvey.  The calculation is expected to be finalized next week, and dredging is expected to begin within thirty (30) days.    A huge thank you to our federal partners Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Field Representative for Congressman Crenshaw, Kaaren Cambio, Congressman Kevin Brady, Senator Ted Cruz, and Senator John Cornyn for their support as they have all been meeting regularly with FEMA and discussing this project. Additional thanks to our local partners, Jenna Armstrong and Mark Mitchell from the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce for coordinating another successful letter writing campaign.   This is a huge project for our area and it would not be possible without the on-going support and push from Governor Greg Abbott and Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), as well as Mayor Sylvester Turner and Stephen Costello, Chief Recovery Officer – City of Houston.   With questions, please contact the District E office by emailing districte@houstontx.gov or calling (832) 393-3008.

 -end-

Harris County Homeowners Hit by Harvey can apply for funds, reimbursements

HARRIS COUNTY

A portion of the $2.3 billion set aside by U.S. Congress for disaster recovery in 2018 has made its way to Harris County.

Harris County Commissioners Court accepted more than $909 million in federal funds at a January 29 meeting to help homeowners repair and rebuild homes that were damaged during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 and to reimburse homeowners who made repairs out of pocket.

The funds were made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and will be distributed over the coming months, according to a statement released by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

As of January 29, homeowners can apply for consideration for funding online at www.harrisrecovery.org. Funding will be distributed across six housing programs, including a program to assist with home repairs and rebuilds for homes damaged during Harvey and a home buyout program for low-income homeowners.

Daphne Lemelle, the executive director of the Harris County Community Services Department, said a resource department is also on hand to connect homeowners who do not qualify for funding to nonprofits and charitable organizations.

Monthly Newsletter March 1, 2019 Issue 74

Residents of District E,  many of you may have seen my interview last night with FOX 26 reporter Greg Groogan regarding the reprioritization of Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) bond projects. I stand firmly that income should not be used as an equalizing factor for these projects because natural disasters do not strike based on income. Last summer, HCFCD hosted 23 community meetings on the proposed projects to be included in the bond and there was never a mention of adding income-based criteria to the ranking criteria. It was understood and presented to voters in these community meetings that projects would be completed based on hardest hit areas and the number of residents that would benefit from the projects.  

This item is expected to be discussed at the March 12, 2019 Commissioners Court meeting. Commissioners Court meetings are open to the public, and begin at 10:00 a.m. at 1001 Preston Street, Suite 934, Houston, TX 77002. Commissioners Court meetings are also streamed online here and you can get more meeting information by visiting the Commissioners Court website.  

Earlier this week, I traveled to Austin to participate in Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Day and Bay Area Economic Partnership’s Space Day at the State Capitol. I joined members from across District E in advocating for legislation related to Sand Mining, Post Disaster Recovery, Taxation, as well as the impact of the aerospace industry in Texas.  

Representative Dan Huberty has been instrumental in authoring House Bills 907, 908, and 909 which seek to establish best management practices for aggregate production operations, increase penalties related to illegal aggregate production operations, and increase oversight associated with aggregate production operations. All three of Huberty’s bills have been referred to the House Committee on Environmental Regulation. We appreciate Representative Huberty’s hard work on these pieces of legislation that, once passed, will have a tremendous impact on the communities in the Lake Houston Area.  

Senator Brandon Creighton has authored Senate Bill 1800, which seeks to amend the Texas Constitution for the purpose of creating a Texas Resilience Infrastructure Fund (TRIF), which would assist in the financing of resiliency projects. The TRIF would be a special fund in the state treasury outside of the general revenue fund for the development of flood prevention and mitigation projects. This bill has been referred to the Texas Senate Committee on Water and Rural Affairs, which Senator Creighton is the currently the Vice Chair.

Thank you to Senator Creighton for working hard on this piece of legislation that seeks to better prepare the state of Texas for future natural disasters.   Thank you to Representative Dennis Paul for authoring House Bill 303 and Senator Larry Taylor for authoring it’s companion bill Senate Bill 1039 which seek to establish a spaceport development corporation in Houston, Texas. Representative Paul will be presenting this bill to the Texas House International Relations and Economic Development Committee this coming Monday, March 4 at 10:00 a.m. More information on Monday’s committee meeting can be found here.  

