Traffic Program Update

Thank you to everybody who took the time to submit comments to the city regarding the proposed Traffic Management plan. Upon review of all of the comments submitted to the City, Mr. Weatherford, Director of PWE, has determined that there is sufficient justification for the neighborhood to remain in the program. City engineers will draft a new modified plan based upon your comments and the City will invite all neighbors to a new public meeting once the plan is ready for public viewing. No timeline has been given for when that new meeting could occur.

Questions or comments? Contact WHCA Infrastructure, Phil Teague.

Constable Patrol: July 2016

Newsletter readers: To view charts of crime stats please visit this article on the WHCA website.

The Constable Patrol operates on a fiscal year ending March 31. Through August, we have approximately 380 subscribers, and 460 are needed to make two shifts sustainable long-term. We will make a push in September to get people to join for the second half of the year, and I’m hopeful we will ultimately meet our long-term targets. You can also find information for membership on the Woodland Heights webpage. Please support the Constable Patrol.

WHCA Crime Report

Around 50% of theft from vehicles was on Studewood and White Oak in and around commercial areas, and is as likely to occur at lunchtime as at night. We had one burglary of a building (800 block of Studewood) and two burglaries of residences (300 block of Pecore and 3300 block of Beauchamp).

The assault consisted of a threat made in the 700 block of Woodland. Robberies occurred in the 2600 block of White Oak at 3:01 am on a Tuesday, and the 900 block of Studewood at 7:49 pm on a Saturday. While not in the neighborhood, most months we see one or more assaults or robberies in the 3600 block of North Main. In July, things calmed down a bit with only a few car break-ins in that area of North Main. Please be aware of your surroundings when you are in the commercial areas that surround our neighborhood.

WHCA Constable Patrol Statistics

We remind everyone for a crime in progress, please call 911 first. If our deputies are on duty, they should be monitoring those calls, though you can also call Precinct One dispatch after calling 911 for crimes in progress. Do not hesitate to call Precinct One for something that doesn’t look right. Our deputies want you to err on the side of calling things in. Our neighborhood is huge, and you can help direct our deputies to suspicious activity.

Our deputies come to work in our neighborhood and remain through their shift unless they are called to respond to a nearby contract. When they stop to look at something or take some action they note it in their log so we have a general idea of their activities. Here is their activity for July:

Number	Activity
22	Traffic stops, resulting in 6 citations. The deputies have radar and use it to monitor speeds in areas where there are complaints, and they pay particular attention to speeds in school zones;
5	Suspicious person/vehicle call responses (please do not hesitate to call about something that does not look right; I will take it as a good sign that these calls were significantly down in July, but this is the most effective way to direct our Constables to unusual activity).
13	Times they checked schools, businesses or parking lots
100	Times they stopped to check something in the neighborhood (not otherwise included in these statistics).
21	Number of times they stopped to check something in the parks (mostly along White Oak, Stude and Usener).
10	House alarm responses.
15	Miscellaneous: responses to traffic issues, various disturbances/loud noise, gunshots, mischief, stranded or abandoned vehicles.
22	“Meet the Citizen” – this is a conversation with a member of the neighborhood in a fashion that’s not covered above, (e.g. to introduce themselves or to answer a question). Our deputies are very service oriented, so if you see a deputy and have a question, or just want to say hello please flag them down.

Any questions, please contact WHCA VP of Security Steve Howard.

SPONSORED POST: FOUR SQUARE DESIGN STUDIO

Our thanks, once again, to Four Square Design Studio LLC for sponsoring this month's WHCA newsletter. The WHCA email newsletter reaches 425+ engaged neighbors. If you're interested in sponsoring please get in touch.

HISTORIC HOMES, MODERN LIVING, AWARD-WINNING DESIGN

• Renovations
• Additions
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Interior design and decoration

We have an abiding love of historic structures, but we enjoy juxtaposing old and new. We are skilled problem-solvers; when designing additions, we seek to accommodate the needs of modern living while respecting the original spirit and design of a historic building.

To see a sampling of our projects, visit us at foursquaredesignstudio.com or call us at 713-802-1699.

