Oil downturn on verge of recovery
What we reported: Southwestern Energy Company’s laid off 300 Houston-are employees, and Baker Hughes reported a 34 percent decline in revenue in 2015. In January 2016, the price of oil was hovering around $40 a barrel.
The latest: The price of oil is climbing above $50 from a 2015 low of $30, and operating rig counts in the U.S. are on an upswing, which could lead to job growth in the oil and gas sector.
What’s next: A recovery is projected but is contingent on the price of oil reaching $60 a barrel and a growing rig and job count, said Bill Gilmer, director of the Institute for Regional Forecasting at the University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business.
New superintendent implements changes
What we reported: On May 23, the Klein ISD board of trustees announced Bret Champion as the next superintendent of the district, replacing Jim Cain, who retired. Champion came to KISD with 22 years of experience serving at Leander ISD.
The latest: Champion said he has established a productive working relationship with the board of trustees and with campus and central office leadership. He conducted a successful listen and learn tour to get to know the KISD community.
What’s next: Under Champion’s leadership, the district will initiate the process to become a “District of Innovation,” which will allow for more control as decision makers over the education and instruction for students.
Nuisance buildings rising
What we reported: Harris County law enforcement and the county attorney’s office have ramped up efforts to address illegal activity that affects homeowners and business owners throughout Spring and Klein, with eight buildings identified as nuisances and closed down in 2016.
The latest: Two more properties are being targeted, said Larry Lipton, chairman of the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce monthly public safety forum. One is a vacant office building next to Victor’s Deli on FM 1960. He said an apartment complex off of FM 1960, east of Kuykendahl Road, is being investigated for nuisance abatement as well.
What’s next: Two properties have been submitted to the Harris County Attorney’s Office for further examination, which could result in closure.
State addresses nursing shortage
What we reported: The ratio of nurses and physicians to the population in Harris County is lower than the national median, with 2,773 nurses and 3,831 physicians in Harris County serving the area’s population of 4.5 million people.
The latest: At least nine freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care facilities have opened in the Spring and Klein area in the past three years, and two hospitals opened this year.
What’s next: Lone Star College is pursuing incorporating a 4-year nursing degree. Leaders in Texas are working on a number of initiatives to continue increasing the number of nurses, said Christina Mann, press officer for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
FM 1960 improvements ongoing
What we reported: Several local organizations have put plans in place in recent years to address the roadway’s continuing challenges, such as mobility projects and community rebranding initiatives through the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Grow Northwest campaign.
The latest: Grow Northwest’s Safety and Security Task Force is collaborating with Helping Others Pursue Excellence Haven in a campaign—“Don’t Give Change-Be the Change”—to eradicate panhandling and homeless loitering, which is a prevalent issue on FM 1960.
What’s next: Two monument signs have been proposed on Cypresswood Drive and eventually two sculptures could be installed on FM 1960. While funding for the projects is pending, verbal approval from Harris County has been granted.
Groups responding to floods
What we reported: Flooding caused damage along Cypress Creek after 15 inches of rain fell on the area on April 18. County officials said 9,800 homes flooded in Harris County.
The latest: Cypress Creek overflowed, damaging trails in several Harris County Precinct 4 parks as well as homes and businesses. Houston-based Residents Against Flooding has encouraged the county to initiate more buyouts, allowing the county to purchase and demolish homes within a flood plain.
What’s next: Harris County Flood Control District has proposed $60 million in new construction projects in 2017 to reduce flooding, according to its annual capital improvement program report.
Spring and Klein ISD bond project construction
What we reported: Spring ISD asked voters to approve a $330 million bond to fund new school facilities, technology upgrades and new school buses. Klein ISD approved plans for its 10th intermediate school and a name for its fifth high school, both built with funds from a 2015 bond referendum.
The latest: Voters approved the SISD bond referendum on Nov. 8, and the board of trustees authorized the purchase of the first $225 million in bonds in December. Construction is underway at the new KISD high school, which will be named Klein Cain High School.
What’s next KISD will open Klein Cain High School in August and will begin construction on Intermediate School No. 10 on West Rayford Road with a projected opening date in 2018. SISD will purchase 60 buses for the 2017-18 school year. The design phase of the district’s ninth-grade and middle school buildings will begin in 2017.
Cypress Creek Greenway projects underway
What we reported: Harris County Precinct 4 has planned five major park projects along Cypress Creek, including the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, which is located on 85 acres of preserved land off Chasewood Park Drive and Hwy. 249.
The latest: Work on the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve has advanced ahead of schedule, and a bridge is under construction to connect the park to the building that will house the park caretaker and staff, said Parks Director Dennis Johnston.
What’s next: The Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve will open April 1. Work on Champion Forest Park, a 2-acre site north of Cypresswood Drive and Cutten Road will begin in early 2017.
Springwoods Village Development continues
What we reported: Development continues on the master-planned community. In May, the American Bureau of Shipping announced it would relocate to a 10-story office building in CityPlace in 2017.Tenants were announced for The Market at Springwoods Village, including Kroger.
What’s next: The Mark at Springwoods Village will begin leasing in early 2017. The CityPlace plaza will be under construction in early 2018 to coincide with the completion of the ABS building and a hotel.
Overtime rule in limbo
What we reported A new rule for overtime pay was scheduled to go into effect Dec. 1, 2016, extending overtime compensation to more than 4 million workers who previously did not qualify for overtime pay.
The latest: A Texas federal judge blocked implementation with an injunction on Nov. 22. In December, a federal judge granted the Department of Labor’s request for expedited consideration of its appeal of the preliminary injunction.
What’s next: A briefing on the appeal will be completed Jan. 31. As of December, oral arguments had not been scheduled. If implemented, the rule could affect 370,000 workers in Texas.
