The Thomas Telegraph | Vol. 7, Issue 8 – April 18, 2025

I greet you in friendship and service with several important updates related to infrastructure, drainage, neighborhood concerns, and more. Please read through carefully—if something is not included, it means there is no meaningful update to provide.

Storm Water Action Projects (SWAT)

The City of Houston’s SWAT projects work to mitigate flooding and water accumulation in areas unrelated to river or bayou flooding. Currently, two projects are underway:

• Ashton Village ($6,386,733): This project went to bid on March 6, 2025, and is under review by the Office of Business Opportunity. We expect construction to begin by mid-May 2025.
• Leawood: HPW is collaborating with consultants to evaluate two potential alternatives. Recommendations are expected to be presented for District F’s approval in FY26.

Contract to Address Tree Roots in Drains

We’ve regularly requested updates regarding the city securing a contract to address tree root damage in storm drains. The item is under review by city legal, and council action is anticipated in FY25. In the meantime, if you suspect tree root blockage in your drains, please report it to 311 under the “tree roots” category for accurate capture and investigation.

Drainage Fee Projects

• Alief Forest South Sub-Project 1 ($837,509.26)
  : This project covers Cook Rd (west), Harris County Flood Control (north), Beechnut (south), and Riptide (east). It includes the design and construction of concrete paving, storm drainage, curbs, sidewalks, lighting, and underground utilities. This item was approved by Council on April 1, 2025.

Quality of Life

• Air quality is diminished near the concrete batch plant on Wilcrest and Westpark. My office has submitted a request to purchase 3 air quality monitors in partnership with the Houston Health Department to ensure our air meets healthy standards. Please stay tuned for when the monitors are installed.

Neighborhood Updates

• Robindale HOA: My office is working with the new HOA and management company to resolve their water account issues with Houston Water and to establish a payment plan. If you are a homeowner in Robindale facing challenges, please contact my office at DistrictF@houstontx.gov.
• Braewood Glen: We are aware of unauthorized construction at 12807 Villawood Ln to split a single-family home into a duplex. Houston Permitting has issued citations, and the HOA and management company are monitoring this issue. Unfortunately, the homeowner has not responded and continues to violate deed restrictions.
• Wellington Townhomes: A street replacement project ($461,000 council district service funds) is underway. Please refer to the map and contact details below for more information.
• Brays Village East: A sidewalk audit was completed and the cost estimate is $150,000 and has been submitted for construction.
• Braewood Estates: A sidewalk audit was completed and the cost estimate has returned at $1.040,775.00. The exceeds the available council district service funds available. I have requested Houston Public Works to provide alternatives, and my office will share with the entire neighborhood for feedback. Please stay tuned for an update.
• Brookfield: A sidewalk audit was completed and the cost estimate has returned at $1,253,535.00. This exceeds the available council district service funds available. I have requested Houston Public Works to provide alternatives.
• Braewood Glen: A sidewalk audit was completed and the cost estimate has returned at $90,000.00 and has been submitted for construction.
• SPEED CUSHIONS: We have 10 speed bump applications – in the queue waiting for public comment notices ( Braewood Estates, Braewood Glen, Huntington Village, Imperial Point, Piney Point Elementary) and Westhollow, Westpark Village, Brays Forest Section 1, Ashford Point and Parkridge are in the construction queue awaiting a date/contractor. All projects are funded by CDSF.
• Parkglen has received 20 streetlights installed and Brays Forest received 5 streetlights. Thank you for your patience awaiting installation.

Public Safety Updates

• After-Hours Plan: Commander Johnson at Midwest HPD is developing an updated after-hours plan that addresses known problem areas, including PRIVE on Crossview. My office has received multiple complaints, and we are working with HPD to secure additional resources. Stay tuned for more details.
• Public Safety Town Hall: I recently attended a town hall with Asian business owners at the International Trade Center in Alief to discuss rising crime in their area. Together, we are creating a targeted public safety plan near Dun Huang Plaza.
• Vandalism of Vietnamese Flags: On Tuesday, I was informed about damage to the Vietnamese flags on Bellaire. The culprit was identified by video, and I joined VietTV to denounce the actions and reaffirm that in District F, we stand united in cultural pride and will not tolerate such behavior. Learn more about the story here.
• Expunction Clinic & Job Fair: Join me on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Alief Neighborhood Center (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) for an expunction clinic and job fair hosted by Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare (District F resident). This event will help clear criminal records and provide access to vital resources in education, housing, and more. Let us help you resurrect a new life this Easter weekend. Watch the PSA here.

Farewell to Isaac Eguia

With mixed emotions, I share that Isaac Eguia, Chief of Staff, has accepted a new position and will be transitioning from the District F office at the end of the month. Isaac has been an invaluable part of this team—through disaster recovery efforts, late-night phone calls, breaking news, ribbon cuttings, and resolving constituent requests. His service has been exemplary, and we are excited for his continued success in his new role. Isaac will remain involved with not only District F but Southwest Houston and many of our partners in his new role. Please send him your best wishes as he embarks on his next adventure. P. S. His birthday is Tuesday, April 22—feel free to reach out at Isaac.Eguia@houstontx.gov or follow him on LinkedIn.

Best Regards,

   Read the Council Member’s full statement here.
   Watch her interview with ABC13 for more insights.
  En Espanol.

This event offers free legal resources, including assistance with expunctions, U visas, tenant/landlord disputes, and child support questions, alongside a job fair and community services.

For pre-screening, visit ClearYourRecordHarrisCounty.org or scan the QR code on the flyer.Don’t miss this opportunity to access valuable resources and support!

This project, managed by DCE Construction, Inc., will take approximately 60 days. Residents with questions or concerns may contact Marcos Pereira, Project Manager, at 832-395-2411.

Stay tuned for updates as we work to enhance the safety and accessibility of our neighborhood streets!

Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027 and conclude by Spring 2028. For more details, contact Cuong Nguyen, Project Manager, at Cuong.Nguyen2@houstontx.gov.

The park is now open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The community is invited to join programmed events like exercise classes, chess club, run club, live music, and a dog park. Don’t forget to visit Sunday Press, the onsite café, with its grand opening scheduled for April 27.

Spread the word, and we’ll see you at Camden Park!

Thank you to the Westchase HOA and residents for their active participation and commitment to community growth!

Council Member Thomas was proud to support this cherished tradition started by the late City of Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner, highlighting the importance of unity and community engagement.

Council Member Thomas values the rich diversity of District F and was grateful for the opportunity to join in this meaningful event.

Her family and supporters attended the City Council meeting to witness this historic recognition of her leadership and contributions, including securing over $125 million in federal funding for the Houston Airport System.

Next steps include:
– An inspector posted a copy of the Order of Building Officials (OBO) at the property on 4/16/25.
– OBO inspections will follow in 30, 60, or 90 days, based on the hearing date.
– If the property remains non-compliant, the city will abate violations, including demolition.

We will keep you informed as the process progresses.

We appreciate your patience and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your engagement in keeping our community informed!

Sign up here for general Volunteer Team opportunities.

Sign up here for our Volunteer Translation Team to assist with outreach and ensure all voices in our diverse district are heard.

Together, we can strengthen and support District F!