Constable Patrol: June 2016

Newsletter readers: To view charts of crime stats please visit this article on the WHCA website.

The Constable Patrol operates on a fiscal year ending March 31. Through mid-July, we have approximately 375 subscribers, and 460 are needed to make two shifts sustainable long-term. If you have not renewed, please do so now. If membership does not increase, at some point likely in early 2017 we will have to reassess whether we have the available funds to continue to support two patrols. We will make a push at mid-year, and I’m hopeful we will ultimately meet our targets.  You can also find information for membership on the Woodland Heights webpage. Please support the Constable Patrol.

WHCA Crime Reprot

Around 90% of theft from vehicles was on Studewood and White Oak in and around commercial areas, and is as likely to occur at lunchtime as at night. We had one burglary of a building (I believe it was a garage) in the 300 block of Highland.

While not in the neighborhood, most months we see one or more assaults or robberies in the 3600 block of North Main. In June there were no assaults or robberies, but several businesses were broken into — please be aware of your surroundings when in that area.

While not reflected in the above statistics, the Constables made two arrests in the neighborhood in June. One for DWI (500 block Teetshorn 10:54 pm on a Friday, and one for drug possession (1000 block of Studewood 11:27 pm on a Saturday).

Car theft 2300 block of White Oak; motorcycle theft 500 block of Bayland.

WHCA Constable Patrol Statistics

We remind everyone for a crime in progress, please call 911 first. If our deputies are on duty, they should be monitoring those calls, though you can also call Precinct One dispatch after calling 911 for crimes in progress. Our deputies come to work in our neighborhood, and remain through their shift, unless they are called to respond to a nearby contract. When they stop to look at something or take some action, they keep a log, so we have a general idea of their activities. For June 2016 here is some of their activity:

Number	Activity
19	Traffic stops, resulting in 7 citations. The deputies have radar and use it to monitor speeds in areas where there are complaints, and they pay particular attention to speeds in school zones;
2	Drug/alcohol-related arrests: one DWI and one drug possession; all occurring on the night shift.
5	Suspicious person call responses (please do not hesitate to call about something that does not look right).
8	Suspicious vehicle call responses
17	Number of times they stopped to check something in the parks (mostly along White Oak, Stude and Usener).
166	Number of times they stopped to check something in the neighborhood (not otherwise included in these statistics).
1	House alarm responses.
12	Miscellaneous: responses to traffic issues (?), various disturbances/loud noise, gunshots, mischief (?)
24	“Meet the Citizen” – this is a conversation with a member of the neighborhood in a fashion that’s not covered above, (e.g. to introduce themselves or to answer a question). Our deputies are very service oriented, so if you see a deputy and have a question, or just want to say hello please flag them down.

— Steve Howard, WHCA, VP of Security

Block Captain Program

Neighbor Missy Wright is leading an effort to reinstate the block captain program. This team of volunteers walks their block distributing WHCA information to neighbor's front porches. It's a great way to meet neighbors and help the WHCA eliminate some postage costs. While we’ve received a great response so far, we could use a few more volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the block captain coordinator, Missy Wright.

July 4th Celebration

Dog Park Update

“Woofland Heights”, the dog park being constructed by Greystar (builder of the Elan Heights apartment complex) is scheduled to begin development in late August 2016.

General Meeting Recap – July 2016

Unfortunately we weren't able to video record this month's meeting but here's a quick recap of what transpired. First, our guest speakers:

• The City of Houston gave a short presentation regarding the pending sewer line work the 900 blocks of Bayland, Highland, Omar, Merrill, and Redan. The old cement sewer lines will be replaced beginning in the August/September timeframe. The entire project is expected to take 2 to 3 months.
• Neighbor Jim Weston of the I-45 Coalition spoke briefly to inform us there have been no new developments in the I-45 project and the next step is the as yet unscheduled last public meeting prior to the project start. That meeting is expected to occur sometime at the end of the year.
• We also heard from the organizers behind the Pierce Skypark, a project seeking to transform the Pierce Elevated portion of I-45 into an expansive green belt similar to the High Line in New York City.
• Finally, we heard from a representative from State Rep. Carol Alvarado's office who told us about a town hall the Representative is hosting about the Zika virus. The event is Wednesday, August 3rd, 6:30pm at the E.B. Cape Center Auditorium, 4501 Leeland St. Come learn about the virus, what you can do to prevent infection, travel warnings, and understand the pregnancy risks.

