See this KHOU news story about the changes taking place in our community: http://ping.fm/Jp4hy">http://ping.fm/ZWcMp">http://ping.fm/Jp4hy

Livable Centers Study and Implementation Plan Presentation, November 2, 5820 Pinemont, 6:30 pm, Bring your neighbors!

Near Northwest Community Job Fair, Oct. 19, 10 am-2pm, Advent Lutheran Church, 5820 Pinemont, http://ping.fm/agwmE

National Night Out TODAY! 5:30 -8, 5620 W. Tidwell.

National Night Out Tomorrow! 5:30-8 pm, 5620 Kroger, Come out and have fun meeting your neighbors

National Night Out, Oct. 4, 5:30-Meet your neighbors and area law enforcement -HPD Horses, Pct.1 K-9, NW Firetruck & DEA Helicopter...Cool!

National Night Out, Tuesday , Oct. 4, 5:30-8 pm, food, games, music, prizes, 5620 W. Tidwell -- be there!

The White Oak Conference Center Pool is OPEN! Noon - 8 p.m. each Sat. & Sun. in September http://ping.fm/MLclN

Business Network Breakfast, Sept. 1, 7:30 am, RSVP Now at nearnorthwestdistrict.eventbrite.com

Upper White Oak Pool, City inspection delayed, so no swimming now. Come for open house, music, refreshments, tour facility, July 1, 4-7

Volunteers Needed! Help us put flags on esplanades for 4th. Meet at White Oak Pool, Sunday July 3 at 2:30. ?? Call Eileen at 713-895-8021

Near Northwest Entertainment & Events

June 20, 2011

The Near Northwest Entertainment & Events is your source for entertainment and recreational activities in Near Northwest Houston. Whether you’re looking for family activities or a night out on the town, we’ve got the information you need. So spread the word to your friends and coworkers. Tell them to sign up at www.nearnorthwestdistrict.com

Grand Opening Upper White Oak Pool Party
Come and hang at our area’s newest community pool! Everyone is invited to enjoy Upper White Oak Pool, located at 7603 Antoine at the former Inwood Forest Country Club site, July 1 from 4 – 7 pm. Seasonal memberships are available for $150 but can be purchased for $135 on the District’s Web Site, www.nearnorthwestdistrict.com, through July 1.

Free Movie in the Park
Join Council Member Brenda Stardig for a free Movie Night at Agnes Moffet Park, located at Hammerly & Beltway 8. There is a Farmer’s Market at 5 pm followed by a movie at 8pm. The movie this Friday is “Wizard of Oz.”

Family Nights at Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A at 13240 Northwest Freeway is offering fun family activities every Tuesday night from 6 to 8 pm.
• June 21 Transformers
• June 28 Face Painting & Balloons
Coming soon a new breakfast option….Chick-fil-A Oatmeal!

Tinseltown 290
Summer fun at the movies! Check out the great flicks at Tinseltown 290 this week.
Enjoy the Summer Movie Clubhouse! Every Wednesday at 10 am Tinseltown 290 shows a great family movie for only $1! Coming up this month:
• June 22 Veggie Tales: Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything (G)
• June 29 How to Train Your Dragon (PG)

Go to www.cinemark.com for the complete summer schedule and a coupon for a discount on a movie snack!

Summertime Specials at Red Onion Seafood Y Mas
• Tuesdays, 5-7pm, glass of house wine is $3
• Wednesday, 5-7 pm, martinis are $5
• Thursday, Executive Lunch Buffet $10 includes tea, coffee or soft drink
• Thursday, 5-9 pm, Evening Seafood Extravaganza Buffet $22.95

12041 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77092, 713-957-2232, Reservations Accepted.

Book your Staycation at Hampton Inn Now!
High gas prices take away your vacation? Book a Staycation at The Brookhollow Hampton Inn, located at 12909 Northwest Freeway! Rooms starting at $74 plus tax per night Thursday – Sunday. Take advantage of complimentary hot breakfast and free wifi, lounge by the pool and enjoy entertainment on the 290 Strip! Book by phone (713-939-7100) and ask for the 290 Restaurant Special or book online at www.houston brookhollow.hamptoninn.com (Corp ID # 0002750876)

Brick House Tavern and Tap
Stop in every Tuesday between 6 & 9 for Pint Nights! Experience the featured brews and keep the glass!
• June 21 Longhammer
• June 28 Shock Top

Got entertainment news?
Send information about your events to melfahey@nearnorthwestdistrict.com and we will include it in our newsletter!

