Hello,
July is National Park and Recreation Month, and there’s no better time to visit one of the Precinct’s 54 parks. Our dedicated park and recreation team members do so much to maintain these incredible green spaces – be sure to say hello if you see them around!
Last Commissioners Court, we moved forward with our master plan to re-envision Burnett Bayland Park. I am so thankful to our Gulfton community for their advocacy and continued partnership. In the coming months, we will center community input to design an inclusive park and inclusive community.
Not only do parks offer spaces to spend time with friends and family, but they also serve an important function during hurricane season: flood mitigation. Parks lessen the impact of heavy rainfall by absorbing water, reducing runoff, and preventing excessive flooding. By acting as natural sponges that store and slow down the flow of water, green space protects nearby communities from potential storm damage.
As the height of hurricane season nears, Precinct 4 is hard at work trimming trees, removing debris from ditches and gutters, and maintaining our fleet of rescue vehicles. During a storm, we provide 24-hour emergency service, removing road hazards and closing flooded roads to prevent accidents. We also collaborate closely with law enforcement as first responders to perform rescue operations.
After a storm, our teams diligently work to remove storm debris, distribute water and supplies, and provide vital recovery resources. We understand the challenges our residents face during these times, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
As we enjoy the beauty and benefits of our parks this National Park and Recreation Month, let us also appreciate their vital role in flood control. Precinct 4 is prepared and dedicated to keeping our communities safe during hurricane season.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable National Park and Recreation Month!
All my best,
Lesley Briones
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Moving Precinct 4 Forward |
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Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones led an investment of $1.7 million to Improve 911 Call Response Times |
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Harris County commissioners unanimously approved $1.7 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to enhance the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) TeleDeputy Unit. The TeleDeputy program enables officers to work overtime and remotely handle low-priority, non-urgent 911 calls. These low-priority calls make up nearly 60% of HCSO calls, leading to slower response times across the board. Examples of these Priority 3 and 4 calls include reporting a crime tip or an abandoned or stalled vehicle. With this additional support from the TeleDeputy Unit, patrol deputies will be able to respond more rapidly to 911 calls involving urgent, critical matters, including calls related to violent crime and domestic violence.
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Commissioner Lesley Briones joined Judge Lina Hidalgo, the YMCA, and Baker Ripley to announce the Early Raising Education Access for Children in Harris County (REACH) program. Early REACH aims to improve childcare quality and expand access to high-quality early childhood education for children between 0-4 years old. To participate, centers must be licensed and in good standing, with a track record of providing high-quality services. For more information, visit earlyreach.org.
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Founded in Freedom: Riceville’s
Enduring Legacy as a Texas Freedom Colony
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Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones participated in a community conversation with residents of Riceville, a freedom colony and historic community in Southwest Houston. Riceville was founded by Black Texans in the 19th century, before Emancipation and the Civil War. This tour allowed Commissioner Briones to engage with community members and spotlight a significant part of Precinct 4’s history. To learn more about the Riceville community, click here.
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TxDOT Beltway 8/I-69 Frontage Road Reconstruction Underway |
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Reconstruction of the northbound and southbound Beltway 8 West Belt frontage roads from IH-69 to Westheimer Road began July 11 and will improve safety and enhance mobility for the surrounding businesses and residences.
Project improvements include the reconstruction of existing frontage roads and intersections, drainage improvements, pedestrian curb ramps, storm sewer inlet top replacements, pavement markings, and signal loop detectors.
Work will occur daily during standard construction work hours (from dawn until dust). The project is anticipated to complete in 2026.
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Precinct 4 in the Community |
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Liberty Fest at Plaza Americas |
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Commissioner Lesley Briones joined the Southwest Management District and other local leaders at Plaza Americas for this year’s 2023 Liberty Fest. The event brought together vendors and organizations from different communities from the Southwest region to celebrate the nation’s independence. |
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Texas Advocacy Project: Backpacks for Hope |
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Harris County Precinct 4 participated in the Texas Advocacy Project (TAP) 12th Annual Backpacks for Hope Campaign. Backpacks for Hope works to ensure that every child in a Texas shelter receives a backpack filled with essential school supplies by the start of the new school year. The campaign serves as a way for the Texas Advocacy Project to get life-saving legal and social resources into the hands of survivors. To donate, click here.
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Commissioner Lesley Briones walked in the 45th Pride Houston Parade to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community. The parade is organized by Pride Houston 365 and serves as a platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights and raise awareness. |
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Commissioner Lesley Briones walked in the 45th Pride Houston Parade to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community. The parade is organized by Pride Houston 365 and serves as a platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights and raise awareness.
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Below are just a few highlights from the June 27 Commissioner Court:
- Approved $1.7 million in federal ARPA funds for the TeleDeputy Unit at the Sheriff’s Office.
- Approved request for a $700, 000 contract to begin the revitalization of Burnett Bayland Park in Gulfton.
- Approved request to accept a $1.1 million USDOT grant to provide half-cost ride services for people 65+ and the disabled population outside of the METRO services area.
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“...This will reduce response times, increase public safety, and not only will they help reduce response times for all Priority 1 and 2 calls that is the goal, but it will also specifically be targeted to helping get to calls of domestic violence sooner,” Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said Tuesday.
In the breakout session covering water issues, Harris County Pct. 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, former State Rep. Bill Callegari, and State Rep. Stan Kitzman of Waller County discussed flood mitigation issues.
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Family Game Night
Bayland Community Center
Wednesday, July 19, 6 – 8 p.m.
Play yard games like cornhole and ladder toss to some family-friendly tunes or get creative with the kids at the craft table. Bring the whole family! *Adults must accompany all children under 18, and registration is required. All supplies will be provided. Contact 713-274-4050 for more details.
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Kids Summer Fest: Navigating the internet and social media
Tracy Gee Community Center
Thursday, July 20, 2023, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
We live in a world where social media and the internet are poignant platforms for our youth. Let's navigate together with Precinct 5 Constables to receive guided and vital information that helps youth stay as safe as possible. Stay after to enjoy some additional fun and pizza!
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Sports Night at Nottingham Park
Nottingham Park
Friday, July 21, 2023, 6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Join us for Sports Night at Nottingham Park in partnership with City of Houston District G Council Member Mary Nan Huffman. Grab your blankets and chairs for a family-friendly movie night under the stars, featuring the 1993 classic Cool Runnings.
Sports Night will also feature:
- Photos with the 2022 World Series Trophy
- Houston sports mascots, including Toro and Diesel
- A demonstration from the Houston Roughnecks
- Face painting
- Inflatables
- Hot dogs & snow cones
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