Maintaining a safe community is one of the Near Northwest Management District’s top priorities.
NNMD partners with local law enforcement agencies, such as Harris County Constable Precinct 1, Houston Police Department, and Harris County Sheriff’s Office, to address and improve on the safety needs in and around the district.
The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is behind on junk waste (heavy trash) collections. This delay comes after a suspension of tree waste collections last month. The department is experiencing many issues right now, primarily the need to hire more drivers. Trash collection is a basic City function that needs to be addressed now.
Recently I authored 39 budget amendments, and 7 of them involved Solid Waste including:
An on-call contract shall be established to assist with Solid Waste Management collections as needed in each council district if directed through Council District Service Funds.
This amendment passed, and I am working with SWMD to implement it.
A full list of the budget amendments I authored can be found here (6.09 – 6.15 involve SWMD)
My office and I have been asking for SWMD to update everyone about the status of collections. I am pleased that updates are now on their website, Facebook, and Twitter. District A is in the North Operation for Junk (heavy trash) collection.
I recently asked the mayor about the delays and concerns with proper communications from the department. You can see the video of my comments and his response below.
Solid Waste Delays
Water Rate Increase
Recently City Council voted on an increase in the water rate. Although I voted against the increase, the item passed. I suggested that we wait to vote on this until we know how much money we will get for infrastructure projects from the federal government and prioritize that money for the wastewater projects that we are federally mandated to complete. More information about the mandatory repairs (called the Consent Decree) can be found here. I also commented that we should not delay these necessary projects but rather use the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that we currently have to begin the projects while we wait for the infrastructure money to come in. You can see my comments below:
Water Rate Increase
Happy Independence Day! Fireworks are Prohibited in the City of Houston
I hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July! As a reminder, fireworks are illegal in the City of Houston. The fines are anywhere from $500 – $2000 for each individual firework. If a minor is caught with fireworks, the parent or guardian will receive the fine even if they were unaware of the minor’s possession and/or usage.
I allocated overtime funding for the HPD divisions in District A to enforce this and other crime that may occur, but please keep in mind that this can be a very difficult activity to deter. We do know the areas that usually see the most firework activities, and HPD has been made aware of these locations by my office.
If you see fireworks, please call it in to the HPD non-emergency line: (713) 884-3131
Instead of purchasing fireworks, please view the City’s annual fireworks show during Freedom Over Texas (see below for more information):
Freedom Over Texas
Houston’s signature patriotic celebration, Shell Freedom Over Texas, returns with a salute to America’s Frontline Heroes. The annual day-long festival is on hold for one more season, however, Houstonians can enjoy the City’s cherished tradition of music and patriotic moments via live broadcast on Sunday, July 4th from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. on ABC 13.Fireworks will reach 800 feet, almost doubling the height of the traditional show, for more to enjoy from further away. Open spaces and neighborhood parks with a view of the western downtown skyline are ideal. Eleanor Tinsley Park will be open for fireworks viewing only for families that wish to park downtown and walk (Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive will be closed).
Pet Safety During Fireworks
District A Libraries
The libraries in District A are finally open again! Ring Library is open for limited hours temporarily. Please see the Fourth of July schedule below. To check the schedule of other libraries in the area, please click here.
Hurricane Preparedness With Commissioner Cagle
Hurricane Preparedness with Commissioner Cagle
Spring Branch Management District Grant
The Board of Directors for the Spring Branch Management District (SBMD) has established and funded the Business Improvement Grant to provide funds for commercial property owners within the District’s boundaries, in support of revitalization on a case-by-case basis. Grants are available on a 50/50 basis with a $10,000 cap per grant. Approved projects must complement the color and character of surrounding businesses and must meet the City’s Code of Ordinances.For more information, please visit: https://sbmd.org/grant/
Contact the District A OfficeAmy Peck
Houston City Council Member, District A districta@houstontx.gov
Main Line: 832-393-3010
