Bohac: Positive Quality Of Life Changes in Spring Branch Make Their Mark in 2008

HOUSTON–State Rep. Dwayne Bohac is pleased to report a number of improvements in the Spring Branch area will have positive impacts on the community. Some of the enhancements include the beautification of two I-10 intersections, Gessner and Bunker Hill, the reconstruction of Long Point Road, a substantial increased law enforcement presence, and retail development.

“There are so many different projects underway. Whether they are spearheaded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Spring Branch Management District or from new business in the community, the revitalization of this historic area is becoming more evident with each passing day,” said Bohac.

I-10 at Gessner and I-10 at Bunker Hill

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Memorial City Management District are collaborating to beautify the intersections of Gessner and I-10 and Bunker Hill and I-10. TxDOT is rebuilding the intersections as part of the Katy Freeway expansion.

After the intersections are complete, the management district has a master plan and funding to install landscaping, Texas-style architecture, and new traffic lights that resemble gateways. Brick pavers will also be used at both intersections to create a unique, interesting design pattern in the roadway.

“When all is said and done, these intersections will be much more welcoming sites as ‘gateways to Spring Branch,’” Bohac said.

On top of this green space design improvement, the Spring Branch Management District will soon be adopting an extensive esplanade landscape design master plan for the Spring Branch community.

New Shopping Center: Village Plaza at Bunker Hill

In addition to work being done by governmental entities, new business will make its mark at Bunker Hill Road and I-10, where Fidelis Realty, Inc. is developing a 46-acre, 520,000 square foot shopping center north of I-10. It is expected to open in a year.

The center will include a 127,000 square-foot H-E-B market, which will combine a regular H-E-B supermarket with features from the company’s more upscale Central Market. Other major anchor tenants include PetsMart and Circuit City.

Allen Hassenflu, of Fidelis Realty, said the shopping center will also include multiple restaurants on pad sights near the feeder road giving residents north of I-10 more eating choices. Restaurant names will be disclosed when all leasing details are finalized.

“The hard work of our local leaders to create well-planned, thoughtful economic development is paying off,” Bohac said. “I believe this kind of new business development is exactly what we need to breathe more life into Spring Branch.”

Increased Law Enforcement Presence

To make the community safer, the Spring Branch Management District has contracted with the Precinct 1 Harris County Constable’s Office to provide police patrols within the management district’s boundaries. Acting as a “force multiplier”, these officers recently began patrolling and are augmenting the city of Houston’s law enforcement presence.

David Hawes, Spring Branch Management District Director, said two supervisors and six deputies are now patrolling the district, and another patrol position will be added soon. The nine constables work exclusively for the management district and patrol the streets daily, with a higher concentration of officers on the street during high crime periods. Their work began this past November with an intense focus on problem apartments, where HPD has recorded a high volume of “calls for service.”

“Business owners and residents want to feel safer in their community, and an increased law enforcement presence is vital to this effort,” Bohac said. “In fact safety is one of the main reasons we worked with business leaders and community leaders to create the Spring Branch Management District. We also wanted to promote enhanced urban design features and green space, and we wanted to focus on transportation improvements–especially along Long Point and Gessner.”

Reconstruction of Long Point

To ease traffic concerns, the City of Houston will begin major construction this year in an ongoing effort to update Long Point. The Spring Branch Management District will help as well. “Councilmember Toni Lawrence has made the complete reconstruction of Long Point one of her main goals,” said Bohac, “and it is one of my highest priorities as well.”

The city will begin enlarging the intersection of Long Point and Wirt Road by adding turn lanes. The city has also budgeted for changes to be made on both sides of Long Point between Pine Chase and Johanna drives.

In addition, the city has funds to improve the intersection of Long Point and Blalock Road and a stretch of Long Point from Hollister to Pech roads. This project is slated to begin at the end of 2008.

“Spring Branch is among the best places to live, work and raise a family, and we are now at a turning point to a brighter future,” Bohac said.