Grand Opening of Upper White Oak Pool and other events in the District at http://ping.fm/OMn7u

Business Network Update

The purpose of the Business Network Breakfast is to provide an opportunity of area business owners to meet each other and share ideas about how to improve the business community in our area. This newsletter provides a brief summary of the meeting as a reminder for attendees and to keep those who couldn’t be with us in the loop.

Speaker Notes
Council Member Brenda Stardig
Council Member Brenda Stardig opened the breakfast with praise for the District and the work we are doing in the area. She also voiced her appreciation for the business people in the room whose dedication and service in the area was starting to make a difference. She assured the group that the City was committed to the improvement of the area and reminded business owners and residents that this was already an area where you could get a great return on your investment.

Council Member Stardig also encouraged community members to attend the Movie Nights organized by her office in Agnes Moffet Park, located at Hammerly & Beltway 8. There is a Farmer’s Market at 5 pm followed by a movie at 8pm. Movies scheduled:
June 17 Back to the Future
June 24 Wizard of Oz

Livable Centers Study
Landscape Architects Bill Odle and Drew Mengwasser of TBG Partners gave a brief overview of the preliminary findings of the Livable Centers Study.

Vision Statement
Our vision for the Antoine Corridor is to transform Antoine into a destination intertwined with the waters of White Oak Bayou and Vogel Creek, linked to the heart of Houston by waterside trails, punctuated by unique parks, community gardens, and reborn as a walkable, bikable mixed-use corridor anchored by landmark buildings, lively public spaces and served by enhanced transit.

Scope of Study
The Livable Centers Study Grant funds the development of design recommendations, infrastructure improvements and urban design solutions that will provide our community with appealing places for people to interact and gather, make walking, bicycling and transit more convenient, preserve the environment and create a unique community that will act as a catalyst for investment and redevelopment. The study
area is approximately one mile of Antoine from W. Tidwell to West Little York but it will impact our entire area.

Recommendations

Leverage Strategic Location with Upgraded Transit Connections - Establish express service signature bus lines that allow residents to live, walk and ride transit to jobs while reducing traffic and increasing pedestrian activity on Antoine.

Redefine Our Relationship to Water - Raise awareness of water with public spaces and trails that trace it, landmark buildings that leverage investments overlooking it and bridges that celebrate crossing it.

Make Parks and Gardens a Priority - Transform the area with a series of diverse parks linked in a green network, animated and accented by water.

Create a Place that is a Destination - Create a live, work, learn, visit and play lifestyle and sense of place that will be unique in Houston.

Transform an Auto-centric Strip Into a Street for People - Redevelop the street edge with active public spaces and pedestrian-friendly commerce, making it safe to walk and a place of identity and civic pride.

Upcoming Events

Security Meeting
Monthly working session for law enforcement, corporate security personnel and others to exchange information about issues in the Near Northwest area. Second Tuesday of the month at 5300 Hollister 100.

Business Network Breakfast
Our next quarterly breakfast! Thursday, September 1, 2011, 7:30 am at Café Red Onion, 12440 Northwest Freeway. Please RSVP to Shalu, 713-895-8021

National Night Out
One of the largest in Houston! Meet your neighbors and have a good time. Tuesday, October 4, 2011 from 6:00—8:30 pm in the Kroger parking lot, 5620 W. Tidwell. We need partners to help make this event a success so contact Eileen Egan, eegan@nearnorthwestdistrict.com, for more information.

Job Fair
Recruit new employees or contract workers, Wednesday, October 19, 2011 from 10:00 am—2:00 pm at Advent Lutheran Church, 5820 Pinemont. Contact: Ruby Glass, rglass@nearnorthwestdistrict.com

Grand Opening of Upper White Oak Pool, July 1, 4-7 pm, Community invited to enjoy pool. More information at http://ping.fm/PWrqT

Volunteers needed, Saturday, June 11 at the Inwood Forest Golf Club to rake pine needles & through out trash inside the building, 8-12.

Near Northwest Entertainment & Events

June 9, 2011

The Near Northwest Entertainment & Events is your source for entertainment and recreational activities in Near Northwest Houston. Whether you’re looking for family activities or a night out on the town, we’ve got the information you need. So spread the word to your friends and coworkers. Tell them to sign up at www.nearnorthwestdistrict.com

Family Nights at Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A at 13240 Northwest Freeway is offering fun family activities every Tuesday night from 6 to 8 pm.
• June 14 Airbrush Tattoos
• June 21 Transformers
• June 28 Face Painting & Balloons

Or Saturday events from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
• June 18 Face Painting & Balloons

Coming soon….Chick-fil-A Oatmeal!

