Houston Northsiders: I’m back in Action.

Greater Nside Mgmnt. District Patrol Program Signage ….. brought to us by the GNMD and Avenue CDC.

Keeping it alive:

I haven’t written in my blog, well actually I haven’t even visited it for over a year or so. Many things have happened since my last post. Let’s see —

1. I’m married
2. We bought a house – in near northside of course
3. I joined the Houston Police Department
4. We’re Expecting a baby!!!!

Wow – now I see why I haven’t done much blogging.

I missed the blogging, I really did – but I was caught up in all of the above mentioned “blessings” – but now -I’m back – with my perspective on things as a husband,homeowner,police officer, and daddy-to-be.

The northside has continued to roll through with various enhancement projects and positive opportunities with minimal set backs….. even as we have new elected officials in our area with a new city council member, mayor and school board member.

Public Safety Issues/ Voter & Civic Involvement/ Affordable Housing Opportunities for renters AND homeowners/New Transportation Endeavors, and Improved Quality of Life Initiatives are just a few of the topics I am itching to soon write and analyze.

The past year and a half or so have been wonderful – I have a beautiful mother to be and a new job …. Wow, because I’m eager to also share these journeys with the blog readers of cyber space soon too.

I look forward to keep the dialogue flowing and to rejuvenate interests into the local “comings and goings” of today’s society, and most importantly, Houston’s near northside.

Stay tuned … As there is much, much more to come!

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

Make a difference: Vote today!

As you may know, District H is currently undergoing a special election. There are 9 candidates running for the city council seat, and early voting is now underway.

Sheriff Adrian Garcia, is the former council member, and is supporting candidate Ed Gonzalez for the position. Here are a few brief facts about the candidates: 

- Ed Gonzalez- HPD veteran of 18 years, former community liaison for Council Member Adrian Garcia, endorsed by Houston Police Officers Union, visit website at www.edforh.com.

- Yolanda Navarro Flores- attorney, current HCC Trustee member

- Rick Rodriguez- HPD veteran, Lindale Park resident

- Hugo Mojica – former aide to Council Member Gabriel Vasquez

- Gonzalo Camacho- Engineer, community activist

- Larry Williams – pastor, former candidate for District H

- Maverick Welsh – teacher, former Chief of Staff to Peter Brown for about 1 year

- Lupe Garcia – local small business owner

- James Partch Galvan

Here is also some great information on early voting locations – cast your ballot today!

 

 Early Voting Locations:

 

· Moody Park: 3725 Fulton St.

· Ripley House: 4410 Navigation Blvd.

· Harris County Administration Building: 1001 Preston, 1st Floor

Hours:

 

· Monday – Friday, April 27th – May 1st                8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

· Saturday, May 2nd                                           7:00 a.m.— 7:00 p.m.

· Sunday, May 3rd                                             1:00 p.m.— 6:00 p.m.

· Monday & Tuesday, May 4th & 5th                    7:00 a.m.— 7:00 p.m.

 Also visit www.harrisvotes.orgfor more information on the election. Make progress in Houston’s Northside ….. go out and vote today …… take a neighbor or friend too!

Help me METRO! Put my community in motion ……

As you know, METRO is gearing up to bring in the light rail system through the northside. METRO has come up with an initiative that will assist residents and business owners during this process.

The “Communities in Motion” outreach program is geared to assist struggling entities along the corridor line, with resources that can assist in economic development and building a sustainable community.

The envdeavor encompasses several workshops that will assist the community in areas such as:

- Senior citizen involvement/ outreach

- Community Planning Tools for Transportation Corridors

- Financial Survival Tools for Wealth Creation

- Capital Improvement Plans: How to Get the Most for your Neighborhood

- Programs for First-time Homebuyers

I attended the first Communities in Motion workshop last week, and was pleased to see this initiative finally making ground. The community needs support from METRO, as their neighborhood is going to be directly affected by the new rail line. I urge all northsiders to take advantage of this free service from METRO – and help make a difference …. make progress for all Houston!

It’s Election Time in Near Northside!

In about a month – a very important event in Houston will take place.

The recent election of Sheriff Adrian Garcia has caused a vacancy in the District H city council seat. The city has set a special election to fill this seat on May 9th. There are many candidates that are running for this council spot, in fact there are 9!

Ed Gonzalez is the front runner in this race.

I say this because he is the only candidate who has key experience and support to effectively take office. Ed has been endorsed by a slate of local elected officials, including the former city council member and Sheriff Adrian Garcia. Also, he was endorsed by the Houston Police Officers Union and Harris County AFL-CIO, which speaks volumes as well – not to mention, a long list of various community leaders and activists!