Next up, WHCA business:

• Treasurer Melissa McKee updated us on the association finances since the last general meeting. If you have specific questions please feel free to contact her directly.
• VP of Security Steve Howard let us know the Constable Patrol program is short subscribers to sustain a second shift. If you haven't renewed your membership yet please do so as soon as possible.
• There were no updates regarding the traffic management plan. As soon as the WHCA receives information we'll share it on Nextdoor and the WHCA news page.
• The historic district guidelines for the Woodland Heights, though in very early stages, are moving forward. If you have questions about these please refer back to our previous article on the matter.
• A point of discussion was raised concerning the board's authority to allocate funds as allowed under the current bylaws.

July 4th Parade

Don't miss the Woodland Heights' annual July 4th parade at the Norhill esplanade. We will have snow cones, bouncy houses, awards for best decorated kids bike and stroller, face painting and other activities. It all start at 9 AM. We hope to see you there!

City Working to Create Historic District Guidelines

Earlier this year, the City of Houston approved changes to the City's Historic District ordinance. As part of those changes, City Council authorized the development of design guidelines for the three designated historic districts in the Houston Heights. The City ultimately bid out the design guideline project, and awarded the contract to Winter & Co, a nationally renowned and leading urban design guideline firm in the country. Because the bid also came in lower than the City expected, the City added other historic districts that have not yet developed design guidelines to the contract, including the Woodland Heights and Norhill. Other nearby neighborhoods, such as Germantown, (also located within the WHCA area) have already had design guidelines approved by City Council.

The design guidelines are primarily useful in identifying, visually, the scope, the variance, and the options available to residents looking to build or remodel buildings located in the historic district. Instead of interpreting the words of the ordinance, residents, architects and builders will be able to visually see pictures and renderings of options appropriate for that particular historic area. Moreover, the City and Winter will also consider whether larger historic districts ought to refine the guidelines to take into consideration whether some blocks or areas should consider different design guidelines than other blocks or areas.

Over the next year, Winter and the City will be working closely with residents in the Woodland Heights Historic District to develop design guidelines. The guidelines, which are part of the original intent of the Historic District ordinance, will be developed by Winter, with significant input from residents, including the collection of surveys, opinions, and community review of multiple drafts. In addition, the City has formed an interest committee with residents, builders, and others, to keep check on the City and Winter's progress through the process. David Jordan, who formerly oversaw deed restrictions and land use in the Woodland Heights, and is a resident in the Woodland Heights Historic District, has been appointed to that committee.

The City's effort is led by Steph McDougal, a PhD, historic preservation expert hired specifically for this project by the City's Historic Preservation, Planning & Development Department. McDougal held a meeting on June 20, 2016 at Hogg Middle School for residents of the Woodland Heights Historic District, who were notified by mail of the meeting. Residents were able to ask questions about the process and approach, and hear more about the program. Woodland Heights Historic District residents with questions can reach out to Mr. McDougal or Mr. Jordan.

WHCA Operating Budget

Income
Beautification	$10,000
Home Tour	$22,912
LITH	$21,350
Membership	$16,532
Misc.	$383

Expenses
Administration	$8,372
Beautification	$3,328
Deed Restrictions	$4,500
Home Tour	$5,027
LITH	$20,455
Newsletter	$5,406
Membership	$600
Misc.	$1,100

2016-2017 Constable Patrol Budget
Income	$158,500
Expenses	$155,165
Net Income	$3,335

Major Closures Related to Houston Ave. Bridge Reconstruction

Council Member Cisneros' office sent the following information to the WHCA regarding the upcoming closures that will facilitate the start of the partial reconstruction of the Houston Ave. Bridge near Allen Parkway. This prep work is required to facilitate the construction of the new Allen Parkway Entrance Ramp to IH 45 Southbound. 
 
These closures will be input into the TxDOT PIO system on Monday, 06.27.16.