The Texas Legislature is hard at work on a myriad of issues and we thank these state representatives for their tireless work for the betterment of our area. If you do not already subscribe to your legislators’ weekly newsletter, I highly recommend getting added to their distribution list for more timely updates.

Sincerely,

Dave Martin

————————————————————————————————–

District E CIP Town Hall Meetings
Council Member Martin asks residents to please save the date for the following two meetings:  

Southeast Houston/Clear Lake
Tuesday, March 19 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Space Center Houston, Special Events Building
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, Texas 77058

Kingwood
Thursday, March 21 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Kingwood Community Center 
4102 Rustic Woods Drive 
Kingwood, Texas 77345


UPDATE: Ben’s Branch Conveyance Restoration Project

Ben’s Branch, a channel within the Kingwood community stretching from Northpark to the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, was completely inundated with water and sediment during Hurricane Harvey. As a result, a considerable buildup of sediment infiltrated the southern bends of the channel south of Kingwood Drive around Town Center and behind the Lake Houston YMCA. This stretch of Ben’s Branch Channel from Kingwood Drive to about 1,800 linear feet downstream of West Lake Houston Parkway, is owned by the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD).  

As property owners of this channel, HCFCD, has completed their field survey of the reach to remove sediment accumulations within the system and restore channel conveyance capacity. HCFCD has also completed final design of the conveyance restoration project. They are now preparing the project for bid later this month. The next steps for HCFCD once bids have been accepted is to award the project and begin construction for Summer 2019. HCFCD is funding 100% of this conveyance project. 

Other channels in Kingwood and the Lake Houston communities within the City of Houston are also being evaluated by HCFCD for projects. There is one portion of Ben’s Branch, between Woodland Hills and Rocky Woods Drive, that is currently under final review with City of Houston Legal, HCFCD and the Bens Branch Trail Association. Once that final review is complete HCFCD will be the owner’s of the Bens Branch channel from Northpark Drive to 1,800 linear feet south of the channel’s intersection with West Lake Houston Parkway. 

Eventually all open and natural channels will be maintained by HCFCD while the City of Houston maintains all closed storm sewer systems and drainage. To monitor progress of this and other Harris County Flood Control projects please visit their website.


HAR Lake Houston First Quarterly Meeting
Council Member Martin had the opportunity to be a keynote speaker at the Houston Area Realty First Quarterly Meeting on Friday, February 8.

The presentation included a round table discussion with Council Member Martin, Representative Dan Huberty, and Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen. They each shared their latest updates and discussed the future of the Lake Houston Area.  

Council Member Martin would like to thank Houston Area Realty for the invitation to speak and the opportunity to provide updates to those who attended.


CASE Grants Photoshoot
On Monday, February 11, I had the privilege of meeting with the CASE for Kids, City Connections Grant Recipients from District E. Congratulations to The Village Learning Center, St. Martha’s Catholic School, Communities in Schools, and Fotofest International.  

CASE for Kids is an after school division of the Harris County Department of Education and annually accepts grant applications from 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in the City of Houston for the City Connections program. The City Connections initiative, funded by the City of Houston, offers grant support to out-of-school time programs that meet City Council District needs and addresses gaps in services to youths outside the school day.


Humble ISD: 100 Years in the Making District E Staff attended the Humble ISD Centennial Celebration at Turner Stadium on Saturday, February 16.

The program featured speakers, historical information, musical performances, and fireworks. Pastor Joel Osteen, a 1981 Humble High School graduate, was the keynote speaker for the event and shared memories of growing up in Humble ISD. Musical entertainment was provided by Gary Kyle and The Kin. Kyle graduated from Kingwood High School in 1995.

Council Member Martin was happy to provide a City of Houston proclamation commemorating this centennial celebration, and congratulates Humble ISD on 100 successful years!


District E Sidewalk Repairs Completion
Council Member Martin is pleased to announce that Houston Public Works crews recently completed the installation of a new safe sidewalk on the west side of Mills Branch Drive, between Riverpoint Village Drive and Clover Valley Drive, in the Kingwood area.