About Ed:

Ed volunteered in Adrian Garcia’s city council office as a community liaison for 4 years, and knows what avenues to seek to solve constituent issues, as well is strongly aware of key issues that District H citizens face and have endured throughout the past several years.

Ed is the only candidate that shines above the rest. He is most experienced and knowledgeable about the district in many ways: public safety, quality of life, affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and economic development.

The Near Northside of Houston sits in a very diverse political spectrum.

District H encompasses many neighborhoods in Houston, including the Near Northside.

Some key neighborhoods include:

- Lindale Park

- Near Northside/ North Central

- Ryons

- North Lindale

- Second Ward

- Denver Harbor

- Heights

- Woodland Heights

- Independence Heights

- Melrose/ North Houston

- Cottage Grove

Check out the district map:

The many ethnic groups within the boundaries of District H range from anglo, hispanic, african american, and asian. The socio-economic statuses also vary from lower to middle class residents in many parts – to more higher affluent classes in others.

Be a part of Houston History:

You can also help make a difference for District H by volunteering for the campaign – for more information contact edforh@yahoo.com or visit the campaign website at www.edforh.com.

Progress is coming to the Near Northside and District H – stay tuned for more news and developments!

Greater Northside Management District to the rescue!

Businesses in Northside Houston have a new resource. The Greater Northside Management District, GNMD was created in 2006, and offers a variety of services to area businesses, large and small.

The businesses pay into an annual collected fund, and is thus given back into the management district.  Annual collections are around $600,000 and this helps the district provide vital services and programs to enhance the quality of life and promote economic development within its boundaries.

There are several programs that are currently implemented within the district, such as the right of way litter abatement, graffiti abatement, and security patrol programs.

The boundaries of the district are:

The GNMD covers a great amount of Houston's North Central and upper Northside areas

The Graffiti Abatement Program consists of a contractor that paints over or power washes out graffiti on area businesses. In order for businesses to participate in this program, they need to sign a waiver and that can be done by contacting the GNMD.

Policing the area: The GNMD’s Security Patrol Program is another great asset that is provided to the Northside community. Here, licensed peace officers (usually HPD officers ) work overtime hours to participate in  helping the district’s program. The GNMD has several cars that have been outfitted to be a law enforcement patrol car. The car is equipped with essential tools needed for fighting crime, such as lights and sirens, emergency management radio access, laptop for law enforcement database access, and more.

The primary function of this patrol program is to offer security to GNMD businesses, but also maintains an awareness of public safety readiness and gives an enhanced sense of security for all residents in the Northside.

- Patrol car from the GNMD Security Patrol Program -

Progress is ongoing in Northside Houston with thanks to organizations such as the GNMD. There are many more initiatives that are in the works, so…. stay tuned!

For more information on the GNMD, you can contact them at 713-229-0900 or via the web at www.greaternorthside.org.

Can’t afford eye care? Get reduced priced eye care in Northside Houston – thanks to UH !

The University of Houston College of Optometry has been a partner with the city to offer affordable eye care. The project is called “Neighborhood Clinics”. This is offered around the city at several locations, including the Near Northside.

The City has a medical clinic that offeres reduced costs health care services to residents of the Near Northside, and the eye clinic is located upstairs.

The location in the Northside is at:

• La Nueva Casa de Amigos Eye Clinic , 1809 N. Main, Houston, TX 77009 (713) 547-8085.

"La Nueva Casa de Amigos" is a city funded low-cost health facility, which offers a variety of services such as: pediaitrics, dental care, immunizations, and eye & vision care.

Other locations also include:

• San Jose Eye Clinic , 301 Hamilton, Houston, TX 77002 (713) 228-9411

• Good Neighbor Eye Clinic , 190 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77007 (713) 527-8480

The clinic offers pediatrics and adult care, and is a great resource for anyone who has a low income. UH has demonstrated great leadership and initiative by becoming a partner with these city neighborhood clinics. Many folks are now able to afford high quality eye care at an affordable price. I urge anyone to check into this service, and see if you qualify.

Everyone is looking into saving money these days – this is just another way to save some money in your pocket book – and have access to health care, especially eye care. The Near Northside has many servsices to offer, and many “Northsiders” can now enjoy these imenities. Lastly, the La Nueva Casa clinic is located on Mian Street, which is along the North Corridor METRO Rail line.

