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Brays Oaks Management District Business & Economic Development Committee met Jan 13.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
The Brays Oaks Management District Business and Economic Development Committee held a meeting via Zoom video conference on January 11, 2023, at 10:00am.
District Board and Committee members present: Sheri Cortez, Ralph Rieger, Cindy Chapman, Ronald Plotkin, Brandon Herndon, Sylvia Rivas, Brandon Herndon
Staff members present: Xavier Herrera, Alan Bernstein, Cosme Garcia Bernstein
Public present: Carolina Gambrel – SNR Creative, Naomi Ostfeld, CJ Litner – KCG Companies, Evan Lattner, Perdita Chavis – District K, Barbara Hite – District K, Angelee Rhyne, Shavonnah Roberts Schreiber – SNR Creative, Cynthia Arellano – SNR Creative, Mike Bercu, Marcy Williams
Executive Director Xavier Herrera called the meeting to order at 10:02 AM, and the committee meeting adjourned at 11:20 AM.
THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING:
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comment
a. No comments made.
3. Minutes of 12/07/22 B&ED Committee Meeting
a. Committee meeting minutes submitted for reference.
4. District Updates & Recommendations
a. Development Properties
i. Ruffino Hills Redevelopment
1. Mr. Bercu advised that the City of Houston is in the process of purchasing land from West University. Advised that additional development is happening around the site, which may not be in line with the community’s needs.
2. Committee Chair Cortez advised that the district is aware, and she is attempting to start a conversation with the property owners regarding their plans.
3. Director Chapman noted that Mayor Tuner specifically mentioned the city is working to acquire the rest of the property from Bellaire at the Super Neighborhood Alliance meeting.
ii. KCG Companies, LLC
1. Mr. Litner gave an overview of their proposed development at 11826 Riceville School Rd. He addressed community concerns and reviewed their timeline of events. Additionally, Mr. Litner advised that KCG would be interested in developing in other areas that may be more suitable for this development.
2. Committee Chair Cortez provided history of the property and past TxDOT concerns regarding Riceville School Rd.
3. Director Rivas mentioned community concerns regarding pedestrian safety and public transit needs.
4. Ms. Chavis advised that VMPT Castex-Tatum stressed the importance of meeting with the public and supports the feedback and concerns of the community.
5. Ms. Ostfeld noted that the location is the primary issue, and the street is not in line with CoH Vision Zero Action Plan.
6. Chairman Rieger inquired if any capital improvement projects for Riceville.
Ms. Chavis advised she would research the issue and follow-up.
7. Director Chapman mentioned that safe roads and transportation is a priority to the community and cited the pause of the Fondren Rd. project as an example.
b. Branding – SNR Creative
i. Discuss budget amendment; amend budget line 5005 – Marketing Materials to 5005 – Marketing Materials and Services; amend 5005 – Marketing Materials and Services Budget to $50,000.
1. A motion was made to recommend the budget amendment by Director Chapman. Director Fisk seconded the motion.
ii. Ms. Gambrel reviewed Task Order 3 with the committee.
1. A motion was made to recommend the task order for consideration by the board by Director Rivas. Director Chapman seconded the motion.
c. Permits & Platting
1. Permits
a. Executive Director Herrera reported the number of residential and commercial permits for the month of December. Detailed report available in committee packet. Two projects were of note:
i. Food truck park at 9490 W Bellfort Ave; Project 21006942
ii. Restaurant space at 9511 Southwest Fwy.
b. Committee Cortez noted her concerns with the food truck park and advised she was researching the issue and is in communication with District J staff.
c. Mr. Bercu noted that most food truck parks do not have parking available.
d. Director Plotkin advised that there was a food truck park at Chimney Rock and S. Braeswood had portable toilets. Additionally, HCFCD has paved the entire property.
e. Committee Chair Cortez advised she would like an update on the Gandhi Museum.
f. Ms. Rhyne inquired about the property across from the HPD substation. Director Fisk is aware of the property as well. Committee Chair Cortez will investigate further. Additionally, Ms. Rhyne would like for the district to reach out to DPS regarding their mowing maintenance of their detention pond. Committee Chair Cortez advised she will follow-up on the matter.
d. Business PIP
i. Committee Chair Cortez advised we are still aiming for February. However, Sgt. Juarez is no longer able to assist, so it may be delayed.
e. Business Incentives Program
i. Executive Director Herrera proposed the committee consider recognizing Gessner Kiddie Kollege at the next board meeting.
ii. Director Chapman inquired as to having a grand opening event for the new Gas Station / Sonic at W. Bellfort and Chimney Rock. Committee Chair Cortez advised staff will work to recognize the business.
5. Adjourn
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Consider SNR Creative task order number 3.
• Consider budget amendment to line item 5005 – Marketing Materials.
https://www.braysoaksmd.org/who-we-are/board-materials/