East Aldine Management District Marks Milestones, Launches New Programs, and Advances Major Projects at March Board Meeting

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From a record-breaking sales tax month to a new community app, a workforce partnership, and a Gateway installation on the verge of its ribbon-cutting, the EAMD’s 25th anniversary year is gaining serious momentum.

The East Aldine Management District Board met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The ambitious agenda included a new beautification committee and a landmark bond closing on the horizon. There was also a community-facing mobile app, new events, and a workforce partnership to help the community’s most vulnerable residents. The Board also reported another month of record sales tax collections.

A First-Class Celebration — and a Thank-You to the Women Behind the Work

Before the Board got to business, Judy Rodríguez — a familiar and warmly welcomed voice at EAMD meetings — took a moment to express appreciation for the EAMD’s International Women’s Luncheon, held March 12 at the EAMD office.

“What a magnificent way to celebrate local women,” she said. She described the event as “a first-class experience all the way.” The celebration featured pink décor, a flower bar, a macaroon bar, and a vintage telephone station for guests to “call their younger selves.” She thanked Executive Director Richard Cantú, Deputy Executive Director Verónica Sanches, marketing director Mónica Campos, community engagement and events coordinator Emily Erreguín, and field staff Tommie and Jaime for their thoughtfulness. Rodríguez also singled out Sanches and Board Director Flor Zarzoza for sharing personal stories of hope and resilience.

“It has been said that if we had more women leaders, there would be fewer wars,” Rodríguez told the Board. “We absolutely must continue to strive for this.”

Finances: Record Sales Tax Month and Healthy Reserves

Cindy Craig of Governmental Financial Reporting walked the Board through the EAMD’s two-month financial picture — and the numbers reflect a well-managed operation heading into a busy year.

Year-to-date revenue through February reached $2.65 million, $165,360 above budget. Expenditures totaled $1.43 million, $699,470 under budget, while revenues exceeded spending by $1.21 million.

EAMD’s unrestricted reserves are now $18,206,740; total funds, $22,870,490.

Executive Director Richard Cantú highlighted that East Aldine’s sales tax revenue is breaking records.

“March collections set a new East Aldine record,” Cantú told the Board. “Each month surpasses last year’s figures.” Year-to-date, sales tax revenue is up 11% from 2025 and 6.6% above budget.

A New Committee to Keep Beautification Accountable

Board Chairman Carlos Silva announced the formal creation of the Beautification and Cleanup Committee — making official the ongoing work across East Aldine.

“We want to make sure we are holding ourselves accountable to this work every month,” Silva said. He appointed Board Director Flor Zarzoza as the committee’s chair.

Executive Director’s Report: Big Milestones Across the Board

Cantú’s monthly report was packed with updates — several of them years in the making.

Keith Weiss Park officially transitions to Precinct 2. After about a decade of effort, Harris County Precinct 2 has taken over the park’s maintenance and operations. “That means we’ll have a cleaner, safer park,” Cantú said. The EAMD will continue its park patrol program through deputy sheriffs on ATVs and side-by-sides. This expanded patrol will increase security and oversight at more parks and key commercial corridors throughout the EAMD.

The MacArthur High School mini-mural is complete. Cantú encouraged everyone to make a special trip to see the finished work. “It’s really nice looking — a spaceman,” he said. “And I think there’s something in the reflection in his visor that you need to focus on.”

The EAMD has submitted final closing documents for its $11 million sales tax revenue bond. This, along with a $10 million forgivable loan from the Texas Water Development Board, secures $21 million to fund the Castlewood sanitary sewer project, which will provide modern sanitary sewer infrastructure and support long-term public health and environmental protection in the Castlewood area. The EAMD’s counsel confirmed receiving a preliminary approval letter from the Texas Attorney General’s office the evening of the meeting. Closing is targeted for April 10.

The Gateway project is more than 75% complete. The public art installation at Little York and the Eastex Freeway (Hwy. 59) is nearing the finish line. “Big, big, big project,” Cantú said. “It’s a big celebration.” Ribbon-cutting and media announcements are in the works for the near future.