The implementation of this sidewalk became a priority for Council Member Martin after concerned parents contacted our office requesting this sidewalk to increase safety for students attending Shadow Forest Elementary School. Council Member Martin was happy to allocate $129,699 from Council District Service Funds to accommodate this request.

In the south sector of District E, Houston Public Works crews recently completed repairs to an existing sidewalk on the south side of Rodney Street and the east side of Shawnee Street, in the Edgebrook area. The project’s scope of work included removing the existing 4 foot sidewalk and replacing it with a 5 foot sidewalk, and installing the safe sidewalk across driveways. 

As public safety is very important to Council Member Martin and the District E office, we are happy to see the sidewalk repairs completed and improved pedestrian mobility in the area.


LHACC Economic Outlook Luncheon
On Tuesday, February 19, staff from Council Member Martin’s Office attended the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Luncheon featuring Congressman Kevin Brady in Texas District 8 and Patrick Jankowski with Greater Houston Partnership.  

The luncheon was a great opportunity to engage our local business community in a conversation about the present economic forecast and what to expect locally, statewide, and nationally.


CLACC Governmental Affairs Division Luncheon
On Thursday, February 21, District E staff attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Division Lunch and Learn. The event featured a presentation by Texas Association of Business’ (TAB) President and CEO, Jeff Moseley on TAB’s 2019 key legislative priorities, including economic development, education and workforce, transportation and infrastructure, and more. For more information on those priorities, please visit: https://www.txbiz.org/state-priorities  

TAB serves as the Texas State Chamber of Commerce and is united to drive public policy issues for Texas businesses. TAB works in a bi-partisan matter to enhance the Texas business climate and make the state’s economy strong.   Council Member Martin thanks the Clear Lake Area Chamber for organizing this presentation during each Legislative Session to update Clear Lake business owners and elected officials.


San Jacinto River Watershed Master Drainage Plan
Last month, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) received a grant from the Texas Division of Emergency Management to provide necessary funding from FEMA to complete a comprehensive San Jacinto Watershed Master Drainage Plan. The local match cost will be shared between the SJRA, Mongomery County, Harris County, and the City of Houston. 

HCFCD will work along these entities to develop a comprehensive set of models for the entire Upper San Jacinto River watershed. The models will use consistent, cohesive methodology and rainfall rates regardless of the county in which those channels are located. The study is expected to be complete on or before January 2022, which will include community engagement meetings to gather public input and comments to further refine the study results. 

The results of the San Jacinto Watershed Master Drainage Plan will be used to update the Montgomery County Mitigation Plan and to identify future flood mitigation projects that can be implemented in the near and longterm to reduce flood risk to people and property. Other participating communities may also incorporate the results in updates to their Hazard Mitigation Plans to use for guidance on regulations for future growth within the study area. Information to be developed includes inundation maps for the studied streams that show the extent and depth of riverine flooding for an array of simulated storm events. 

Additionally, information will be gathered about the number of structures, acres of land, parcels, and miles of roadway that are located within the modeled floodplains. Although results from the study may be utilized in the future, this project is independent of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood Insurance Rate Map process.

The project will prioritize flood risk reduction strategies, quantify the mitigation implementation costs, and develop information to help improve public awareness of flood hazards along the major tributaries.

More information about the Regional Watershed Mitigation Plan can be found here


Storm Surge Forum
Houston Region Concerned Citizens and AIAA Houston will be hosting the Bay Area Houston Storm Surge Flood Forum on Thursday March 7 at 7 pm at Clear Lake’s Bay Area Community Center. 

The Flood Forum speakers include experts and thought leaders including a United States Corps of Engineers representative, Rice University’s SPEED Center leader Jim Blackburn, Bob Stokes of Galveston Bay Foundation and additional authorities.  

Speakers will explain the current storm surge plan, address critical issues and past mistakes, and present proposals to protect the Houston region and Bay Area residents from dangerous, deadly storms like Hurricane Harvey and Ike. The public is invited to attend, ask questions, make statements and help guide this incredibly important decision.


