Want to catch up on Community Impact's coverage from this week? Check out the five top stories across Bellaire, Meyerland and West University from Oct. 30-Nov. 5.
Houston Museum of Natural Science to launch new Marvel exhibit in December
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is launching a new exhibit titled "Marvel: The Exhibition—Universe of Super Heroes." The exhibit explores the company's 85-plus-year history and its worldwide impact.
Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see:
Over 150 rare and original artifacts from Marvel Studios, including authentic props and costumes.
Drawings and artwork by comic artists Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at the creation of iconic stories and characters.
The exhibit debuts Dec. 18 for members only and opens to the public Dec. 19. Tickets cost $40 for adults and $30 for children, which include access to all permanent exhibit halls at the museum.
See more details by Editor Cassandra Jenkins.
French-style bakery and cafe Arôme opens its doors on Kirby Drive
A new French-style bakery and café named Arôme opened its doors Oct. 31 in Houston. The bakery specializes in made-from-scratch sourdough and utilizes traditional French bread recipes.
Arôme bakes its items fresh daily using premium ingredients. The bakery's menu features:
Organic handmade galettes, which are crepes baked until golden brown, folded and filled with savory elements like egg, bacon strips and mushrooms
Pretzels, rolls and pastries, including chocolate croissants
Caffeinated beverages
Throughout November, patrons can enjoy $5 off their first order when they spend $20 or more on-location as part of the bakery’s celebratory promotion, according to an official post online.
Read the full story by Reporter Emily Lara.
West U to meet with The Woodlands leadership before continuing e-bike discussions
West University Place officials said they would revisit the city’s micromobility ordinance after meeting with Woodlands Township CEO Brad Bailey, who is running for the Texas State House of Representatives and has previously said he would take up the issue at the state level if elected.
West U Mayor Susan Sample said she will meet with him after the election to discuss what his ideas are for state regulation.
“Being the head of the Woodlands township, he has the same issues. So I'm sure, and from what I understand too, he's got some great ideas for the state to tackle,” Sample said at the Nov. 2 meeting.
However, council member John Barnes pointed out that the state’s legislative session doesn't begin until January and even if the bill passed then, it wouldn't take effect until months later.
Explore the full story by Reporter Ariel Worthy.
West U officials give initial direction on Buffalo Speedway Pedestrian Enhancements Project
On Oct. 26, city staff solicited feedback from West University Place City Council that would establish the first steps of a project dedicated to widening Buffalo Speedway’s pedestrian sidewalks.
The high-volume route spans directly through West U and was identified as the center of these project efforts in the city’s 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plan, which was approved Aug. 17, according to prior coverage from Community Impact.
The scope of the sidewalk improvement project involves installing 8- to 12-foot-wide sidewalks from Bissonnet Street to West Holcombe Boulevard, City manager Dave Beach explained to the council in a presentation.
The changes made under this project are expected to feed directly into West U’s larger ongoing pedestrian and traffic safety investigative work, which comprises five individual traffic studies conducted by BGE Engineers.
Dive deeper into the story by Reporter Emily Lara.
Bellaire officials to study the feasibility of creating a special district as first step of economic development strategy
The Bellaire City Council has authorized a $100,000 contract with HR&A Advisors to begin implementing an economic development strategy. The contract became effective Nov. 2 and is set to terminate Sept. 30, 2027, with the study expected to take place over a full fiscal year.
The first steps of the strategy will focus on two main priorities:
Examining the feasibility and process of creating a special district, specifically considering a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and a Public Improvement District for Downtown Bellaire.
Designing a storefront facade improvement program to provide financial and design assistance for upgrading the exterior of commercial buildings.
The process will include stakeholder engagement to gather feedback from affected individuals and groups, including commercial property owners and the Bellaire Business Association.
Learn more from Editor Cassandra Jenkins.