Crawfish Festival

Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd Street, presents its Second Annual Crawfish Festival Saturday, June 11 from 3 – 6 pm. $10 admission includes traditional crawfish boil and jambalaya with Zydeco music and activities for the kids. For more information call 713-681-6422.

Community Health Fair
Saturday, June 11 from 12-3 pm Antoine Dental Center is hosting a Community Health Fair at 6206 Antoine. See J Mac from 97.9 the Boxx and experience fun activities for the whole family.

Tinseltown 290
Summer fun at the movies! Check out the great flicks at Tinseltown 290 this weekend.

Enjoy the Summer Movie Clubhouse! Every Wednesday at 10 am Tinseltown 290 shows a great family movie for only $1! Coming up this month:
• June 15 Megamind (PG)
• June 22 Veggie Tales: Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything (G)
• June 29 How to Train Your Dragon (PG)

Click here, http://ping.fm/GVLkM for the complete summer schedule and a coupon for a discount on a movie snack!

Summertime Specials at Red Onion Seafood Y Mas
• Tuesdays, 5-7pm, glass of house wine is $3
• Wednesday, 5-7 pm, martinis are $5
• Thursday, Executive Lunch Buffet $10 includes tea, coffee or soft drink
• Thursday, 5-9 pm, Evening Seafood Extravaganza Buffet $22.95

12041 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77092, 713-957-2232, Reservations Accepted.

Book your Staycation at Hampton Inn Now!
High gas prices take away your vacation? Book a Staycation at The Brookhollow Hampton Inn, located at 12909 Northwest Freeway! Rooms starting at $74 plus tax per night Thursday – Sunday. Take advantage of complimentary hot breakfast and free wifi, lounge by the pool and enjoy entertainment on the 290 Strip! Book by phone (713-939-7100) and ask for the 290 Restaurant Special or book online at www.houston brookhollow.hamptoninn.com (Corp ID # 0002750876)

Brick House Tavern and Tap
Stop in every Tuesday between 6 & 9 for Pint Nights! Experience the featured brews and keep the glass!
• June 14 Abita Purple Haze
• June 16 Bike Night
• June 21 Longhammer
• June 28 Shock Top

Got entertainment news?
Send information about your events to melfahey@nearnorthwestdistrict.com and we will include it in our newsletter!

See all the places to go and things to do in the Near Northwest District at http://ping.fm/QjsPF

Go to YouTube to see video of the Demonstration Community Garden at Treesearch Farmshttp://ping.fm/yPX6q

Amazing Aldine-new brochure highlighting the Aldine District http://ping.fm/TkQ3E

The District’s Jobs Page has been updated- http://ping.fm/iE5sJ
Post your jobs by emailing rglass@nearnorthwestdistrict.com.

District attended Apple Celebration...1st Victory Early College grad class boasts 28 with Associates Degrees...Amazing Aldine!

Amazing Aldine--Looking for a good school for your child? Smith & Ermel are now open enrollment. Learn more at http://ping.fm/wMneX

RSVP for the Business Network Breakfast Today! 713-895-8021 -- 6/2, 7:30, Meet area business owners, presentation on Livable Centers Study

The date for the Near Northwest Management District’s Fall Job Fair is October 19, 2011. Save the date! Contact Ruby Glass 713-895-8021.

Business Network Breakfast, June 2, 7:30 am, Speaker Ric Guenther-Livable Centers Study, Door Prizes, RSVP 713-895-8021

Business E-newsletter

May 23, 2011

The Near Northwest E-News is your source for what’s going on in Near Northwest Houston each and every week. Whether you’re looking for opportunities to get involved in your community, business development tips, new business openings, or special events we’ve got the information you need. So spread the word to your friends and coworkers. Tell them to sign up at www.nearnorthwestdistrict.com

Business Network Breakfast
Our next Business Network Breakfast is scheduled for June 2 at 7:30 am. These free networking events allow local businesses to meet each other and explore ways they can work together. This month’s speaker is Ric Guenther of LRK Architects and Planners to present the preliminary plan for the Livable Centers Study. Come and learn all about proposed changes to our community. Contact Shalu, 713-895-8021, for information about the location and to RSVP.

Job Fair
The District just completed another successful Job Fair. More than 25 employers participated, over two-thirds of which were from the area, and more than 150 high quality job candidates attended.

Our next Job Fair is tentatively scheduled for October 19. Previous participants are being given first choice for our limited spaces. Contact Ruby Glass, rglass@nearnorthwestdistrict.com, to reserve your spot.

Need staff before October? Post your jobs on the District’s Jobs Page. Contact Ruby for more information.