Mayor Turner’s Pothole Initiative
Mayor Sylvester Turner announced an impressive 100% success rate in next-day pothole repairs called into 311 for the year 2018 as part of the mayor’s signature pothole initiative. 

The program, launched in January 2016, promises to assess and address each pothole by the next business day after its reported. Since its inception, the program has filled 165,000 potholes and counting. City repair crews have maintained consistent performance in the aftermath of  major disasters such as the Tax Day Flood, Memorial Day Flood and Hurricane Harvey, 

Mayor Turner also challenged Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock and her team to replace more street panels. A street panel removes a severely worn section of the street and replaces it with a new one, This allows the City to  extend the life of a street and improve mobility without a complete reconstruction. Houston Public Works currently replaces about 900 concrete street panels per year. 

The City of Houston recognizes that a pothole patch is only a short-term fix and wants to make sure streets are safe for drivers until long-term solutions can be implemented. 

Mayor Turner reminds the public that Houston Public Works relies on the community to help  identify areas in need.  If you see a pothole, call 311 at 713-837-0311 or report it using the City of Houston 311 app. For more information on the City of Houston’s pothole initiative, visit: http://www.houstontx.gov/potholes/.


Humble Area Assistance Ministries Disaster Recovery Program
With the help of a grant from the American Red Cross, HAAM is now able to provide Behavioral Health services free of charge including counseling, community presentations, and groups for individuals, families or staff affected by Hurricane Harvey.   HAAM is also able to provide needed case management to those still dealing with long term effects of Hurricane Harvey. HAAM’s Disaster Recovery Program utilizes a team approach offering wraparound services including Case management, Financial Coaching, Needs Assessment, Individual and Family counseling, Community Outreach, Support Groups, and Education presentations.
For more information contact HAAM at 281-446-3663 x.100. 


Water Discoloration in Kingwood
The District E Office and Houston Water recently received reports of water discoloration in the Kingwood area. Council Member Martin would like to make residents aware that this temporary discoloration is caused by naturally-occurring minerals such as iron and manganese. These naturally-occurring low-levels of iron and manganese will not impact your health. However, you may notice a change in your water’s taste, clarity and color.

Discolored water can usually be corrected by Houston Water flushing the water system through a fire hydrant, followed by flushing the water from the pipes of your home or business.

To facilitate removal of sediment from your household plumbing:

  • Turn on the COLD water in your household tub and allow it to run for up to 10 minutes (or until it is clear). Please note that running the hot water BEFORE your system has been flushed with cold water may allow the sediment to build up in your home’s water heater.
  • To flush automatic ice makers, make three batches of ice and discard.
  • Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.

Council Member Martin encourages residents to contact the City of Houston’s 3-1-1 system by calling (713) 837-0311 to report each individual instance of discoloration. A service request will be created, and your water will be assessed and addressed.  

It is important for every resident to report their own discoloration issues as the City uses this information to map the occurrences throughout the affected area. Information on the City of Houston’s water quality, including water quality reports for the past 21 years are available here


Loop 494 Widening Project
Staff from Council Member Martin’s Office attended the monthly Super Neighborhood Council #43 Meeting on Wednesday, February 20, and received an update on the proposed Loop 494 Widening Project from the Texas Department of Transportation.   The project plans include:

  • Widening 1.7-mile facility to a 4-lane divided highway
  • Continuous left-turn lane from Kingwood Drive to Crescent Springs Drive
  • Raised median from Crescent Springs Drive to Sorters-McClellan Road
  • Reconstruction of the Kingwood Intersection and elevate intersection to remove dip at RR
  • Sidewalks adjacent to developed areas

The Texas Department of Transportation has finalized a contract and will provide a timeline on the project once those details have been finalized. The summary of the Public Meeting that occurred on March 29, 2017 can be found at this link. You can also find a summary of the Public Hearing that occurred on November 9, 2010 by visiting this link.


Kingwood Traffic Signals Update
Council Member Dave Martin is pleased to announce the intersection improvements on West Lake Houston are nearing completion.  

The traffic signal light at Kings Crossing and West Lake Houston has been turned on. The scheduled turn on for the traffic signal at Northpark and West Lake Houston has been postponed until May 2019, due to equipment delays.  