The Town Center Phase 3 design is almost finished. Design and community engagement work with Asakura Robinson is wrapping up. The Board approved Invoice No. 14 for $2,547.50 to complete final design services. Board Director Sherry Curl previewed the project: “What they projected is going to be amazing — it’s kind of like the Post in downtown Houston. Once it comes to fruition, it will be phenomenal.”

The H-GAC recycling grant is underway. All paperwork for the $50,000 Houston-Galveston Area Council grant for the residential recycling program has been processed, and implementation is moving forward. This grant will expand recycling options, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability for East Aldine residents.

Two new faces join the EAMD team. Cantú introduced Oswaldo “Oz” Rivera, the EAMD’s new field operations specialist. Rivera will also support outreach to local businesses. “He’s a man of few words,” Cantú said with a smile, “but he’ll make up for it in his work.”

The EAMD also welcomed its first intern, Adriana Martínez. She is a MacArthur High School graduate and a University of Houston-Downtown social work student. Martínez, a homegrown East Aldine talent, will support all departments, including fielding community complaints. “We’ve been working on trying to get an intern for a long, long time,” Cantú said. “And we finally got one.”

Mobility and Beautification: New Signage, 12 Intersections, and a Smarter Approach to Abatement

The Mobility and Environmental Design Committee brought several significant items before the Board.

Collector Street Signage — Phases 3 and 4. The Board approved a proposal from ESD Signs for $436,686 to lock in pricing for the next two phases of the Collector Street Program ahead of potential cost increases.

Entryway and Median Improvements. The Board approved a proposal from Buckson Landscape Architecture to beautify 12 key entryways and medians, improving aesthetics, enhancing flood management, deterring unauthorized vendor activity, and creating spaces for rotating public art. Cantú highlighted the Little York and Hempstead intersection median as a prime candidate due to its current flooding and vendor issues, while Catt Lynch detailed plans for the Hirsch and Little York intersection: new concrete, a paver system, tiered landscaping, trees, and a pad for rotating art displays.

“The idea is to add sod, to add flowers, and to add signage to every one of these selected intersections throughout East Aldine,” Cantú said.

UpRise Abatement Services Partnership. The Board approved a partnership with Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. The UpRise Abatement Services program will come to East Aldine, providing jobs for local individuals transitioning out of homelessness and incarceration while improving neighborhood cleanliness and safety. The program will recruit workers directly from the East Aldine community.

“This is kind of the answer to our prayers,” Cantú said, describing cases where elderly or disabled homeowners face nuisance violations they are physically or financially unable to resolve on their own. EAMD nuisance abatement deputies will be on-site during all work. The program already operates under contracts with all four Harris County precincts.

Federal Sidewalk Funding Secured. The Board adopted a resolution authorizing an Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation — unlocking $4 million in federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds for sidewalk construction along Sandydale Drive near Grantham Academy. This project will improve pedestrian safety and promote walkability, especially for students and families accessing the school.

Speed Humps Update. The first set of speed humps — installed on Hill Road and Irwin — has been completed, with a ribbon-cutting held alongside Commissioner Adrian Garcia and several Board members. Additional locations, including Sandydale and Connervale, are next in the queue. Cantú committed to providing the Board with an updated list of remaining locations needing speed humps and stop signs.

Water and Sewer: Infrastructure Work Continues

The Board approved Outlay Request No. 70 for the Hartwick Sanitary Sewer Extension Project ($76,274.24) and invoices from 5Engineering LLC ($17,148.19) covering planning and engineering work for the Lyncrest wastewater system and the Castlewood collection project.

Public Safety: Active Month Across East Aldine

HCSO Sergeant Richard Torres presented February’s public safety report: 89 felony arrests, 49 felony warrants served, 82 misdemeanor arrests, 58 misdemeanor warrants, and 2,025 calls for service. Deputies conducted 437 traffic stops, filed 419 original reports, and installed nine car seats for families in need. Nuisance abatement operations addressed 76 cases, with 34 vehicles stickered.