1. IH 45 Southbound Main lanes between the North Main Entrance Ramp and IH 10:  Alternate, (Inside), Lanes closed continuously between 9:00 PM on Friday, 07.08.16 and 5:00 AM on Monday, 07.11.16.  At least two main lanes will remain open.
2. IH 45 Southbound Mainlanes at IH 10:  Total Closure continuously between 9:00 PM on Friday, 07.08.16 and 5:00 AM on Monday, 07.11.16.  Detour: IH 10 Eastbound to US 59 Southbound; Follow US 59 Southbound to IH 45.
3. IH 10 Westbound Exit to IH 45 Southbound:    Total Closure continuously between 8:30 PM on Friday, 07.08.16 and 5:00 AM on Monday, 07.11.16.  Detour: IH 10 Westbound to the Taylor Exit; Left, (South) on Taylor; Left, (East) onto the IH 10 Eastbound Entrance Ramp.  Follow the IH 10 Eastbound Mainlanes to the exit to IH 45 Southbound.
4. IH 10 Eastbound Exit to IH 45 Southbound:    Total Closure continuously between 8:30 PM on Friday, 07.08.16 and 5:00 AM on Monday, 07.11.16.  Detour: IH 10 Eastbound to US 59 Southbound; Follow US 59 Southbound to IH 45.
5. IH 45 Southbound Mainlanes between IH 10 (Dart St.) and Walker:  1 Right, (Outside), Lane closed continuously between 5:00 AM on Monday, 07.11.16 and 5:00 AM on Wednesday, 09.07.16.
6. IH 45 Southbound Exit to Dallas St./Pierce St.: Total Closure Continuously between 9:00 PM on Friday, 07.08.16 and 5:00 AM on Wednesday, 09.07.16.  Detour Southbound on IH 45 to the IH 45 Southbound Exit to McKinney; Right, (West) on Smith, Left on Pierce St.
7. Allen Parkway Eastbound Entrance Ramp to IH 45 Southbound:  Total Closure Continuously between 5:00 AM on Tuesday, 07.05.16 and 5:00 AM on Monday, 11.14.16.  Detour: Eastbound on Allen Parkway/Dallas; Right, (West) on Smith, Left, (East) on Jefferson; Follow Jefferson to the IH 45 Southbound Entrance Ramp.
8. Houston Ave. Southbound between Washington Ave. and Rusk:  1 Alternate Lane closed continuously between 7:30 PM on Friday, 07.08.16 and 5:00 AM on Wednesday, 09.07.16.
9. Houston Ave. Southbound at Lubbock and at Rusk:  Total Closure Continuously between 7:30 PM on Friday, 07.08.16 and 5:00 AM on Wednesday, 09.07.16.   Detour:  Right, (Eastbound) on Rusk; Right, (South) on Smith; Left, (East) on Jefferson; Follow Jefferson to the IH 45 Southbound Entrance Ramp.

Phil Teague, WHCA VP of Infrastructure, will coordinate with TXDoT to ensure that the IH 10 Watson west or eastbound exit is shut off when it needs to be to inhibit redirect traffic from the freeway closures.

Constable Patrol: May 2016

Newsletter readers: To view charts of crime stats please visit this article on the WHCA website.

The Constable Patrol operates on a fiscal year ending March 31. Membership renewals have lagged this year — approximately 120 members from last year have not renewed as of late June. Presently, we have approximately 355 subscribers, and 460 are needed to make two shifts sustainable long-term. If you have not renewed, please do. If membership does not increase, at some point in late 2016/early 2017 we will no longer have the available funds to support two patrols. You can also find information for membership on the Woodland Heights webpage. Please support the Constable Patrol.

WHCA Crime Report

Theft from vehicles was largely in and around commercial areas and is as likely to occur at lunchtime as at night. While property theft was down, it is the time of year where we start to see an increase in theft of yard equipment and other crimes of opportunity involving things taken from yards, porches and open garages. Don’t leave valuable items unattended for even a brief period of time.

You may have seen news coverage of an increase in burglaries of restaurants and businesses. In May, four of our six burglaries were of non-habitat property (“buildings” but not habitations, according to the crime stats).

