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From flood relief and safer walkways to youth literacy, public art, and neighborhood cleanup, EAMD continues creating unlimited possibilities through investments that strengthen East Aldine.

The East Aldine Management District (EAMD) Board of Directors approved a wide range of projects, programs, and investments during its June 23 meeting, advancing work across East Aldine.

As EAMD marks 25 years of service to the East Aldine community in 2026, the board’s actions reflect its commitment to improving quality of life through infrastructure, mobility, public safety, youth programs, and community engagement.

“This work is about making strategic investments that strengthen our community in both visible and lasting ways,” said Richard Cantú, EAMD executive director. “Whether it’s infrastructure, public safety, education, or quality-of-life projects, our focus remains on creating unlimited possibilities for East Aldine.”

Quick highlights from the June meeting

The board approved or received updates on:

  • New walking and pedestrian trail projects at Squatty Lyons Park and near MacArthur High School
  • Major sewer infrastructure projects in Hartwick, Lyncrest, and Castlewood
  • Flood mitigation improvements associated with the detention basin near Isom Road (near the Halls Bayou tributary at Hardy Street)
  • Community events, including Youth Night: End of Summer, the Hispanic Heritage Festival, and the Epic Firework Show
  • Youth and education initiatives supporting literacy, sports, and project-based learning
  • Public safety support for Harris County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 42
  • Beautification efforts, including litter removal, graffiti abatement, and illegal dumping prevention
  • Public art initiatives, including a new soccer-themed mural and Mural Fest at High Meadows Library
  • Recycling Center improvements to improve access and operations

Investing in infrastructure and mobility

Several major infrastructure projects moved forward during the meeting, supporting essential services and neighborhood connectivity across East Aldine.

The board approved final closeout costs for the Hartwick Sanitary Sewer Extension Project, bringing the project closer to completion and turnover to the City of Houston for long-term maintenance.

Board members also approved survey and easement preparation work for the Lyncrest Sewer Extension Project, helping advance future sewer access for additional properties.

In Castlewood, EAMD approved engineering and environmental services needed to meet Texas Water Development Board requirements and move the sewer improvement project toward final approval and future public meetings with residents.

“These projects are foundational,” Cantú said. “Reliable infrastructure supports public health, future development, and better quality of life for families.”

Mobility improvements also continue across East Aldine, with several projects moving forward.

A new grant partnership with Harris County Precinct 2 will fund a walking and jogging trail at Squatty Lyons Park, creating another space for families and residents to enjoy.

Construction is also expected to begin soon on a new pedestrian trail and sidewalk project serving MacArthur High School students, improving safety and accessibility for students traveling to and from campus.

Meanwhile, EAMD approved the final invoice for Phase 3 of its Collector Street Signage Project, which installed updated street and stop signs on several neighborhood roads.

Flood mitigation remains a priority

EAMD also received an important update on flood control efforts, which remain a priority.

Harris County Flood Control District has started work on an approximately 12-month project to expand the detention basin near Isom Road (near the Halls Bayou tributary at Hardy Street), a major improvement expected to provide long-term flood relief and protect nearby neighborhoods.

“Flood mitigation remains one of the most important investments we can make,” Cantú said. “This project will help protect homes, streets, and businesses for years to come.”

Investing in students and families

Several board actions focused directly on supporting students, schools, and youth programs, continuing that investment in families.

The board approved:

  • $15,000 for Friends of the Children-Houston to support Literacy Uplifts East Aldine, a summer literacy initiative connected to BakerRipley
  • $9,900 for ShockTown YES Community Program Inc. to support youth sports education
  • $49,983.62 for Mead Middle School’s Real World Learning Program, a schoolwide project-based learning initiative serving more than 1,000 students

During public comments, Orange Grove Elementary instructional specialist Larisa Castillo shared the impact of a previously funded EAMD grant.

Castillo said the school’s “Prize Patrol” attendance initiative helped improve attendance and student achievement, with spring 2026 STAAR scores in math and reading exceeding district averages and showing significant gains among special education students.

The board also recognized the valedictorians and salutatorians from MacArthur High School and Avalos P-TECH School.

Summer events and community engagement

EAMD’s calendar continues to fill with community-focused events designed to bring residents and business partners together throughout the summer.