Torres also highlighted the Flock camera system, which flagged 43 cross-jurisdictional license plate alerts in the EAMD during February — a coordination tool Torres called “very important” in modern law enforcement. And in only mildly alarming news: wild hogs have been spotted at Keith Weiss Park. “It was worse in the beginning,” Torres said, “but now it’s minimized.”

Economic Development: A Certificate, New Events, a Community App, and a Multi-Pronged Marketing Push

Mónica Campos opened with a win: the EAMD received a Certificate of Achievement for Economic Excellence from the Texas Economic Development Council, recognizing the EAMD’s professional approach to economic development. The award was secured by Lance Dean, EAMD director of economic development.

The Board then approved a series of items that expand the EAMD’s visibility, community engagement, and investment in local business.

Business Improvement Grant — Plaza La Gloria. The Board approved a $4,750 grant reimbursement for Siari Investments, owner of the Café La Luna center at 2421 Aldine Mail Route, to repaint the building façade in Rave Red — a fresh look for a familiar East Aldine spot.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration. The EAMD is hosting its second annual Cinco de Mayo event, featuring live Hispanic music, activities, giveaways, and family fun. The Board approved up to $46,000 for the event.

Fourth of July Fireworks. The EAMD’s second annual Fourth of July celebration is returning — and based on last year’s turnout of 1,700 to 2,000 people, the community is clearly ready for it. The Board approved $40,000 for the fireworks show.

East Aldine Connects — New Community App. In one of the meeting’s most forward-looking decisions, the Board approved development of EA Connects, a bilingual mobile app — available in English and Spanish — designed to give East Aldine residents fast, convenient access to EAMD services. Users will be able to view events and board meetings, report issues, apply for grants, receive push alerts, and explore an interactive East Aldine map. The flat development fee is $47,500, with a low monthly support cost of $250. “It improves engagement, transparency, and real-time communication,” Campos said.

Billboard Renewals and New Reach. The Board renewed the EAMD’s existing Hwy. 59 billboard with Outfront Media ($89,475.75) and approved a new billboard at Northbelt and Chaplin along Beltway 8 ($75,000 per year) — placing the EAMD’s message at the north entrance to East Aldine, near the incoming Starbucks location. Together, the two billboards extend the EAMD’s visibility to residents and commuters moving through the area.

Spanish-Language Digital Campaign. The Board approved a $15,000 campaign with Televisa/Univisión, targeting Hispanic adults 25 and older — including digitally active adults 65 and up — with 1.6 million digital impressions promoting EAMD programs, events, and resources. The campaign is impact-driven rather than time-bound, running until the guaranteed impressions are reached. Additional campaigns may follow.

Houston Chronicle/Hearst Media Digital Package. The Board also approved up to $10,000 for a digital advertising package with the Houston Chronicle and Hearst Media, reaching East Aldine residents through social media, news websites, and targeted email blasts to opt-in subscribers. Like the Televisa/Univisión campaign, each placement guarantees a set number of views or clicks, giving the EAMD reliable, measurable visibility for events and announcements.

Chairman Silva reflected on the EAMD’s overall marketing strategy and what it is producing: “Those who attended our Zydeco event or other events — you could see that the word is starting to go out. We believe that a multi-pronged approach is typically best, if you can afford it, and thankfully, all these items are within our budget.”

Campos also highlighted two recent community events: a Spring Dance held at the Deputy Darren Almendarez Community Center, and the March 28 Eggstravaganza in partnership with BakerRipley and Texas Children’s Health Plan — a community fair, 5K run, and 10,000 Easter eggs for children to find.

Looking ahead, the EAMD encouraged residents to attend Precinct 2’s Reimagine Hopper Road Community Meeting on March 31, inviting residents to share input on improvements to one of East Aldine’s key corridors.

