During an April 6 meeting, Bellaire City Council members voted to hold a second public hearing regarding traffic control devices, or speed humps, installed on the 5400 block of Braeburn Drive. 

The backstory: City Council had previously approved the installation of the speed-calming measures in June 2025, after 80% of the property owners on the 5400 block of Braeburn Drive signed a petition requesting that three speed bumps be added.

What residents should know: As part of Bellaire’s Neighborhood Traffic Improvement Program, the project had to go through a trial period before receiving final action from City Council. Since the trial period ended in February, a second public hearing is now required.

The public hearing will be held May 4 at 6 p.m., where city staff will also present collected speed data, according to the April 6 meeting agenda. 

Something to note: Speed humps differ from speed bumps due to their gradual, rounded and wide design.

Over the last 2-3 months, four new store brands have debuted at The Galleria, with a few more on the way.

What we know: From February to early April, the popular mall known for its luxury brands and shopping experience has seen at least four new stores open, including:

• Vuori: The California-based athlesiure brand offering high-end, active-based apparel for men and women inspired by the Coastal California lifestyle

• Elisabetta Franchi: An Italian luxury fashion brand known for its feminine and tailored ready-to-wear clothing, accessories and footwear

• Gashapon Bandai: A toy store that enriches Gasha-katsu, a Japanese hobby of collecting or hunting for capsule toys

• BYLT Basics: A premium apparel brand specializing in high-quality everyday essentials like T-shirts, hoodies and joggers for men and women

Also of note: The mall is slated to receive additional new stores and restaurants by this summer, including Express, Wagyu House, Edikted, Princess Polly and Abercrombie & Fitch. 

• 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston

Houston officials approved a pair of projects that would improve drainage infrastructure and expand access to green space in District C.

What this means: Houston City Council approved a contract for $9.1 million April 8 to fund pavement, storm sewer and waterline improvements in the Roseland community. Streets for that project include:

• Oakley Street from Montrose Boulevard to Spur 527
• Woodrow Street from Montrose Boulevard to Spur 527
• Kyle Street from I-59 to Richmond Avenue
• Roseland Street from I-59 to Richmond Avenue
• Stanford Street from I-59 to Richmond Avenue
• Greeley Street from Spur 527 to Richmond Avenue
• Jack Street from Spur 527 to Richmond Avenue

Tickets for the 2026 Texas Renaissance Festival will go on sale April 15, according to an April 2 news release. There will be a 20% discount from April 15-30.

Quote of note: “April 15 marks the beginning of the journey towards this year’s festival, and we’re excited to offer this special discount to our guests to celebrate the season ahead,” TRF Marketing Director Tyler Moyer said via news release. “We can’t wait to open the gates of the Texas Renaissance Festival once again and create magical memories for every visitor.”

More details: The Texas Renaissance Festival’s 52nd season is scheduled to take place from Oct. 10 through Nov. 29, and will feature over 70 acres of activities, entertainment and markets for attendees, according to the news release.