HTX-BMW: Impact 10/23/2025

Bellaire City Council unanimously approved issuing $6 million in general obligation funds to Boston-based firm Fidelity Capital Markets on Oct. 20 to fund the city’s capital drainage program.

The framework: Following Bellaire’s approval of project funding, City Council also unanimously authorized the hiring of an engineering firm to provide project management oversight for the city’s large-scale capital projects Oct. 20. Assistant City Manager/Engineer Beth Jones said the city received a number of qualified engineering firms, but ultimately went with the Bellaire-based firm Quiddity Engineering LLC to oversee services related to the regional drainage improvement program.

Zooming in: Jones said she will issue the first work order for $736,470 for the first six months of support with Quiddity, which includes onboarding staff from the firm who will work directly, both full-time and part-time, with Bellaire officials, handing public outreach and communication, as well as inspections.

Quote of note: "Our goal is to deliver these projects efficiently and do it right," council member Ross Gordon said.

Looking for some new dining options? Check out some of the restaurants in the Bellaire, Meyerland and West U areas that have either opened recently or are expected to come soon. 

This list is not comprehensive.

Now open
Slip Sliders: Selling chef-driven sliders and hand-battered chicken tenders, the fast casual restaurant opened next to Hermann Park. Customers can order sides and milkshakes as well.

• Opened in September
• 1802 Binz St., Ste. 121, Houston

Wingbay: The wing restaurant debuted in the Houston market in October, with the first spot to open near Loop 610. Wingbay sells halal wings, tenders, fries and sides.

• Opened Oct. 4
• 3218 S. Loop W., Houston

The city of Houston will hold a public hearing Nov. 12 for the potential addition of several new historic landmarks as recommended by the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission.

At a glance: According to the Oct. 22 City Council agenda, the following locations have received HAHC approval and will be considered as new historic landmarks Nov. 12:

• Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, landmark
• The Pizzitola Building, landmark
• The Valenti-Dissen House, protected landmark
• West Edgemont’s “Dream House,” protected landmark
• The Alan and Hattie Green House, landmark
• Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, protected landmark

NRG Energy Inc. will invest $360 million to expand power generation in Harris County through a new 456-megawatt natural gas facility at the existing TH Wharton Generating Station, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Oct. 21.

Explained: The project, which has been designated as a qualified initiative under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation (JETI) program, is expected to begin operations by summer 2026. Once complete, the facility will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ Houston Load Zone—including Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands—helping meet growing energy demands across the fifth-largest metro area in the U.S., according to the release.

Offering input: NRG leaders said the project will bring both temporary construction jobs and permanent positions once operational.

“Texas energy powers our state’s booming economy,” Abbott said in the news release. “This $360 million investment by NRG in Harris County is a significant advancement in Texas' energy infrastructure. The new natural gas facility will expand power generation and provide reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses.”