Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from the last week? Check out six trending stories from the South Houston area from July 20-24.
1. Pearland shifts with new mayor and city leadership changes
A new mayor, police chief, fire chief, city attorney and assistant city manager are among the leadership changes Pearland recently underwent.
Pearland operates under a council-manager form of government, where elected officials establish policy and appoint key leadership positions, while the city manager and staff oversee day-to-day operations.
Read more by Editor Haley Velasco.
2. New 17-acre River Oaks development set to define luxury with new amenities
Transwestern, a commercial real estate company, is bringing a new 17-acre mixed-use development called The RO to the intersection of West Alabama Street and Buffalo Speedway that is expected to be completed by early 2028.
The first phase of the $400 million project, which included a 145,000-square-foot Class AA office building, broke ground in mid-2024 and started tenant move-in in June. The entire building was 100% leased to energy trader Vitol Inc.
Get the full story by Editor Cassandra Jenkins.
3. New DPS office to open in Katy after 15-plus years
The Katy area will see the return of a drivers license office after 15-plus years.
The 32-counter Texas Department of Public Safety office will offer standard driver license services as well as commercial skills testing, said Grace Brasher, deputy press secretary for the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Continue reading by Editor Aubrey Howell.
4. Goodwill to open 2nd Missouri City store in Sienna
A new Goodwill location is slated to open in Sienna, officials confirmed.
The nonprofit organization sells gently used clothing, home goods, furniture, electronics, jewelry, books and knick-knacks, according to its website.
Get the details by Editorial Intern Sarah Knowlton.
5. Pomodoro’s Cucina Italiana awarded $850K incentive to open in Seabrook
Seabrook City Council awarded Pomodoro’s Cucina Italiana an $850,000 construction and development grant at its July 21 meeting to incentivize the Italian restaurant to build a location in Seabrook.
City Council voted 6-1, with council member Angela Cervantes casting the sole vote opposing the incentive as written.
Read all about it by Government Reporter Rachel Leland.
6. Blue Mambo to rebrand, relocate to Bissonnet in elevated beauty partnership with Hair Craft Collective
Blue Mambo, a salon with over three decades of hairstyling experience in Greater Houston, is relocating from its long-time storefront and rebranding as a three-in-one beauty and wellness establishment, officials confirmed via news release.
Reopening under the name Blue Mambo x Hair Craft, the acclaimed studio will be partnering with Hair Craft Collective—a mother-daughter-led salon specializing in modern cuts and dimensional coloring for hair textures of all types—to offer clients an enhanced line of services.