METRO Long Range Plan Public Workshops
METRO is hosting a series of public workshops to discuss the future of transit in our region. They are working with communities throughout our service area to learn where service is needed and how they can modify or add existing service to better serve the needs of the community.
They will be exploring option for transit services including:

• Streetcars
• Commuter rail
• Light rail
• Improved bus service
• Bus rapid transit
• HOV/HOT Lanes

The public workshop in our area is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24 from 6-8 pm at the Crowne Plaza –Brookhollow, 12801 NW Frwy.
Livable Centers Study
Thanks to all the community members and business owners who attended our public meetings. More than 150 people participated in each meeting and worked with designers to help vision improvements to our area. Go to the Livable Centers page of our web site to see some of the ideas presented. Businesses or community groups who would like a full length presentation should contact Wayne Norden at 713-895-8021.

METRO Long Range Plan Public Workshop, Tonight, May 24, 6-8 pm, Crowne Plaza Brookhollow, 12801 NW Frwy

Security & Development Update

May 20, 2011

This month’s Security & Development Meeting was attended by Officers from Harris County Precinct One Constables, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Aldine Police Department as well as several private security companies working in the area and corporate security personnel. We are extremely grateful to all of these organizations for their commitment to making our community safer.

Law Enforcement Updates
Constables - Last month several apartment complexes mentioned that several individuals were frequently found in the area. In response to these reports, the Constables have focused patrols in the area and have issued warrants for the arrest of these individuals.

K-9 patrols have begun. Officer Buzz and his handler, Deputy Ben Adams, are at work in the area and have already made several arrests for possession of narcotics. Who’s a good dog?!

HPD Update – Crime in general is down. HPD is seeing an increase in purse snatchings, usually among mothers with small children and older ladies. Most of these incidents are taking place in the shopping centers on Antoine and 290. HPD has made one arrest for purse snatching recently but expect the number of incidents to rise during the summer months.

During the last two years HPD has been focusing on vagrant crimes. A concentrated effort has been made to move everyone who sleeps under bridges along 290 and 610 as well as from the wooded areas along Pinemont out of the community.

Sheriff’s Department Update – Sterling Grove contracts with the Sheriff’s Department to patrol the property. Sterling Grove is under construction, so much of the property is closed closed and fenced off. The construction is going well and the property is beginning to look good. The portion of the property that is fenced off is patrolled by private security personnel overnight.

Aldine Police Department – Chief Allen reported that Aldine PD is operating 24/7, so if residents see kids behaving suspiciously or committing a crime they can report them to Aldine PD.

Community Input
Forged Products – Security personnel reported theft of brass coupling off of their sprinkler system. There have been numerous instances of thefts of brass and copper fittings in the area. Equipment containing brass or copper parts should be secured and marked.

Linda Vista – Has received approval for renovation funding from the City of Houston. Construction should begin June 1with resident relocations.

Email circulating – Reports that people banging on doors yelling 911 to gain entrance to homes. Never open the door without knowing who is on the other side.

H-GAC Livable Centers Study
As part of there efforts to improve the area, the District is moving forward with a H-GAC Livable Centers Study Grant. Public Meetings were held on April 26 & 28 to get community input for the scope and type of changes needed in the area. Designers took several days to process this information and have presented an initial plan. See the power point presentation at http://ping.fm/4HhBQ

Improving the area depends on security. We all need to be vigilant about paying attention to what is happening in the community and who is moving in. We need eyes on the street and for residents and business owners to attend our security meeting and share information with law enforcement officers.

Security Prevention Tips with Deputy Art St. John
1. Every door and door frame has its fatigue and breaking points.
2. Screws must extend through the jamb and into the studs of the door frame.
3. None of the fasten screws should be aligned as in-line screws tend to split the wood.
4. Recommended screw length is 3 inches.
5. A deadbolt lock is recommended. Must lock with a minimum bolt throw of 1 inch that penetrates a metal strike plate. It locks into place with no spring to extend or retract it.
6. If a door is secured by a deadbolt lock has breakable glass within 40 inches, the lock must be key-operated from both sides unless prohibited by life safety codes.
7. The single cylinder deadbolt is locked or unlocked from the outside by a key and from the inside with a thumb turn.
8. The double cylinder deadbolt is locked or unlocked by a key from either side.
9. Solid core wooden doors that are 1 3/8 inches thick are considered to be very secured if properly set in a secure frame with deadbolt locks.
10. Garage doors are equipped with key-operating locking device.
11. Use non-removeable pins or weld pins in place. For exterior hinges, drill hole though hinge into hinge pin and place a set screw in hole preventing removal.
Goal is to deny, deter, delay and detect.

National Night Out
The District has begun planning for National Night Out scheduled for Tuesday, October 4. We are looking for home owner and business participation to make this event bigger and better than last year.