While not in the neighborhood, most months we see one or more assaults or robberies in the 3600 block of North Main. There was one in May, and an auto theft — please be aware of your surroundings when in that area.

While not reflected in the above statistics, the Constables made four arrests in the neighborhood in May — two for DWI (1000 block Highland 1:40 am, 1700 block White Oak 9:40 pm), one for drug possession (1100 E. 6 ½ 11:06 pm), and one resulting from a vehicle stop (1000 block of Studewood 11:53 pm).

Burglaries: residences 100 block of Vieux Carre and 800 block of Teetshorn, buildings (non-habitation) 2600 and 2300 blocks of White Oak, 800 block of Usener, 900 block Woodland.

Number	Activity
17	Traffic stops, resulting in 17 citations. The deputies have radar and use it to monitor speeds in areas where there are complaints, and they pay particular attention to speeds in school zones;
9	Suspicious person call responses (we average about 10 per month – please do not hesitate to call about something that does not look right)
3	Drug/alcohol-related arrests: two DWI arrests and one drug possession; all occurring on the night shift.
9	Suspicious vehicle call responses
13	Number of times they stopped to check something in the parks (mostly along White Oak, Stude and Usener).
206	Number of times they stopped to check something in the neighborhood (not otherwise included in these statistics).
5	House alarm responses.
6	Miscellaneous: responses to traffic issues, various disturbances/loud noise, gunshots, mischief (?)
23	“Meet the Citizen” – this is a conversation with a member of the neighborhood in a fashion that’s not covered above, (e.g. to introduce themselves or to answer a question). Our deputies are very service oriented, so if you see a deputy and have a question, or just want to say hello please flag them down.

— Steve Howard, WHCA, VP of Security

SPONSORED POST: Four Square Design Studio

Our thanks, once again, to Four Square Design Studio LLC for sponsoring this month's WHCA newsletter. The WHCA email newsletter reaches 425+ engaged neighbors. If you're interested in sponsoring please get in touch.

HISTORIC HOMES, MODERN LIVING, AWARD-WINNING DESIGN

• Renovations
• Additions
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Interior design and decoration

We have an abiding love of historic structures, but we enjoy juxtaposing old and new. We are skilled problem-solvers; when designing additions, we seek to accommodate the needs of modern living while respecting the original spirit and design of a historic building.

To see a sampling of our projects, visit us at foursquaredesignstudio.com or call us at 713-802-1699.

Bike Trail Detours

The Heights and White Oak bike trails detours as part of construction work on I-45 will begin as soon as June 25th and is expected to last until the third quarter of 2017. According to the official press release:

The detour along Houston Avenue is provided on the west side of the southbound lane between Spring Street and White Oak Drive. Two detour plans are to be implemented in an effort to provide a more feasible, long-term solution in partnership with TxDOT, the City of Houston and Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County.

City of Houston Traffic Meeting June 13, 2016 – Video

Home Tour Recap

The 2016 Woodland Heights Home Tour was a resounding success, despite less-than-ideal weather, raising more than $31,000 for the neighborhood and showcasing our “hometown near downtown” to our fellow Houstonians. 

Many thanks to the homeowners who graciously opened their homes to the approximately 700 tour goers. The tour featured a wonderful mix of sizes and styles of historic homes, each thoughtfully updated for modern living in line with our “Reinventing for Today” theme. 

Much fun was also had at the preview party, “Premiere Night on Byrne: Boas and Beads,” including the wonderful music, amazing decorations, delicious food and fun 1920s Hollywood-glam costumes worn by many of the attendees.

The home tour co-chairs would also like to extend our thanks to:

• Our wonderful committee chairs and committee members who donated many hours over almost a year.
• The approximately 130 volunteers serving as docents and ticket sales tour weekend.
• Our sponsors who contributed $16,000 to support the neighborhood.  
• Our in-kind sponsors, from designers and photographers donating their talents to vendors providing at or below-cost services. 
• Our local restaurants, grocery stores, and caterers who provided an abundance of food and drink for our preview party as well as to the raffle donors. A first time for us, the raffle raised $1,000. 
• Janeen Cook to whom we can’t thank sufficiently for opening up her lovely home for the 3rd time for the preview party.
• Our local florists who provided awesome arrangements for the homes.
• The 11 merchants who willingly agreed to sell
• Last, but not least, the neighborhood’s support by purchasing tickets to view the homes. The event also was a chance to showcase Woodland Heights across Houston. Tour goers came from across the metroplex including League City, Katy, Bellaire, Cypress, and The Woodlands.

