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Bellaire to start Cypress Ditch Project after decades of fighting floods
After years of sustaining constant damage by flooding from hurricanes and other extreme weather events, the city of Bellaire is working to mitigate future flooding through the $110 million Cypress Ditch Improvements Project. The project is in the design phase, with construction starting this year.
The details: City Engineer Beth Jones said Cypress Ditch serves as the primary storm drainage channel for all of Bellaire and portions of Gulfton. Jones said the drainage project will expand the ditch’s overall stormwater capacity by 60% through making the side slopes steeper and reconstructing the lined portion of the channel.
The city will also improve the natural channel section between Chimney Rock Road and South Rice Avenue, increasing the amount of water that can flow out to Brays Bayou, as well as construct two stormwater detention ponds to help slow down water flow as it travels toward Brays Bayou.
A Cheese Affair brings international flavors to Rice Village
Inspired by French fromageries, the store features cheeses from around the world.
The gist: A Cheese Affair meticulously curates a variety of cheese selections, including bloomy rind and blue cheeses, according to its website. The store also sells washed rind cheeses, which are cheeses coated with spirits, wine or brine.
One more thing: The business is planning to launch a cheese lovers society, where members can receive a monthly basket of cheese that includes one and a half to two pounds of cheese.
University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance announces its 2025-26 season
The big picture: The School of Theatre & Dance at the University of Houston announced its 2025-26 season featuring classical adaptations, musical theatre and student-written premieres, according to a Sept. 9 news release. The season will kick off with "The Circadian Project” on Sept. 25 and end with the 10-Minute Play Festival in May.
What they're saying: “Our 2025-26 season celebrates the power of live performance across a wide spectrum,” Sharon Ott, director of the School of Theatre & Dance, said in the release. “From the haunting beauty of ‘Frankenstein’ to the vibrant energy of student choreography and award-winning new plays, this season offers something for every audience.”
More notice required for public meetings under new Texas law
Cities, counties and school district boards across Texas are required to provide more notice for public meetings under a new state law aimed at increasing public participation in government affairs.
The details: Local government agencies must post meeting notices at least three business days in advance of the meeting, meaning weekends and holidays do not count toward the minimum posting period.
House Bill 1522, which became law Sept. 1, increases the notice requirement from 72 hours.
The law change is part of “an effort to promote government transparency and citizen participation,” Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said during a May 13 legislative hearing.
The local impact: Some city and county governments across Community Impact’s coverage areas are changing their meeting schedules to comply with the new law, including:
Bastrop City Council
Conroe City Council
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court
Montgomery County Commissioners Court
The Woodlands Township
The new law does not dictate when local governments hold meetings, as long as they meet the three-day posting requirement.
