By David Taylor / Managing Editor
The East Aldine Management District (EAMD) board met on September 23, 2025 and among their business was a report from Cindy Craig of Hawes Hill & Associates demonstrating a strong fund balance for the organization.
Here’s a recap of the board meeting in sections, provided by the EAMD:
Residents Share Public Comments
Judy Rodríguez thanked the EAMD for hosting the September Hispanic Heritage Concert. She expressed her excitement for the upcoming Literacy Carnival on September 27. Wanda LeBlanc, representing the Castlewood and Lauder neighborhoods, raised concerns about stray dogs, street lighting, and public safety; Board members noted that lighting improvements were already underway. Selina Valdez, speaking on behalf of the East Aldine Arts Council, praised local murals and sculptures and highlighted the future Gateways Project, projected to generate around $10 million in economic impact by attracting visitors and boosting local shopping and dining. She emphasized that public art projects strengthen community pride and align with the EAMD’s motto: Unlimited Possibilities.
Financial Reports Highlight Strong Reserves
Cindy Craig of Hawes Hill & Associates presented the EAMD’s financial report for January through August 2025. Total sources of funds approached $10 million, while expenditures totaled approximately $5.8 million. Public safety and security remained the largest expense category at $1.97 million.
EAMD Executive Director Richard Cantú reported that sales tax revenue is tracking 6.5 percent above last year’s level and 8.1 percent above the budget. In comparison, expenditures are 11 percent under budget. He noted that the district’s strong financial position allows it to fund infrastructure, safety, and quality-of-life projects without reallocating funds from other initiatives.
“Our system of bringing in more and spending less will enable us to continue building up our reserves and be ready to take on just about any project,” Cantú added.
Board Business and Leadership
The Board approved the August meeting minutes and authorized payment of invoices. Board Member Rocio C. Witte volunteered to chair the committee preparing officer elections for October.
Celebrating Staff and Community Events
Cantú recognized Deputy Executive Director Veronica Sanches for her 10 years of service, thanking her for her leadership and dedication. He also congratulated EAMD staff for delivering a successful Hispanic Heritage Festival that drew approximately 1,000 attendees.
Town Center and Facilities Updates
The Board approved a $45,260 invoice for Asakura Robinson as part of the East Aldine Town Center Phase III Development. The next town hall, coinciding with the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) East Aldine celebration, will feature a virtual reality experience showcasing the planned 10-acre site.
Several Building and Properties Committee recommendations were approved, including:
exterior and interior signage with Humble Sign Co.; repairs to the second-floor canopy with AVAdek; dumpster enclosure roof installation and exterior refurbishments with HCU Construction; and wi-fi service agreement with All in IT .
Street Lights, Mobility, Water, and Sewer Projects Advance
The EAMD continues progress on streetlight expansion projects. Phase 3 installation is set to begin before the end of the year, with Phase 4 scheduled for early 2026. The updated map in the Board Report highlights areas in High Meadows, Fair Green, Western Homes, and the northern part of Castlewood. CenterPoint will complete its survey before proceeding with installations.
Updates were also shared on two ongoing construction projects. The Hartwick Sewer Project has seven qualified connections out of an estimated 35, due to private road access restrictions; however, it aims to extend north to serve the Lyncrest neighborhood, which has over 70 connections. The Parkwood Estates water project is nearing completion, with meter approvals pending from the City of Houston. Additionally, EAMD received a $266,000 refund from Harris County for unused funds from previous Parkwood Estates construction, which was logged as revenue in the general fund. Current connection costs are covered through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.
In a major development, the EAMD received notice from the Texas Water Development Board, confirming over $13 million in loan forgiveness and grants for the upcoming Castlewood Sanitary Sewer Project, which significantly reduces the costs for the $21 million initiative.
Public Safety and Community Engagement
Harris County Sheriff’s Sergeant Hernández shared August enforcement data, including 75 felony arrests, 486 traffic stops, and 1,805 calls for service. The Board’s commitment to public safety was reiterated, with residents reminded to call (713) 221-6000 for homeless outreach or 911 for life-threatening or dangerous situations.
The Board approved funding for major upcoming community events, including National Night Out (October 7) and the Día de los Muertos Festival (November 1), which will feature a 500-drone light show. Additional sponsorships were approved for the Asian American Peace Officers Association’s Turkey Drive (November 15) and the Central American Collective’s youth soccer camp.
To support local businesses, the EAMD is collaborating with Placer.ai, to look at foot traffic and consumer behavior in East Aldine, helping businesses and the EAMD with real estate strategy, competitive analysis, and marketing. EAMD is also working with Open Rewards on its “Shop Local” campaign. The business list will be updated as new companies and restaurants emerge, and the campaign will be relaunched with an updated website and social media content.
Investing in Arts and Place-Making
The East Aldine Arts Council (EAAC) shared updates on potential community art bollards, however the center of discussion focused on the East Aldine Gateways Project, a long-term initiative aimed at creating signature entry points that reflect the district’s identity. Following feedback from the August Board meeting, the EAAC recommended prioritizing the U.S. 59 and Little York intersection as the first Gateway project, for $985,050. The EAAC selected the site because it is in the southern area of East Aldine, which has fewer EAMD projects but generates the highest revenue. The EAAC noted additional factors that led to this recommendation:
High Visibility — The intersection is one of the most heavily traveled entry points into East Aldine, with thousands of commuters and visitors passing through daily.
Economic Impact — Improvements at this location are expected to enhance curb appeal, attract business investment, and signal community vitality.
Community Identity — A signature Gateway at this location will serve as a landmark for both residents and visitors, reinforcing pride in East Aldine.
The EAAC highlighted the importance of leveraging a $200,000 time-limited Precinct 2 grant, along with unspent Arts Council funds, which brings the total available funding toward the project to $380,698.41. Cantú confirmed that the remaining $186,000 needed would come from the EAMD’s capital investment projects (CIP) surplus, leaving over $6 million in reserves. Board Chairman Silva noted that TIRZ funds have not yet arrived but will further support infrastructure initiatives.
The Board approved the Gateway project, emphasizing that the EAMD remains financially strong, with more than $20 million in reserves. This financial stability ensures that funding for the Gateway project does not divert resources from public safety, mobility, water/sewer, or other core projects. The investment is part of the district’s broader strategy to combine infrastructure, safety, and quality-of-life projects for lasting community value, providing residents with a sense of confidence in the district’s financial management.
Stay Connected
For more information or to download the September 2025 meeting Board Book, visit the East Aldine Management District website. Learn more about efforts to improve mobility, enhance public spaces, and serve residents across the district.