The emphasis at City Hall has been the Redistricting process. There will be two more public sessions scheduled this Wednesday at 9:00 am and again at 7:00 pm. This is an opportunity to address the Mayor and City Council and provide input on redistricting. The final boundaries will be presented to City Council on May 11.
Please continue to contact our office and let us know how we can continue to improve your neighborhoods.
Ed Gonzalez
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem
Council Member, District H
UPCOMING EVENTS
Proposed Redistricting Plan – Public Hearing
Public input on redistricting process
The Mayor’s administration has released a proposed Redistricting Plan to City Council. Redistricting entails re-drawing the boundaries of City Council districts as mandated by law after every census to ensure that each district has equal population. This year, the charter required the City to expand from 9 to 11 districts due to the City reaching a population of 2.1 million people.
Please take a moment to review the plan. Residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed plan on the following date at City Council Chambers located on the 2nd Floor of 901 Bagby:
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 9 a.m. and at 7 p.m. (two separate public hearings)
If you wish to speak at any of the public hearings, please sign up 30 minutes before the hearing with the City Secretary’s office at 832.393.1100. In addition, please send us your thoughts at districth@houstontx.gov
This map is a first draft and the first step in the redistricting process. City Council will make a final vote on the Redistricting Plan next month in May.
You can access the proposed redistricting map on the City of Houston website at:
http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/2011/docs_pdfs/redistrict_map.pdf
To view the proposed Council District H:
http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/2011/mapa/Dis_H.pdf
And you can access the analysis on the map at:
http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/2011/docs_pdfs/redistrict_analysis.pdf
Event: Public Hearing on the proposed Redistricting Plan
Date: Wednesday, April 20
Time: 9:00 am AND AT 7:00 pm
Location: Council Chambers, 2nd floor
900 Bagby, 77002
Independence Heights Easter BASH
Meet the Easter Bunny
Independence Heights Redevelopment Council along with Chick-fil-A, Meals on Wheels, and community partners will host their 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter bash will feature an egg hunt for the children, music, and prizes. There will be a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. The entire community is invited to join in the celebration.
Date: Saturday, April 23
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Independence Heights Park
601 E 35th, Houston 77022
For more information or questions, call Larry Johnson Jr. at 713.208.3007.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Activities for the entire family
Join Northline Commons and the Greater Northside Management District for their 2nd annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. The day features a wide variety of entertainers, including Tam y Tex, and bands La Traizion and Enzzamble. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Date: Saturday, May 7
Time: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Northline Commons
4400 North Freeway, Houston 77009
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Emergency Preparedness
Keeping communities strong and safe
On March 30th, Council Member Gonzalez was proud to join families at Berry Elementary for an Emergency Preparedness Town Hall Meeting. Joined by community activist Charles X. White, the City of Houston Health Department and the Houston Fire Department, Council Member Gonzalez led a discussion on being prepared for any emergency situation.
Attendees learned about the importance of creating a Family Emergency Plan, having adequate essential supplies, emergency contact numbers and family points of congregation. The Houston Fire Department also provided important insight into the community programs available at your local fire station; including FREE smoke detectors and emergency services. This town hall meeting highlighted the importance of being prepared for the worst – it can make all of the difference in a life-threatening situation.
For more information or for help in organizing town hall meetings in your neighborhood please contact your District H Office at 832.393.3003 or districth@houstontx.gov.
Restoration Hill Ground Breaking
Helping people get their life back on track
Volunteers of America celebrated the groundbreaking of their latest development, Restoration Hill, at 305 E. Rogers Street on April 6th. This new facility will provide affordable housing and a network of support for women with children.
Restoration Hill is a reality thanks to the hard work and collaboration of Volunteers of America, Camden Builders, Inc. and GHBA.
Avenue CDC Housing Development
Creating affordable living
On April 14th, the Avenue Community Development Corporation (Avenue CDC) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Avenue Terrace apartment homes located at the former Fedex Freight site, 4004 Irvington Boulevard. Avenue Terrace is the first phase in a multi-phase development which will also include a subdivision of 95 single-family homes, a neighborhood park, and a walking trail. Avenue CDC has developed 77 homes in the Near Northside since 2002. Once completed, the Irvington development will be their biggest Near Northside development to date.
Health and Wellness
This year, more than 1,750 YMCAs and 800,000 people nationwide will celebrate YMCA Healthy Kids Day. YMCA Healthy Kids Day is a signature event of the YMCA Activate America initiative, which is rallying YMCA’s across the country to further help individuals and families who struggle to adopt and sustain a healthy lifestyle. In celebration of Healthy Kids Day, the Y at 705 Cavalcade hosted a block party this past weekend. Parents made it a “play date” with their children and enjoyed the many kid-friendly activities, including Zumba dance classes, nutrition tips, and health resources.