The board approved up to $25,000 for Youth Night: End of Summer, scheduled for Aug. 7 in partnership with BakerRipley and Break N’ Bread. The event will provide middle and high school students with a fun send-off before the new school year, with partner support helping expand school supply giveaways.

Board members also approved up to $50,000 for the annual Hispanic Heritage Festival, set for Sept. 26. The event will celebrate East Aldine’s culture with live music, family activities, food, and giveaways.

Other upcoming events include:

  • The second annual Epic Firework Show on July 3
  • A small business networking luncheon for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs on July 9
  • Free CPR training sessions planned for August and October

“Events like these create connection,” Cantú said. “They bring families together and strengthen the sense of community that makes East Aldine special.”

Keeping East Aldine cleaner and safer

Keeping East Aldine clean and safe remains one of EAMD’s most visible investments in quality of life and community pride.

During May, EAMD cleanup crews reported:

  • 13,350 pounds of clippings and litter collected across 101.57 miles of right-of-way
  • 11,650 pounds of litter collected across 105.1 miles
  • 112 tires removed
  • 827 bandit signs collected
  • Graffiti abatement completed on 42 public and private properties.

Committee discussions also focused on illegal dumping hotspots, overgrown trees, roadway spills, and homelessness concerns.

The board discussed stronger enforcement strategies, including relocating surveillance cameras to areas with repeated illegal dumping.

“These cleanup efforts matter because they directly impact how people experience East Aldine every day,” said Carlos Silva, EAMD board chairman. “Cleaner streets, safer public spaces, and neighborhood pride all go hand in hand.”

Improving the recycling center

To improve operations at the Recycling Center, the board approved a $38,500 contract with Chabolla Construction for an additional concrete pad.

The improvement will address muddy conditions during heavy rains and improve access for vehicles and equipment. Board members also supported a broader review of the facility’s layout to identify future operational improvements.

Supporting public safety and youth leadership

The board approved up to $10,000 for updated equipment and uniforms for Harris County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 42, a youth leadership program that has served East Aldine for more than a decade.

The program provides law enforcement training and mentorship for youth ages 14 to 20. The Explorer team recently won first place overall at a competition.

The Public Safety Committee also reported 70 felony arrests and 74 misdemeanor arrests during its latest reporting period.

Arts, culture, and economic development

Several efforts are advancing under EAMD’s public art and economic development strategy, which remain key parts of community building.

Silva announced that a new soccer-themed mural near Highway 59/69 has been completed, connecting with EAMD’s growing Summer of Soccer initiatives and World Cup-related programming.

The board also approved up to $20,000 for Mural Fest at High Meadows Library later this summer. The event will focus on youth participation, arts engagement, and the creation of a new public mural.

The Business, Economic Development, and Marketing Committee also highlighted the opening of Cafe Monarca on Aldine Mail Route Road and upcoming support initiatives aimed at Spanish-speaking small business owners.

Financial stewardship remains strong

Financial reports presented during the meeting showed EAMD remains in a strong position, with solid year-to-date results.

From January through May 2026, EAMD reported:

  • $6.64 million in revenue
  • $4.35 million in expenditures
  • A surplus of $2.29 million
  • Combined unrestricted reserves totaling $17.47 million

Cantú also reported that year-to-date sales tax revenue is 11% above 2025 and 7% over budget, while expenditures remain 18.3% under projections.

The board approved several midyear budget amendments to support expanded outreach, youth soccer programming, district events, public art, community partnerships, and improvements to the EAMD building.

The board also approved a structured repayment plan for $955,526.09 tied to a state sales tax reimbursement.

“Our responsibility is to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Cantú said. “Every investment we make is about returning value to the East Aldine community.”

With July board and committee meetings canceled, EAMD staff will continue advancing projects and preparing for a busy summer of events, infrastructure work, and community engagement.

Taken together, the June meeting reflected EAMD’s broad and evolving role in East Aldine — as an infrastructure partner, public safety supporter, community convener, arts advocate, and neighborhood investor. In its 25th anniversary year, EAMD continues building on a legacy of service and investment, working toward one goal: creating a stronger East Aldine filled with unlimited possibilities.