The Thomas Telegraph | Happy New Year | Vol. 8, Issue 01 – Jan. 9, 2026
Vol. 8, Issue 01- 1.9.2026
Dear Friends,
Let me be the last person to wish you a Happy New Year. As I shared at a recent press conference, public infrastructure remains our number one priority, and the updates below reflect how we are moving those priorities forward on the westside.
STORM WATER VS. BLIGHTED BUILDINGS
On Wednesday, I voted against reallocating $30 million from the restricted stormwater drainage account for blighted buildings. The item ultimately passed 9–7. Several of you emailed urging me not to divert funds away from drainage—and I heard you. Blighted homes and commercial structures continue to plague many neighborhoods, especially after the recent demolition of 3206 Chris Dr. and our ongoing efforts to secure the old Wells Fargo on Hillcroft from repeated squatting. These issues matter. But drainage remains the top concern Houstonians consistently raise, and I intend to stay focused on it. Although I opposed the transfer, I am confident our pending stormwater projects will still move forward on time and with precision, thanks to Houston Public Works.
ALIEF FOREST SOUTH DRAINAGE PROJECT
In FY25, City Council approved a $17 million drainage project in Alief South—adding concrete paving, curbs, sidewalks, lighting, and upgraded stormwater systems.On Wednesday, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones awarded $8 million in matching funds to help push this long-awaited project across the finish line. This investment directly benefits Catalina Square and Cookwood subdivisions—communities that have gone decades without meaningful drainage improvements.The Westchase Management District, TIRZ 20, and Shadowlake in District F also received project funding. A big win for the westside.
NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL ON WESTPARK & ELDRIDGE
After three years, the residents in and near Parkridge will see the installation of a new traffic signal on Westpark and Eldridge. Construction is scheduled to begin on January 21st-May 21st and should last around 120 days. Safety has been a priority to this community, and I am elated to deliver this to the residents. We have 4 more traffic signals in the queue for installation and as soon as they are fully funded, we will alert the community.
AUTO MECHANICS SURROUND PINEY POINT
This week, KHOU 11 joined me in historic Piney Point to highlight the growing number of auto-mechanic and paint-and-body shops impacting mobility, drainage, and quality of life near Richmond and Jeanetta.This is not a new issue.Last September, my office and community members overturned a Planning Commission recommendation to replat two residential lots into commercial use for yet another mechanic shop.
Progress—but not victory. More updates to come.
GESSNER PAVING & DRAINAGE PROJECT
A CIP approved in 2017 proposed expanding Gessner from 4 to 6 lanes to support METRONext BRT plans—which have since shifted to Beltway 8. Throughout 2024, we hosted community meetings to share updated data and gather feedback.Your input led to a new transportation study with far more favorable outcomes for Tanglewilde/Westmont/Piney Point.On January 21, Council will vote on the revised scope for the CIP engineering services contract. I will attend the Tanglewilde Civic Club meeting this month to walk through the updated map, scope, and next steps.
HACKBERRY & BOONE PARK DETENTION BASINS
The long-awaited $8M project is scheduled to begin construction in Winter 2026 (January–March). We will distribute the official construction notice once received. Refresh your memory on the project here: EngageHouston.org
AFFORDABLE HOME APPLICATION SEASON
We are entering what I call the Super Bowl of housing in Houston. Developers are submitting applications for affordable housing that will come before City Council for resolutions of support to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Council offices should be engaging civic clubs, HOAs, and super neighborhoods now. By law, developers must provide public notice of their proposals. Learn more here and follow updates through the Housing & Affordability Committee.
PILGRIM REST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH @ RASMUS PARK
On March 8, my office is partnering with the historic Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church to host an outdoor worship service open to the community. A wonderful opportunity to meet neighbors and connect. More details soon.
2025 ANNUAL REPORT – ABOVE THE RIM
If you have not had a chance to check out the District F Annual Report, take a look here. (Yes, I was on top of the basketball rim. No, it is not AI). We are proud of our collective work and the standard of excellence we have set throughout the westside and the city. My office will also roll out a new format for the newsletter, website, and our social media accounts. We hope you enjoy our re-launch!
A NOTE OF GRATITUDE
Congratulations🎉 to Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee on concluding his service today as he prepares to run for Congressional District 18 in the January 2026 special election. Attorney Menefee has been a friend and ally to District F—working closely with us to shut down after-hours clubs like Chemistry Lounge and supporting numerous quality-of-life efforts.
We also congratulate Jonathan Fombonne, now serving as Interim County Attorney.
With Regards, Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas
Houston City Council, District F
HOT SPOT TEAM UPDATES
Total Work Orders: 33
Hotspot of the week: 12100 High Star
Total Man Hours Worked: 100/week
Tree Waste: 800 lbs.
