Houston City Council member Edward Pollard has requested a temporary suspension of the acceptance and approval of applications to construct gas stations near residential property.

The details: On July 2, Pollard wrote a letter to the mayor’s office requesting a 90-day moratorium on applications that would construct gas stations within 200 feet of residential property lines. The letter was posted on his social media pages.

He said he had met with neighborhood leaders, civic organizations and community stakeholders who expressed concern about a concentration of gas stations in proximity to residential neighborhoods.

“The concentration of multiple gas stations within the same area can create conditions that attract higher levels of public safety concerns,” he said in the letter. “However, having a diverse mix of commercial offerings can create more vibrant neighborhoods.”

Pollard added that the request is not to halt current applicants, but to allow the city time to evaluate available data and hear from residents about safeguards and appropriate policy changes.

Featuring globally inspired comfort fare, a new restaurant by chef Claire Smith has officially opened inside The Menil Collection. 

What we know: Chrôma will be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktail hour and weekend brunch, according to a June 30 news release.

The menu will feature items that bring a sense of comfort, officials said, such as coffee and fresh pastries, as well as lunch and dinner options like chicken flautas, ratatouille, red snapper and the Campechana, which is made with shrimp, crab and summer gazpacho. Salads, shareables and desserts will also be available.

The restaurant will be open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What they're saying: "I'm honored by the trust the Menil Foundation has placed in me," Smith said in the release. "Chrôma will be a space that reflects the creativity and warmth of the Menil community—a place where visitors, neighbors and art lovers can gather, dine and connect."

• 1512 Sul Ross St., Houston

George Bush Intercontinental Airport will receive more than $62.26 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants to reconstruct runways, according to a July 2 news release from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The details: The IAH investment is part of a $1.776 billion total investment in U.S. airports by the Federal Aviation Administration intended to support runway rehabilitations, family-friendly enhancements and safety upgrades.

Harris County commissioners are seeking to appoint Harris County Toll Road Authority Executive Director Robert Trevino to lead a new countywide infrastructure committee aimed at moving county projects forward July 9, as the county also prepares to bring five new civil district courts online.

The breakdown: According to meeting documents, Harris County commissioners will finally review the creation of a countywide infrastructure committee to keep track and create standardized reports for multiple infrastructure initiatives that have been operating under their own committees. Following two rounds of discussions, Carter will bring the recommendation to court for a third time July 9, with Trevino poised to lead the new committee.

Also on the agenda: Commissioners will also hear an update regarding bringing five new civil district courts online as Management and Budget Executive Director Daniel Ramos presents the cost for hiring necessary personnel, such as deputies and court staff. through the end of 2026.