Next Meeting
June 14, 9am at 5300 Hollister, 100, Please forward this update to your contacts in the area. The more participation we have from the community we have, the safer our area will be.

Near Northwest Entertainment & Events #6

May 19, 2011

The Near Northwest Entertainment & Events is your source for entertainment and recreational activities in Near Northwest Houston. Whether you’re looking for family activities or a night out on the town, we’ve got the information you need. So spread the word to your friends and coworkers. Tell them to sign up at www.nearnorthwestdistrict.com

Brick House Tavern and Tap

Stop in every Tuesday between 6 & 9 for Pint Nights! Experience these featured brews:
• May 24 Bass Ale
• May 31 Fireman’s 4

Happy Hour every Monday-Thursday 3pm-6pm!
Enjoy $1cans, $2 Domestic Drafts, $3 Import Drafts & Wells, $4 House Wines & Specialty Imports, $5 Appetizers

Family Nights at Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A at 13240 Northwest Freeway is offering fun family activities every Tuesday night from 6 to 8 pm.
• May 24 Airbrush Tattoos
• May 31 Build –A-Bot

Or Saturday events from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
• May 21 Face Painting
• May 28 Clown


Celebrate Chick-fil-A 290s 1st Year Anniversary, Friday, May 20, Balloon artist from 10 am to 7 pm, Cupcakes will be served and free meals given away to every 50th guest that comes in.

Tinseltown 290
Summer fun at the movies! Check out the great flicks at Tinseltown 290 this weekend.

Got entertainment news?
Send information about your events to melfahey@nearnorthwestdistrict.com and we will include it in our newsletter!

Commuity Job Fair-Wed, May 11 10 am-2pm, Advent Lutheran, 5820 Pinemont, Opportunities from training to professional available

Read about April 26 & 28 Public Mtgs: http://ping.fm/JRgQA

See who is working to improve our community as a memeber of the Livable Centers Study Advisory Committee - http://ping.fm/SmgOr

Congratulations to Linda Vista! City Council approved Ike Recovery Funding so Linda Vista will be part of the community revitalization!

Help Envision a Livable Center in the Near Northwest District, April 26, Open House, 4-8pm, 5820 Pinemont http://ping.fm/uVrWG

Keep up to date on the Livable Centers Study Progress at http://ping.fm/nwSui

ULI Rose Center Helping Houston with Redevelopment of Multifamily Housing - click to read http://ping.fm/yYOWq

ULI Rose Center Helping Houston with Redevelopment of Multifamily Housing - click to read www.nearnorthwestdistrict.com/NewsAndEvents/Newsroom.shtml

Changes coming! Read this: http://ping.fm/7lmBR Come to April 26 meeting at Advent Lutheran

Apartment Manager's Meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 15, Noon at the YMCA at 1234 W 34th ST.

District Entertainment

February 09, 2011
The Near Northwest Entertainment & Events is your source for entertainment and recreational activities in Near Northwest Houston. Whether you’re looking for family activities or a night out on the town, we’ve got the information you need. So spread the word to your friends and coworkers. Tell them to sign up at www.nearnorthwestdistrict.com

FREEB!RDS NW Crossing
FREEB!RDS NW Crossing, 13280 NW Freeway, will host local hit Euphilia, Saturday, February 12 at 7 pm. Enjoy food and beer specials while the band plays. Come on out and enjoy the party in the parking lot!

Tinseltown 290
Looking for something artsy to do? Take advantage of Tinseltown 290s CineArts offerings this weekend. Current art films showing include 127 Hours starring James Franco and The King’s Speech starring Helena Bonham Carter and Colin Firth. (Click here for showtimes)

Family Nights at Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A at 13240 Northwest Freeway is offering fun family activities every Tuesday night from 6 to 8 pm.
• February 15 Valentine’s Day Celebration and Face Painting
• February 22 Build-A-Bot and Air Brush Tattoos

The Gables is demolished! See news coverage at http://ping.fm/2VyTL

Security Meeting, Tues., Feb 8, 9 am, 5300 Hollister. Meet with area law enforcement to discuss security issues.

See the demolition of the Gables: http://ping.fm/GLFXM

Shop locally! Spending your money at local independent businesses keeps resources in the area and helps build the community.

See renovations at Hollyview & Sterling Grove Apts on pg. 50 of ABODE Magazine -- http://ping.fm/hIIvR

The District’s Job Board has been updated. Go to www.nearnorthwestdistrict.com/Programs/JobFair.shtml.

Read all about VentureTech’s Larry Keast in the Chronicle: www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/facebook/7356837.html