Mattresses: 5
Furniture Waste: 7 pieces
Tires: 14
Trash Debris: 750 lbs.
Shopping Carts: 3
Bandit Signs: 139
Landscaping: 0
Trash Cans Delivered: 2
SOLID WASTE UPDATES
We know you’re probably tired of hearing that and we may sound like a broken record, but unfortunately heavy trash pickup remains delayed. Please let us know if your neighborhood has not been service. Our office will be following up with the Solid Waste Department to get a timeline as to when they’ll be servicing your subdivision.
If you are still without regular trash or recycling pickup, please:
File a 311 case, and
Forward your case number to Sarai.Robinson@houstontx.gov
If your entire subdivision needs servicing for regular trash or recycling pickup, please:
File a 311 case, and
Email Sarai stating that your subdivision needs servicing and include your subdivision name.
Include photos if possible.
You can also find your trash and recycling schedule or check for updates by visiting the Solid Waste Management website and entering your address under “Service Updates”: https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/
If you encountered a missed collection after two days delayed please report it to 311 and let our office know at districtf@houstontx.gov.
Garbage collections are on schedule. Recycling collections may be up to one day behind schedule.
Green waste will be collected with Bulk waste.
CITY COUNCIL
During the first council meeting of the year on Jan. 7, Council Members continued a spirited debate over agenda item 35, a flood mitigation item that will use $30 million flood relief dollars to demolish old and abandoned buildings that are deemed to be affecting drainage systems. After much deliberation, the item passed in a 9-7 vote. Council Member Thomas was among those who voted against the item. See her remarks below.
Council Member Thomas spoke recently to ABC 13 about the reoccurring issues of abandoned buildings after a dead body was found in the old Wells Fargo building on Hillcroft Avenue.
She also spoke to KHOU 11 this week about a longstanding issue in the historic Piney Point neighborhood: the growing number of car shops consuming residential areas blocking drainage, limiting access to homes and churches, and raising environmental and health concerns. Stay tuned for the full coverage.
DISTRICT F UPDATES
Places 4 People
On Wednesday, Council Member Thomas spoke at the Places 4 People press conference hosted by Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, Pct. 4, expressing her excitement about the initiative that’ll bring a collective $25.6 million of drainage, roadway and public safety improvements to the Alief Forest Drainage and Paving Project. Learn more about the project below.
Houston Public Works updates
The Houston Public Works department updated us recently that the construction for the Eldridge Parkway and Westpark Drive traffic signal is expected to start in mid-Jan. See details below for more information.
The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program team has updated the program’s application and information packetto align with Houston Public Works brand to aid in an easier application process. Visit the Traffic Engineering webpage for more information.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & INFORMATION
Join Alief Votes on Saturday to help save a life by donating blood. You will get a free hoodie, snacks, and drinks. Must be 16+ and weigh at least 120 lbs. Make sure to bring your ID!
The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department has simplified the application for the Single-Family Home Repair Program, making it faster and easier for homeowners impacted by Winter Storm Uri to apply for recovery assistance. Yes, funds are still available for eligible homeowners to receive up to $100,000 for home repairs (rehabilitation), up to $300,000 for full reconstruction, and up to $10,000 reimbursement for out-of-pocket storm repairs.
The Permit Activity Reportprovides activity information regarding any new construction, remodeling, or change-of-use permits by zip-code in an effort to inform citizens of activity in their neighborhoods.
Obtain additional information about permits by contacting Houston Public Works (HPW) via 311, or by visiting their Permitting Center website at www.houstonpermittingcenter.org. If you have further questions about any permits, please contact the Code Enforcement Group at 832-394-9494.
Additionally, the Plat Activity Report contains biweekly information from PlatTracker about plats, replats, public hearings, variances, and special exceptions to plats that will be considered at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting.
The report provides application information for each agenda item; compiled by the City of Houston Planning and Development Department. The excel format can be sorted based on particular data, such as location or council district.
This Sliding Bar can be switched on or off in theme options, and can take any widget you throw at it or even fill it with your custom HTML Code. Its perfect for grabbing the attention of your viewers. Choose between 1, 2, 3 or 4 columns, set the background color, widget divider color, activate transparency, a top border or fully disable it on desktop and mobile.
This Is A Custom Widget
This Sliding Bar can be switched on or off in theme options, and can take any widget you throw at it or even fill it with your custom HTML Code. Its perfect for grabbing the attention of your viewers. Choose between 1, 2, 3 or 4 columns, set the background color, widget divider color, activate transparency, a top border or fully disable it on desktop and mobile.
Leave A Comment