Posts published in December 2021
New concept to serve all persons in the County
ALDINE – A new concept in county parks was unveiled last Saturday, at the James Driver center on Bentley. Harris County Pct. 2 commissioner Adrian Garcia has made new parks and trails one of the priorities in his term in office, and this park renovation held special significance to the public and to him.
The Opening Ceremony included the MacArthur Color Guard, the Houston Brass Band, scores of officials, many persons with disabilities, and over a hundred private citizens interested in the unique features of the park. Emcee for the event was capably handled by Kaitlan Monte of Fox26 news.
In his opening remarks, Garcia explained that he had always noted the difficulties that handicapped had functioning in public, and he vowed to make a difference for them. Thus, his concept for an “all-inclusive” park with features that persons with disabilities could use successfully was formed. In developing the concept, he had help from medical experts in several fields, including the Memorial Hermann TIRR rehabilitation staff. He noted that his reason for holding office in Pct. 2, and developing facilities such as this park, was because “I came here to try to make a difference. His motto for dealing with neglected areas, such as Aldine, is to “Revive2Thrive,” with improvements in sidewalks, drainage, and parks and trails. He expects this park to lead to further economic development in the Aldine area.
By Gilbert Hoffman
The East Aldine District held their annual awards banquet for the first time in their new headquarters building last Thursday night. Over 100 guests, including community leaders and interested citizens, attended the gala affair. The event had special significance, because it marked the 20th anniversary of the beginning of the district, and its service to the Aldine community. Its original charter by the state of Texas included its stated goal of improving the Quality of Life for the residents of the area.
East Aldine’s executive director, David Hawes, served as the emcee for the evening. In his welcoming remarks, he noted the success of the District. Having started in 2001 with income from the sales tax of about $800,000, the economic growth of the District has meant that annual revenue from the sales tax now equals about $12 million dollars.
The District in turn uses this money toward achieving the original goals. Programs and activities paid for by the district include public safety, educational programs and scholarships, improved water and drainage systems, economic development, and mobility concerns such as roads, signage, lighting and sidewalks. Over the last 20 years, the District has been able to add $50 million dollars in improvements to the infrastructure of the area.
By Judge Lina Hidalgo
HARRIS COUNTY – Based on the new census data released earlier this year, Harris County is required to redraw its commissioner precinct maps to reflect changes in population and comply with the “one person, one vote” principle. As one of the fastest growing communities in America, redistricting is important because it ensures that each elected precinct commissioner represents a roughly equal number of residents as populations shift over time.
The County undergoes this process every ten years and it is important to know what redistricting does and does not do. This redistricting process will ensure that every resident in our community has fair and equal representation in our county government. Redistricting will not cause any interruption of road and bridge maintenance. Your access to parks, community centers, libraries and other county facilities is not affected by which precinct you live in. Ambulance and police services likewise are not impacted by any changes to commissioner precinct redistricting. Additionally, any changes to precinct boundaries will be accompanied by proper and timely planning across Harris County government to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
ALDINE – One year ago, Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia held a groundbreaking for a new type of public park, that he named “all-inclusive.” This Saturday, the public is invited to the Grand Opening of that park, with a ribbon cutting ceremony that starts at 11:00 am at the park on Bentley, adjacent to the Northeast Community Center.
James Driver Park will be a regional destination for persons of all ages and abilities.
Commissioner Adrian Garcia said, “We have to make sure that we recognize the fact that people, children in particular, with physical and cognitive disabilities are among the largest underrepresented minority groups in the Houston/ Harris County area, and we need to do more for them.”
“This park will be addressing an entire spectrum of special needs – a space where children with disabilities can play alongside with friends and siblings, as well as their parents, caregivers, physical therapists, educators, or even physicians.”
The $7.6 million project, has already been recognized as having an important role in the county.
On Friday, November 19, the district held an official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest school Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy at Parker (YWLA). The all-girls campus opened its doors to sixth and seventh-grade girls on August 16.
Special guests present included Yuroba Harris with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s Office, Ayanna Pierre with State Representative Senfronia Thompson’s Office, Miriam Laeky with the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Jo-Anne Reed with the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Education, Lynn McBee, CEO of Young Women’s Preparatory Network, Rick Ogden, former Aldine ISD Board Member, Otice Parker, former Aldine ISD Board Member and Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy at Parker namesake, and business and community partners.
YWLA has been a two-year journey. Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney first mentioned a single-gender school during the 2020 State of the District ceremony.
“I promised that I would create a school for girls. We wanted our young women to have a space where they felt empowered. We wanted our young women to have leadership opportunities and unique learning experiences, including a chance to hear directly from women working in STEM fields. Allowing them to explore career pathways and thrive academically and socially. It has truly been a labor of love. This school and this environment will further support our girls as they journey towards success,” Goffney said.
HOUSTON – A MacArthur High School student was taken into custody Thursday after pulling a loaded gun on another student during an argument, school officials say.
According to Aldine ISD, two students were involved in a verbal altercation in the gymnasium locker room. One of the students brandished a gun, but did not fire the weapon. The student left the campus and has since been arrested without incident.