This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)

The board hears gratitude from community members, reviews financial strength, and approves progress on mobility, safety, and East Aldine Town Center improvements.

The East Aldine Management District (EAMD) Board met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, for its November meeting, rescheduled due to the Thanksgiving holiday. It advanced several projects aimed at strengthening safety, mobility, and quality of life across the community. The Board also received updates showing the District is entering 2026 with strong reserves and year-to-date revenues exceeding expectations.

Board Chairman Carlos Silva opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and noting the District’s continued momentum heading into the new year.

Community Members Share Appreciation

Community members expressed heartfelt appreciation for the District’s positive impact.

Judy Rodríguez, speaking on behalf of the High Meadows Branch Library Friends, thanked the Board for supporting what she called “the Grinch Grant” provided by EAMD, which will bring a special holiday story time and book distribution to children on December 10. She also looked forward to the tree-lighting ceremony at East Aldine Town Center. Rodríguez said she and her husband “are very much looking forward to the second drone show of the year.”

Coco Martínez, resident service coordinator of Pilgrim Place senior housing, thanked the Board for its support of senior residents. “If it wasn’t for your support, the seniors under my care would not be driving the way that they are,” she said, adding that she felt compelled to attend the meeting because of the “amazing work” happening in the community.

Financial Report Shows Strong Reserves and Responsible Spending

Cindy Craig of Governmental Financial Reporting presented financials for October and the first 10 months of 2025. Year-to-date, the District reported $12.99 million in total sources of funds, exceeding budget projections by $1.3 million.

Across all categories, expenditures totaled $7.37 million, coming in $768,034 under budget. Most departments reported savings, including community development, staffing and project management, public safety, and administration.

Craig reported the District holds $14.89 million in unrestricted reserves and a General Fund total of $16.84 million across accounts as of December 2. Capital project activity continued with expenditures for art trail development, performing arts student grants, mobility planning, public safety equipment, and the Gateway design project — all enhancing the quality of life and directly benefiting residents.

Board members approved the financial reports and ratified the invoices.

Executive Director Highlights Record Recycling, Major New Grants, and Safety Partnerships

Executive Director Richard Cantú reported continued sales-tax strength, with revenues up 11% year-to-date compared with 2024 and 11% above budget for October. Expenditures remain nearly 10% under budget.

Cantú noted several major developments:

  • Residential Recycling Program Grant: The District received a $50,000 Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) grant to launch a new residential recycling program in 2026. Residents who use the East Aldine Neighborhood Recycling Center will be eligible to receive a recycling bin for at-home use.
  • Record Recycling Year: The District is on pace to recycle more than 3 million pounds of materials and heavy trash by year’s end.
  • Castlewood Sewer Project Funding: The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved $20 million for the project, including $10 million in forgivable loan funding.
  • New Environmental Crimes Partnership: The Harris County District Attorney’s Office will partner with the District at no cost to prosecute illegal dumping and nuisance violations and will also contribute resources to neighborhood cleanup events.
  • Avalos P-TECH Soccer: Avalos P-TECH School students, families, and staff attend the East Aldine Management District Board meeting as trustees approve a $10,000 grant to launch the school’s first-ever soccer program—supporting safe play, teamwork, and new opportunities for student athletes.

    Avalos P-Tech received a $10,000 grant for their soccer program.

  • Aldine ISD Police Department: The East Aldine Management District Board approves a $10,000 grant to the Aldine ISD Police Department to support the annual Shop with a Cop program, including assistance for a local family who lost everything in a recent fire.

Regarding the remaining storm debris mentioned by Board Vice Chairman Reyes García during the meeting, Cantú clarified that the current heavy trash piles will be assessed individually. Elderly or disabled residents may receive assistance through an upcoming District program.

The Board authorized Cantú to approve the remaining invoices needed to close out Fiscal Year 2025.

Town Center Phase 3 Moves Forward

Town Center Phase 3 is progressing, with design and community engagement efforts underway, promising growth and improvements. Deputy Executive Director Veronica Sanches provided updates on Town Center Phase 3, including the Board’s approval of Invoice #9 from Asakura Robinson for $21,781.35. The firm continues its design and community engagement work, including results from October’s town hall held during the District’s Día de los Muertos celebration. A draft report and architectural concepts will be reviewed by the committee on December 16.

Buildings & Properties: Improvements to Facilities and Public Spaces Approved

The Board approved several recommendations from the Buildings and Properties Committee, including:

  • Lease with Aldine ISD for the agricultural barns at 2402 Aldine Mail Route Rd. through April 30, 2027, ensuring FFA students can continue safely housing their animals during the transition to a new facility.
  • Renewal of Lake Management Services for maintenance of the Town Center detention pond ($12,150).
  • Chain-link fencing installation for the new dumpster enclosure at Town Center by Advance Fences ($10,300).
  • Purchase of new and replacement metal trash and recycling bins for outdoor spaces at Town Center (up to $15,000).

Mobility & Environmental Design: New Entryway Designs, Landscaping, and Lighting Expansion

The Board approved several enhancements to mobility, beautification, and safety:

  • Entryway and Median Improvements — $100,000

Buckson Landscape Architecture will design improvements for 11 key District entryways, including new signage, landscaping, and wayfinding. Cantú highlighted the importance of investing in eastside entryways, especially with new housing development and ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring visitors through the area.

  • Town Center Landscape Enhancements — $11,099

Monarch Landscape will replace declining plants and refresh Town Center landscaping with new shrubs, roses, mulch, and irrigation improvements.

  • Lighting Up East Aldine, Phase 4 — $1.06 million

The Board approved CenterPoint Energy’s invoice for the installation of 328 new LED streetlights in High Meadows north and south, Castlewood north, Western Homes, and Magnolia Gardens. The project includes new poles, underground wiring, and long-term maintenance.

  • Grant Consulting Renewal — $155,000

The Goodman Corporation’s (TGC) contract was renewed for FY 2026. Over the past two years, TGC has helped secure nearly $10 million in grants for sidewalks, parks, and the residential recycling program. The District currently awaits decisions on more than $6 million in additional funding.

  • Water & Sewer Committee Approves Change Order

The Board approved Change Order No. 2 from ISJ Underground Utilities LLC, for the Hartwick Sanitary Sewer Project ($3,960.50) to smooth sewer manhole channels per the City of Houston inspector’s recommendation.