East Aldine District eyes expansion of boundaries

BOARD VOTES TO FUND 58 STREETLIGHTS, PROGRAMS

NORTHEAST – The East Aldine District at their monthly board meeting last Tuesday night voted to seek legislative approval for annexation of an additional 790 acres to the boundaries of the district.

The district also took action on a number of other action items on their agenda, including voting for additional new streetlights, and programs for agencies within their jurisdiction or area of service.

The areas proposed for annexation would not pay any additional taxes, according to East Aldine District president David Hawes, because the district is supported by a 1 cent sales tax. Residents already pay this when they purchase items, and would not incur any additional expenses. However, money spent in the four new areas would now be paid to the East Aldine District, instead of other government entities. In return, residents would get the benefit of district services such as heavy trash pick-up, streetlights, sidewalks, water and sewer service, public safety patrols, and other quality of life services provided to residents of the district.

The four areas to be added, if approved by the legislature, include two tracts north of Aldine-Bender Road, along Fountain View and Vickery Road, including Haverstock Hills apartments; a large tract between Lee Road and the Southern Pacific Railroad line at Homestead, including Pine Village; and a tract at the southern edge of the district known as Halls Park, which will be developed as a new park by the Harris County flood control district. Halls Bayou runs through this property, which is on the east side of US59, near the Sak-N-Sav store. This latter area is now part of the Greater North Houston Management District, that has agreed to cede the land so that it can be developed properly.

The District considered and approved a number of other agenda items.

These included approval of 58 new streetlight locations, on the following streets: Lauder, Chrisman, Exeter, Hopper, Percy, Allwood, Hartwick, Shady Lane, Illene, E. Mt. Houston, Northington, Bertrand, JFK, Orange Grove, and Somerset.

Eat Healthy Restaurant Program

The district is planning to work with local restaurants to promote healthier food choices. Through the display of the program logo on menus, tables, windows, and other marketing materials, restaurants will participate and help encourage a better, healthier lifestyle.

Recycling Center planned

The district is working on an agreement with Sunbelt Water District, to jointly operate a Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Center, for the benefit of all residents of the district. The location of the center will be adjacent to an existing Sunbelt plant at Hopper and Halls Bayou area.

Heavy Trash Pick-up

The district is also working with Precinct 2 Harris County to re-establish the Heavy Trash Pick-up program that was successfully run by Pct. 1. Details, locations and dates will be announced at a future time this spring, according to Richard Cantu of East Aldine District.

The district also approved a number of Economic Development initiatives to bring businesses and jobs to the area.