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Posts published in November 2017

East Aldine District: Report to the Community on the Town Center Construction Progress

November 7, 2017

On-site construction of three of the major projects in the East Aldine Town Center has commenced, as shown in these photos. They include the BakerRipley complex, the Harris County 9-1-1 Call Center, and an access road and utilities through the site. Future construction will include the Lone Star College and Aldine ISD Early College, the East Aldine offices, commercial and shopping facilities, and outdoor landscaping features.

Drone Aerial photo showing BakerRipley structural steel, and roadwork through the site. (Drone photo courtesy EV 1 Productions)
BakerRipley steelwork as seen from Aldine Mail Route.

The Aldine Town Center is intended to reflect the needs and character of the East Aldine community. Moreover, it is an economic development catalyst designed to enhance the skill sets and business opportunities of area residents and to introduce a new standard in local commercial development.

Major features of the Town Center:
• Over $100 million in public and private investment.
• Roughly 300,000 sq. ft. of commercial and institutional space, including:
• 100,000 sq. ft. of commercial retail and office space.
• 80,000 sq. ft. Lone Star College East Aldine campus, including an early college high school.
• 50,000 sq. ft. of facilities for BakerRipley, including an innovative “maker space” to assist in skill and business support for the East Aldine community.
• Over 25,000 sq. ft. 9-1-1 call center for Harris County to replace the aging downtown facility.
• 25,000 sq. ft. new facility for the East Aldine District.
• An amphitheater and community green for 1,500 people.
• Stormwater detention that serves as a large scale passive green space.
• Splashpads and children’s play areas.
• Roadway and trail access to Keith-Wiess Park.

The East Aldine District has taken a multi-faceted approach toward economic development that includes regular outreach to local businesses and pursuit of new business. As a major component of that effort, in 2013 the district purchased 61 acres along Aldine Mail Route for development of a commercial and institutional core for the community.

Aerial view showing finished design of the BakerRipley complex, with the 9-1-1 Call Center in the background.
Plan of the Town Center shows all the buildings and landscape features planned for the site.

Flood Control Projects in Aldine

November 7, 2017

The Harris County Flood Control District has compiled a preliminary list of $74 million in priority repairs for Harris County’s bayous, creeks and other drainage infrastructure in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, according to a recently completed county-wide assessment that is expected to eventually top $100 million. The Flood Control District has verified approximately 500 additional repair projects totaling more than 150 channel miles across Harris County’s 22 watersheds. This map shows active and future projects.

ASTROnomical! City celebrates World Series Win

November 7, 2017

Houston went wild last Wednesday night, when the Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 7th and final game of the World Series, winning 5-1.

To fully enjoy the victory, the city shut down on Friday and held a parade through the city streets, culminating in a presentation and speeches of accolades on the steps of Houston City Hall. Police Chief Art Acevedo estimated that over 500,000, and perhaps as many as 1 million persons lined the streets as the Astros team, riding fire trucks, went down the parade route. The Houston ISD school district cancelled all classes on Friday, and students went to the parade.

The series itself set or tied many records, including longest game (5-1/2 hours in a slugfest in the fifth game) and most home runs (25) in a series. Everyone agreed it was one of the most exciting and entertaining baseball playoffs in memory.

Both teams played outstanding baseball. The Dodgers had won 104 games in the regular season, and the Astros 101.

Astros George Springer was voted Most Valuable Player, hitting 5 home runs.

In the World Series, the teams split the first six games, alternating wins and heightening the drama. But the Astros prevailed in the final seventh game, with George Springer starting the scoring in the first inning, and the team leading throughout the next nine innings. The final 4 innings were pitched by Charlie Morton, holding the Dodgers to no runs after one earlier run.

Festivities continued after the final victory, with romance the theme. Shortstop Carlos Correa proposed to Daniella Rodriguez, 2016 Miss Texas USA, on camera. Ace pitcher Justin Verlander left for Italy to marry supermodel Kate Upton.

And three Astros, George Springer, Jose Altuve, and Alex Bregman participated in a skit shown on Saturday Night Live.

The Houston Astros were originally the Colt 45s when they started in 1962, and now after 55 years they finally appeared in the World Series and won.