Health, Education, and Community Engagement: CPR Classes, a Survey, and a Family Fun Day

EAMD Board Director Rocio Whitte provided updates from the Health, Education, and Community Engagement Committee, encouraging residents to check the Board book for upcoming partner events across East Aldine — including Lone Star College open house events and the Fit Houston walking group, which meets Saturdays at 7 a.m. (with a time change to 8 a.m. coming soon).

Free community CPR training with Harris County Emergency Corps continues, with another round of classes planned for May. Final dates are being confirmed and will be announced as they become available.

The committee is also planning an empowerment forum later this year and will survey members to finalize the format and focus. A youth field trip is in early planning stages as well.

On the topic of animal control, EAMD Board Vice Chairman Reyes García inquired about a possible partnership with Harris County to address stray animals across East Aldine. Cantú confirmed that the Director of Veterinary Public Health has already been conducting sweeps in targeted areas, including near Ladbroke Lane and at Town Center. “They are answering our call,” Cantú said, noting crews have been working to address the issue. A dedicated East Aldine facility remains a longer-term conversation.

The Board also approved up to $8,000 to partner with Aldine ISD’s Special Education Department for the second annual Family Fun Day at the Park, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, designed for families of children with disabilities, is expected to welcome approximately 200 families. EAMD will provide food, with BakerRipley and The Arc of Harris County contributing activities and community resources.

Arts Council: A Restored Monument, an Art Car, a Gateway Almost Ready for Its Close-Up, and Color Coming to Town Center

EAMD Board Chairman Silva, who serves on the East Aldine Arts Council (EAAC), had a full slate of updates — all of them worth seeing in person.

The John F. Kennedy Monument at JFK Boulevard and Aldine Bender Road has been fully restored — cracks filled, pressure washed, rust-treated at the base, and given a fresh coat of paint. “The monument is looking great, ready to receive all of our guests and residents,” Silva said. The results of the work should hold for approximately four years.

The Gateway installation at Little York and the Eastex Freeway is nearing completion. “Within the next week or two, the project should be completed,” Silva said, “and we would be starting to set up the ribbon-cutting ceremony.” He encouraged residents to look for what has taken shape under the underpass, where painted columns now appear tiled. “That’s really something to look forward to.”

On a more colorful note — literally — the EAMD is entering its first-ever Houston Art Car Parade, and it is doing it with student heart. The EAMD purchased a 2020 Nissan Kicks (a steal of a deal, according to Cantú) that will be transformed into a rolling work of art designed in collaboration with students from Avalos P-TECH School, whose mascot — the Phoenix — inspired the car’s central imagery. Floral elements woven throughout the design reflect the students’ creative vision.

The car will be number 75 in a parade featuring more than 250 entries. Before parade day, it will be brought to Avalos P-TECH, where students will physically work on the car alongside the artist to bring the design to life. The EAMD’s logo — and potentially the 25th anniversary mark — will be featured prominently on the vehicle.

“Not only did they design it, but they’re going to physically be working on the car to embellish it,” Cantú said. “We are really excited about that.”

Finally, the Town Center public art — in partnership with Color Condition — is taking shape with a newly refined vision. Following earlier feedback, the artist has incorporated sensory elements into the design, with each of the three pavilions featuring a distinct experience centered on sight, sound, and touch. The bandstand’s lintel will bear a bilingual welcome: Welcome and Bienvenidos. And a series of “swag lines” — decorative lines crisscrossing the first four lamp posts at each intersection in an X pattern — will be visible from the street, drawing visitors in. The installation is expected to be in place from late April through September.

“People will see that from the street, be drawn in,” Silva said. “Once they’re here, they’ll see the pavilions, and then of course the focal point of the bandstand. A lot of wonderful things are going on.”

What’s Next

With a bond closing targeted for April 10, the Gateway ribbon-cutting in planning, Town Center Phase 3 nearly final, a new community app in development, and a new beautification committee in place, the EAMD’s 25th anniversary year is shaping up to be something residents will see, feel, and use across East Aldine.

The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026.