Looking to catch up with Community Impact's coverage? Check out these six trending stories from Oct. 23-30.
Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen P. Turner indicted
Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen P. Turner was indicted Oct. 22 on federal charges following at least two years of investigation, Bobby Eberle, the director of communications for the county judge, said at an Oct. 22 county press conference.
Turner and two people in her office were arrested Oct. 22 for using county money to hire two employees to care for Turner’s mother, U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz said at a press conference. The trio was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, theft concerning federal money and wire fraud.
Reitz said he suspects Turner used tens or hundreds of thousands of county dollars, but the exact amount will become clearer as the case unfolds. However, Eberle said it is important to note that Turner has not been convicted and remains in charge of the office.
Read the full story by Reporter Pili Saravia here.
City of Fulshear hears $520M Fulshear Town Square project proposal
Financing plans for a potential $520 million downtown district in Fulshear remain under review.
At an Oct. 20 meeting, Fulshear City Council heard a presentation on the proposed Fulshear Town Square project after Mayor Don McCoy brought the item to the agenda.
Joe Veytia, a representative of 1093 FTS LLC, said there would be two separate projects: Fulshear Town Square along FM 1093 and Fulshear Village Luxury Lofts between Wallis and Main Streets.
“Our goal is to create a downtown district for Fulshear that residents can enjoy, it attracts quality employers and visitors, supports local businesses and creates amenities that currently do not exist in our city,” Veytia said.
Read the full story by Reporter Bradley Dountz here.
Luxury takes root in Houston
Luxury is becoming harder to miss in Houston, where global retailers are opening flagship stores, expanding existing boutiques and investing in some of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods.
At River Oaks District, more than a dozen luxury retailers have opened or announced new locations in the past two to three years, while established brands are expanding their footprints. Developers are also adding luxury residences, hotels and mixed-use projects across the Inner Loop, creating a growing market of high-end retail, real estate and hospitality.
These investments come as the area in recent years has seen a boom in home sales that eclipse the $1 million mark—and are supported by many growing industries in Houston that are contributing to the economic base of the area.
Read the full story by Editor Cassandra Jenkins here.
Alvin ISD reviews TIRZ expiration, financial impact
Alvin ISD’s board of trustees reviewed the upcoming expiration of the Shadow Creek Ranch tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ, and its impact on the district at its Oct. 20 meeting.
The Shadow Creek Ranch TIRZ was established in 1998 as a 30-year agreement to fund infrastructure through property tax growth, according to district documents.
The TIRZ allowed private developers to invest in infrastructure, including water and sewer lines, and drainage and detention facilities, with the potential to be reimbursed through a portion of the additional property tax revenue generated as property values increased, documents show.
Read the full story by Reporter Catherine White here.
Houston Museum of Natural Science to launch new Marvel exhibit in December
Starting Dec. 18, Houston residents will be able to lean into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a new exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
The new exhibit, dubbed "Marvel: The Exhibition—Universe of Super Heroes," is anticipated to take audiences on a journey through the Marvel Universe by offering a "fresh perspective" on the company's 85-plus-year history and exploring the worldwide impact of Marvel, according to the HMNS website.
Guests can expect to see over 150 rare and original artifacts from Marvel Studios, including authentic props and costumes, as well as drawings and artwork by iconic comic artists such as Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Read the full story by Editor Cassandra Jenkins here.
Ace Hardware coming to League City Parkway
Ace Hardware is slated to open on League City Parkway, according to a filing from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Ace Hardware offers a wide selection of core hardware products and equipment. This includes basic hardware, plumbing goods, electrical and automotive parts, grilling units, outdoor power equipment, gardening supplies and coolers, per its website.
Read the full story by Editor Haley Velasco here.