Please review the full list of generous home tour sponsors who contributed money and in-kind donations. They were absolutely vital for our success. Over the next months, you’ll also see ads showcasing some of these sponsors on the website and in the newsletter. We hope that you will patronize these neighborhood supporters when you have the opportunity.

We still have a few outstanding expenses, but the net proceeds from the preview party and home tour topped $31,000 – a new record for our home tour. The money is expected to be used primarily for beautification – making our “hometown near downtown” even more desirable. The WHCA board will share more details as projects mature.

Please visit our Home Tour page to view a list of our generous sponsors.

Guests at the 2016 WHCA Home Tour Preview Party.

Constable Patrol: April 2016

Newsletter readers: To view charts of crime stats please visit this article on the WHCA website.

The Constable Patrol operates on a fiscal year ending March 31. Membership renewals have lagged this year – approximately 150 members from last year have not renewed as of late May.  If you have not renewed, please do. If membership does not increase, at some point we will no longer be able to support two patrols. You can also find information for membership on the Woodland Heights webpage. Please support the Constable Patrol.

WHCA Crime Report

It is the time of year where we start to see an increase in theft of yard equipment and other crimes of opportunity involving things taken from yards, porches and open garages. Don’t leave valuable items unattended for even a brief period of time. Theft from cars continues to be the most common crime, many taking place in the parking lots of area businesses. Please don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.

While not in the neighborhood, most months we see one or more assaults or robberies in the 3600 block of North Main. There is no particular pattern that I see – just be aware of your surroundings when in that area.

The City is using a new crime reporting service which provides limited detail regarding types of theft. Starting in March, if it isn’t theft from a vehicle, it is classified as “other” which typically includes non-breaking and entering type property theft. Burglaries: residence 3500 block of Michaux, building 3200 block of Houston Ave.; Auto Theft: 900 block of Pecore.

We remind everyone for a crime in progress, please call 911 first. If our deputies are on duty, they should be monitoring those calls, though you can also call Precinct One dispatch after calling 911 for crimes in progress.

Our deputies come to work in our neighborhood, and remain through their shift, unless they are called to respond to a nearby contract. When they stop to look at something or take some action, they keep a log, so we have a general idea of their activities. For April 2016 here is some of their activity:

Number	Activity
15	Traffic stops, resulting in 6 citations. The deputies have radar and use it to monitor speeds in areas where there are complaints, and they pay particular attention to speeds in school zones;
8	Suspicious person call responses (we average about 10 per month – please do not hesitate to call about something that does not look right)
8	Suspicious vehicle call responses
10	Number of times they stopped to check something in the parks (mostly along White Oak, Stude and Usener).
193	Number of times they stopped to check something in the neighborhood (not otherwise included in these statistics).
5	House alarm responses.
16	Miscellaneous: responses to traffic issues (11), various disturbances/loud noise, gunshots, mischief (5)
38	“Meet the Citizen” – this is a conversation with a member of the neighborhood in a fashion that’s not covered above, (e.g. to introduce themselves or to answer a question). Our deputies are very service oriented, so if you see a deputy and have a question, or just want to say hello please flag them down.

Yard of the Month

Yard of the month for May goes to the Forrest Family at 620 Omar. Their yard is a crisp, clean, traditional landscape with bright pops of red and pink which stand out nicely with their evergreens. Congratulations!

If you have a recommendation for our next Yard of the Month please let us know.

Accident at Bayland and Morrison

An accident involving a car and motorcycle occurred at the intersection of Bayland and Morrison on Friday, May 20th around 8 PM. Both drivers were taken away by ambulance. The WHCA, through the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan, has proposed a traffic circle for this precise intersection to encourage drivers in both directions to be more aware.

Photograph by Woodland Heights resident Cindy Wilson.