By David Taylor / Managing Editor
Exciting changes are on the horizon for the East Aldine Management District and the Aldine community, with new developments, infrastructure upgrades, and vibrant public art projects set to transform the area.
Richard Cantu, executive director of the East Aldine Management District, shared his enthusiasm for the district’s progress.
“We’re ready to build some more houses. Whether it’s continuing with Arturo and Saratoga or launching something with Habitat, we’re ready to go. We’re ready to tap into all the resources of Renee and Miss Costas have at Harris County,” he told attendees at the first Housing Forum sponsored by the district.
Cantu highlighted several key initiatives coming to Aldine.
Public Art and Beautification
“JFK art way has been in place for a few months. There’s nine sculptures between Aldine Bender and Aldine Mail Route. Wonderful sculptures, works of art, that we’ve gotten so much positive feedback from the schools, from the visitors, from the community, just that it brings a whole new vibrancy to our community,” he said.
Infrastructure and Flood Control
Cantu also reported that the Texas Water Development Board met and voted to approve a $20 million sewer project grant for Castlewood.
“Commissioner did an incredible project there, revitalizing that community with storm sewers and new streets, curbs and gutters and streetlights. This project will come in behind that and actually do the entire Castlewood area, north and south, full of rehabilitation, brand new storm sanitary sewers for that community.”
Community and Economic Development
“The school district, I’m happy to say, has chosen East Aldine to build their $160 million performing arts center. It’s going to be just north of the W.W. Thorne Stadium there, right beside the Beltway at Aldine Westfield. That is going to help continue to transform that intersection there at Aldine Westfield and the Beltway. It’s one of our gateways, and we will most likely be doing some more work in that area as well, but that’s going to be a huge economic boost for our district,” he said.
Public Safety and Cleanliness
“Our proposed budget for next year is over $3 million dedicated to public safety,” he said to a round of applause from the audience.
The improvements include the expansion of the park patrol. “Just to provide that extra layer of public safety and security and also to have a bigger presence at our events so that we never have any issues and all of our events are always safe and just good family fun.”
Cantu also emphasized the district’s commitment to community engagement and partnership.
“We work hard, but our board also works hard to keep us on our toes. The community is just now figuring out what we have here. We had 2,500 people almost for our fireworks show. We’re probably going to have more than that for our Christmas event where we will light up our Christmas tree, but also a drone show.”
Cantu promised more ambitious projects are coming and, in the works, and the community will continue to benefit from the work.
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