METRO Rail North Corridor Update: Report from Community Advisory Board (CAB) Meeting

Update:

METRO has seen the anxious residents of Houston’s Near Northside area lately. The plan to start the North Corridor has already been underway, according to METRO officials at this meeting.

The Community Advisory Board meetings (CAB), are designed to highlight the project, and give an update about what is going on with the project, the facts. The meeting was held last Thursday, February 26th at the HCC Northline campus.  I am proud to say that I am a new member of this board, and am also anxious to see things underway.

According to officials, construction has already started. This construction includes early steps in the process, such a as surveying, soil sampling, and necessary environmental studies. For example: before a building is torn down, it must be assessed and tested for any hazardous materials or wastes. For instance, one abandoned building was found with a certain anti-freeze chemical in the air conditioning system – so this obviously had to be cleaned out properly before any further action.

Actual, street construction should begin soon – with utility construction in May and street construction in June/July time frame. Stay tuned for an update on the progress!

Educating the Youth:

An excerpt from METRO's CAB newsletter regarding the safety education program for students along the corridor.

A main concern for may folks along the route was the safety for children along the rail line. METRO has a safety program underway for students, and conduct safety classes at local schools along the corridor. (see above info)

For more information on the north corridor, you can visit the north corridor office at 2613 Fulton St. or via telephone at 713.343.4354.

Move on in, Houston!

This is a model home from Avenue CDC - this could be yours!

I will highlight one initiatve for now:  Affordable Housing

Recently, the cost of property in the Near Northside has sky rocketed. This is due to the area gentrifying and the close proximity to other menities – such as downtown Houston, Medical Center, Musuem Disitrct, the future METRO Rail system, and others.

Where can you find a nice, well-built, affordable home in this area when the average home sells for about $200,00?

Avenue CDC is the answer.

Avenue CDC is a non profit, that aims at building affordabel homes for familes, and assists folks who are first time home buyers. The City of Houston has partenerd with Avenue CDC with the development in the Near Northside. The city has identifed several critical neighborhoods that need revitaliztion, and the Near Northside was one of them.

Houses have been built, and are selling for about $130,000. The city offers a first-time home buyer’s program for this project, that can qualify you for a GRANT from the city in about the amount of $35,000. This is a prime opportunity to purchase a home, and take advantage of this program, which the city has deemed “Houston Hope”.

This is a great time to buy a home, since the interest rates have been dropping low …. make progress and move to the Near Northside … do it today!

Campbell’s soup was once a survivor ….. Houston Foodbank needs you!l

Campbell Soup has reported a profit loss of 15%

The Campbell’s Soup giant was once a lone corporate survivor during this economic crisis. Now it is releasing a report that says that the company has found a 15% loss in profits for its second quarter. People have been known to buy more soup as a less expensive alternative, but it looks like things will be slowing down even more now. Campbell’s says that the loss is due mostly in part to the higher cost of advertising in today’s market.

The foodbank is located at 3811 Eastex Fwy, in Houston's Northside.

Perhaps folks are going back to the Ramen Noodles or simply just beans w/ tortillas. Times are bad right now, we need to come together and help each other out. If you are more fortunate than others, please know that there are many places around the city where non perishable food items are taken as a donation to the Houston Food Bank.

As you know, the food bank distributes food to local non profits, shelters, and churches. ACTUALLY, the foodbank is located in Houston’s Northside area. The food bank headquarters and main distribution center is on Cavalcade and 59 (3811 Eastex Fwy) . But there are also smaller satellite centers throughout the city.

The fodbank is always looking for volunteer labor, to help sack rice and beans, pack canned goods, and more importantly, for food to be donated — for more information on volunteering or acquiring food, feel free to contact them at: 713.547.0608 or http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/.

At a glance: By the numbers

Bird's eye view of Near Northside - the two circles highlight 2 new affordable housing developments in the area.

The Near Northside of Houston has a very diverse group of residents. The area encompasses City Council District H, and the below stats are from the latest data collected for the district. There are other governmental jurisdictions that this area includes but will be focusing on District H data for this only.

Here’s the mix:

• About 68% are Hispanic
• About 18 % are White
• About 14 % are African-American

• 43,000+ residents that live in a family household
• 28,600 + are married
• about 14,000 are elderly at home (21%)
• about 6,000 of them are elderly and live at home alone

• 47% of households own their home
• 53 % of households rent their home

What do these numbers mean? The Near Northside is/ has:

1. Predominately Hispanic
2. Has more property renters than owners – which means that more affordable housing opportunities are needed
3. Senior Citizens are still staying in the area – which means that there should be adequate senior living facilitates and activity centers

Progress has been made in these arenas.