EAMD Works Behind the Scenes – and Increasingly in Plain Sight – to Serve East Aldine

From cleaner neighborhoods and safer streets to new trails, infrastructure improvements, community events, and opportunities for residents, the East Aldine Management District continues to invest in the people and places that make up the community as it marks its 25th anniversary.

What Does EAMD Do?

That question surfaced during the Sept. 22 meeting of the East Aldine Management District (EAMD) Board of Directors, where board members discussed ways to help more residents understand the many services, programs, and initiatives EAMD provides throughout the community.

The answer is in the work happening across East Aldine every day.

From collecting thousands of pounds of trash and removing illegal signs to supporting public safety, improving infrastructure, maintaining community amenities, hosting events and investing in trails and sidewalks, EAMD’s work touches many parts of daily life.

As EAMD marks its 25th anniversary, the organization is also finding more ways to make that work visible.

Making the Work Visible

Marketing and Communications Director Monica Campos told the Board that EAMD uses multiple channels to reach residents, including its e-newsletter, social media, billboards, community events, and media outreach.

The Board also approved an outreach proposal from Ronquillo Consulting Group for door-to-door canvassing and literature distribution. Each component is expected to reach about 1,000 residential doors, sharing information about EAMD, upcoming events, community meetings and resources.

Executive Director Richard Cantú said the EAMD will continue strengthening its messaging, pointing to the work that often happens before residents ever think about who made it happen. EAMD collects more than 20,000 pounds of trash each month and removes an average of 1,500 illegal or bandit signs and 200 tires each month, in addition to tires dropped off at the Neighborhood Depository and Recycling Center.

The scale of that work was especially visible during a Sept. 19 community cleanup in Sherwood, Sherwood Place, Inwood, and Northington Estates, where residents filled eight 40-cubic-yard containers with bulky waste from their homes and yards.

At the same time, EAMD deputies conducted a nuisance-abatement operation, visiting more than 100 properties with reported issues. Cantú said the EAMD plans to continue pairing community cleanups with nuisance-abatement efforts quarterly.

Connecting People to Parks, Sidewalks and Safer Streets

Construction is underway on the Keith-Wiess Park Phase 1 Trail Connection Project, a $1.9 million investment the Board approved in August. The project includes paving the Deer Grove Road extension into the north end of the park, a parking lot, pavilion, fitness station, and approximately 1.5 miles of concrete trail connecting East Aldine Town Center to the park’s interior trails around the detention basin.

The project is scheduled for completion before Christmas, although Cantú said the contractor expects to finish as early as Thanksgiving.

The trail connection is one of several infrastructure and mobility projects advancing across East Aldine. Those efforts include new sidewalks, street improvements, and continued streetlight installation through Light Up East Aldine. For Phase 3, 426 streetlights have been surveyed and submitted to CenterPoint for installation. Phase 4 includes approximately 425 additional lights in High Meadows, Fairgreen, Castlewood, and Western Homes, where CenterPoint has begun installation.

EAMD also continues work on water and sewer projects, including the Westfield Estates Sewer Project, Castlewood sanitary sewer improvements, and the Lyncrest sewer extension. The City of Houston has accepted the completed new sewer infrastructure in Hartwick, and the City has been awarded $32 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for sewer service in Westfield Estates.

The Board also approved an interlocal agreement providing up to $1.7 million to Harris County Water Control and Improvement District No. 74 for its Surface Water Conversion Project. The agreement includes a 60-day notice requirement, a public hearing, and a good-faith provision related to future projects.

The Board also approved a $118,000 proposal from A&S Engineering to prepare for a 2027 Community Development Block Grant application for a water and sewer extension south of North Houston Heights, along with required Texas Water Development Board outlay reports for the Castlewood Sanitary Sewer Project.

Investing in a Community People can Enjoy

Infrastructure is only part of the picture. EAMD also invests in places and experiences that bring residents together.

The Board approved up to $50,000 for the annual Día de los Muertos Fall Festival, featuring local vendors, community resources, interactive activities, and EAMD’s third drone show of the year. The Board also approved up to $70,000 for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which will include free tamales, pan dulce, hot chocolate, interactive stations, and photo opportunities.

The Christmas Tree Lighting will carry special significance during EAMD’s 25th anniversary year, with EAMD brand colors incorporated into the tree lighting and another drone show planned for the celebration.

The Town Center will also receive fall and holiday decorations, including interactive areas and photo opportunities. In addition, the Board ratified a $37,440 agreement with B&D Construction for annual care and maintenance of the interactive splash pad and streambed, helping keep the amenities safe, functional, and welcoming year-round.

The Board approved a Standard annual maintenance and conservation plan for the Little York Gateway murals. The $25,000 plan with UP Art Studio includes two documented inspections, two routine wash cycles, an annual condition report, and program coordination to preserve the Gateway’s bold, colorful artwork. The Board also approved weekly grounds maintenance by Monarch Landscape Management at a rate not to exceed $200 per visit, with the executive director authorized to negotiate the final cost.

Helping Residents Help Their Families

EAMD’s community work extends beyond events and physical improvements. The EAMD continues to support free CPR classes in English and Spanish at locations throughout East Aldine. The classes have become so popular that a waiting list has grown to about 100 people.

Deputy Executive Director Verónica Sanches told the Board that many participants have been women and mothers seeking skills to help protect their families. The strong response — including a waiting list of about 100 people — shows demand for practical, accessible opportunities that help residents feel more prepared to care for the people they love..

Additional Board-approved community investments included $1,350 for State Rep. Armando Walle’s annual Senior Dance Party, $5,500 for the Aldine ISD Police Department’s Trunk or Treat, $7,000 for Lone Star College’s Celebration Circle and $500 for the Aldine ISD Livestock Show T-shirt sponsorship.

A Safer, Cleaner East Aldine

Public safety is another important part of EAMD’s work. Lt. Johnny Reyes reported that EAMD deputies made 324 arrests in August, including 102 felony arrests and 96 misdemeanor arrests. Deputies also recovered or seized 17 illegal firearms and 15 stolen vehicles. Flock technology generated 165 contacts related to stolen vehicles and other crimes.

Along with the cleanup partnership, deputies conducted 98 nuisance-abatement checks and 83 follow-ups. They also continued ATV and UTV patrols at parks and shopping centers.

A Strong Financial Foundation for Continued Service

The Board also received a financial report showing year-to-date revenue of $11.21 million through August, approximately $1.29 million above budget. Total expenditures were $7.57 million, about $1.18 million below budget.

Sales tax revenue was 15.4% above budget for September, providing a strong financial foundation for EAMD’s continued services, programs, partnerships, and capital projects.

During public comment, Coco Martínez of Pilgrim Place thanked EAMD for its support of senior residents, while Judy Rodriguez of Friends of the High Meadows Branch Library thanked the organization for its continued financial and community support of the library.

Building on 25 Years of Service

The September meeting offered a snapshot of the breadth of EAMD’s work during its 25th anniversary year. That work ranges from major infrastructure projects and public safety to neighborhood cleanups, streetlights, trails, public spaces, health education, community events, and partnerships with local organizations.

Some projects are highly visible. Others happen quietly in the background. Together, they reflect EAMD’s ongoing commitment to improving East Aldine for the residents, businesses, and people who live, work, and spend time here.

For 25 years, that work has helped shape East Aldine. As the East Aldine Management District looks toward its next 25 years, it is also looking for new ways to make sure residents know the work is happening — and how they can be part of it.

Learn more about EAMD’s programs, services, and upcoming events at aldinedistrict.org.