The District E Office will continue providing updates to residents on the progress of these intersections as they become available.


District E BOPA Dates
Council Member Dave Martin and the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department are holding their spring Batteries, Oil, Paint (latex only) and Antifreeze (B.O.P.A.) recycling collection events in the coming months. Council Member Martin invites District E residents to save the following dates: 

Southeast/Clear Lake
Saturday, March 30, 2019
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ellington Airport Neighborhood Recycling Center 
Highway 3 at Brantly Avenue 
Houston, Texas 77034

Kingwood
Saturday, April 27, 2019
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Kingwood Metro Park & Ride
3210 W Lake Houston Parkway
Kingwood, Texas 77339

The events are free and open to all City of Houston residents and will be held rain or shine. A valid Texas driver’s license or other proof of residency, such as a water bill, will be required.


HPD Safety Tips
Council Member Martin and HPD would like to remind residents of important safety tips to keep in mind while in the community:

  • Always stay alert to your surroundings and avoid locations/situations that make you more vulnerable to crime such as alleys or dark parking lots.
  • Avoid distractions that decrease your awareness level, i.e.. talking on a cell phone or wearing headphones.
  • Walk with a purpose to communicate a message of confidence. Make eye contact with people, however do not engage in conversation with strangers on the street.
  • Travel with family and friends. Walking in a group decreases your chances of becoming a victim.
  • Stay in well-lighted areas and avoid short-cuts through deserted areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or other tempting items, such as expensive jewelry and clothing.
  • Always trust your instincts. If a person or place makes you uneasy, leave.
  • Try not to walk alone. It’s a lot safer if you walk with at least one other person.
  • Be alert, walk with your head up and do not let your mind wander. Frequently scan your surroundings, that includes behind you.
  • When walking at night, consider a taxi cab even for short trips.
  • Trust your instincts, avoid uncomfortable situations. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
  • Be observant for groups of males/females driving or just hanging around.
  • Do not take shortcuts through unlit, sparsely traveled paths such as trails, stairwells or alleys.

In the case of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency related police services, please call (713)884-3131.


Upcoming Events
Please refer to Council Martin’s District E website for location, time and more event details. Email the District E office if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters! 

City Wides
March 5Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee
Kingwood 
March 2
Kingwood Electronic Waste Recycling
March 13
Kingwood Service Association Public Safety Committee
March 19
Kingwood PIP
March 20
Kingwood Super Neighborhood
March 21
Kingwood CIP Town Hall

Southeast Houston/Clear Lake 

March 9
Clear Lake Electronic Waste Recycling 
March 12
Arlington Heights Civic Club Meeting
March 14
Meadowcreek Civic Club Meeting
March 19
Clear Lake/SE Houston CIP Town Hall
March 30
BOPA Recycling Event


By Kaila Contreras, Staff writer   Updated 4:11 pm CST, Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Houston launches Homeowner Assistance Program for residents affected by Hurricane Harvey

Houston City Councilman Dave Martin recently announced the City of Houston has launched is Homeowner Assistance Program to help residents rebuild and repair their homes after Hurricane Harvey.

The City of Houston received the $1.17 billion for housing recovery through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State of Texas General Land Office.

The recovery funds include the Homeowner Assistance Program, which offers five options including reimbursement for completed repairs, homeowner-managed rehabilitation, city-managed rehabilitation and reconstruction, buyouts and interim mortgage assistance.

There will be several meetings held this month for those interested for more information.

Residents that are interested in applying for this program are encouraged to take the Harvey Recovery Survey. The survey can also be taken through the phone at 832-393-0550 from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or in person at any of the four new Housing Recovery Centers.

City officials urge residents to take the survey before attending one of the public meetings.

The survey a tool to direct residents to the appropriate recovery program and to help the city prioritize those with urgent needs. No documentation is required to take the survey, and it takes less than 15 minutes to complete, city officials said.

While priority will be given to low and moderate income homeowners, assistance is available to homeowners of all income levels. An intake specialist will contact applicants after they have completed the survey regarding the next steps.

kaila.contreras@chron.com