The District J Journal – February 9, 2015

A New Vision for the Richmond Corridor

District J to Host Urban Land Institute Study

Many of you have heard me speak about how important neighborhood revitalization is to the future of District J. Such is the case with Richmond Avenue corridor that lies between Chimney Rock and Hillcroft.

If there was ever a microcosm of Houston’s development pattern, the Richmond corridor surely must be it! The area consists of a mixture of industrial and commercial businesses; single-family housing with condominiums from $50,000 to $1 million and multifamily housing; sports bars and restaurants of all business hours and prices; religious and educational facilities, a City park, an HPD storefront and Fire Station 28.

Over the past two years, I have had the pleasure of gathering together a coalition of merchants and landowners along the corridor. Together, we began the process of visioning what the future holds for this dynamic part of Houston and District J. I am pleased to announce this coalition, along with your District J Office, HISD, and METRO, will be hosting an Urban Land Institute TAP (Technical Assistance Program) study that will re-imagine the future of the Richmond corridor.

The Urban Land Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes leadership in the responsible use of land and in building thriving communities. Established in 1947, ULI has completed over 600 panels, in 47 states, 12 countries, and 4 continents. Our panelists, coming from across the United States with experience in addressing re-development projects, will work to develop practical recommendations for moving towards the future.

On that note, stakeholders are invited to participate in this study, that will take place from 10:00am to 12:00pm and 1:30pm to 3:00pm at the JW Marriott Hotel (5150 Westheimer) on Monday, Feb. 23rd. These sessions will give the panelists insight into the strengths and challenges of the area.

I am proud of the hard work put forth by our friends along Richmond in planning this important event, and I look forward to hearing the recommendations on how best to breath new life into this vital and vibrant part of District J.

Blessings,

-Mike Laster, Council Member – District J

Community Garden Takes Root

Volunteers Needed to Help with Improvements

When a handful of residents at

the Bellerive Senior Living Center began planting a few vegetables on an old ditch easement last year, they probably didn’t think anyone would take notice. But as more residents began to take interest, the garden began to grow. Now, with the combined support of multiple organizations, the community garden will soon be receiving a major face lift!

Landscaping designs to vastly improve the garden have been warmly received by residents. The plans will include improved landscaping, the laying of brick pathways, and the removal of weeds, and debris in the green space.

These improvements have been made possible through an amazing partnership between the Houston Housing Authority, Keep Houston Beautiful, TBG Partners, Public Works’ Street and Drainage Division, the City’s Reuse Warehouse, the Solid Waste Department, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and your District J office.

But the work hasn’t even

started! Volunteers are needed for the Clean-Up day, which is scheduled to take place on February 21, 2015, at 8am at the Senior Living facility (7225 Bellerive, Houston, TX). If you know any students in need of some volunteer hours, or would like to participate yourself, please join us in making this incredible project a reality for these seniors. To volunteer, please contact Keep Houston Beautiful at 713-839-8855.

Please mark your calendars for the  Annual District J CIP Meeting which will be held at 6:30pm at the Sharpstown Community Center (6600 Harbor Town Dr., Houston, TX 77036) on Wednesday, February 25th.

The CIP is a five-year document outlining the city’s infrastructure improvement strategy, which is organized by priority, project capacity and timing constraints. Additionally, funding sources are identified for all proposed projects. For more information about District J CIP projects, please visit the CIP home page by clicking here.

Please feel free to contact the District J office by e-mail or phone (832-393-3015) should you have any further questions.

Westwood Super Neighborhood Meeting

The next Westwood Super Neighborhood meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, at 5:30pm at Betty Best Elementary School (10000 Center Parkway, Houston, TX 77036).