HTX-SLM: Impact 10/30/2025

Missouri City officials have announced roadway closures and parking restrictions for Halloween evening.

What residents need to know: The closures and parking restrictions, which will be in effect Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to midnight, aim to create a safe environment for those celebrating the holiday, according to an Oct. 27 news release.

According to the release, roads that will be closed to vehicle traffic include:

• Robinson Road at El Dorado Boulevard
• Robindale Lane at Hampton Drive
• Glen Echo Lane at Crow Valley Drive
• Sun City Court, Green Tree Court and Golden Hills Lane

Sugar Land’s Lake Pointe District is nearing the start of redevelopment.

The details: As part of the process, Sugar Land officials are considering code changes, specifically regarding middle housing development, Redevelopment Planning Manager Ruth M. Lohmer said at an Oct. 21 City Council meeting.

The most significant change would decrease minimum mew widths—the distance between property lines—from 30 to 20 feet, allowing buildings to be built closer together.

How we got here: The process is part of a years-long chain of events, beginning in 2018, to bring pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use areas to the district, Lohmer said.

What’s next: Demolition will continue in phases over the next year, with construction on Phase 1 of Lake Pointe Green expected to begin as early as summer 2026, said Emily Pollard, communications manager for the city of Sugar Land's Department of Redevelopment.

Mental health nonprofit Texana Center and Houston Humane Society animal shelters have partnered to provide temporary emergency boarding for pets belonging to individuals seeking mental health services through Texana’s Crisis Center, per an Oct. 21 news release.

The program is designed to ensure that people facing mental health challenges or emergencies do not have to choose between their own safety and the well-being of their pets.

The gist: Through this collaboration, the HHS will offer free temporary boarding for up to 90 days, including meals and daily care. Pets may also receive spay and neuter services and updated vaccinations during their stay, with the owner’s consent, according to the release.

Moving forward: All services provided through this partnership are available at no cost to clients receiving services at Texana’s Crisis Center, per the release. Individuals seeking more information can contact the crisis hotline at 1-800-633-5686.

Texas homeowners could see larger property tax breaks on this year’s bills if voters approve two state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The details: Proposition 13 would raise the property tax exemption on a Texas homeowner’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, from $100,000 to $140,000. Proposition 11 would give homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability a $200,000 exemption.

The exemptions would apply only to taxes charged by public schools.

The impact: Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the Houston Republican who authored the legislation, estimated in June that the average Texas homeowner would see about $484 in annual savings if the tax cuts are approved by voters, with roughly $950 in savings for seniors and people with disabilities. These estimates do not account for potential tax rate increases by local governments.

If voters approve the two ballot measures, the cuts will take effect for the current tax year and appear on homeowners’ upcoming tax bills, according to the Texas House Research Organization.