City officials approved an amendment to its code of ordinances May 18 to replace the Urban Village District (UV-D) with the new Bellaire Makers District, or BMD.

The district is intended to produce a "destination" development with potential restaurants, outdoor gathering spaces and other amenities desired by Bellaire residents, according to the agenda item.

The overview: The Planning and Zoning Committee originally proposed the new district to City Council in April, describing it as a unique area on the edge of Bellaire's city limits that would encourage reinvestment and create a green area that is less auto-oriented, according to previous reporting.

The proposal also limits what types of businesses can and cannot operate within the zone. For example, drive-thru restaurants, manufacturing, commercial surface parking lots, tattoo shops and mini-storage facilities will not be allowed to operate within the district.

Zooming in: Bellaire Makers District will replace the UV-D, which formerly served as a designated mixed-use zone in the city.

JabChai Thai Cafe and Eatery is now open in Houston, a representative confirmed. 

What they offer: JabChai is serving coffee, desserts and Thai-Chinese-inspired dishes, according to the website.

The cafe describes itself as a relaxed dining spot with a cozy atmosphere and “innovative cuisine.” Its menu includes coffee, desserts and small bites, including items such as cheese rolls, curry noodles, porkballs and more, according to the menu.

JabChai also offers online ordering, gift cards and a rewards program.

• 2523 Quenby St., Houston

Houston residents will get a better understanding of how the new $5 administration fee for trash collection will be implemented in the coming weeks.

What this means: On May 18, Houston Public Works Director Randall Macchi presented the department’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget, which will absorb the Solid Waste Management department.

During the presentation, Macchi showed key performance indicators, which would use metrics to measure HPW’s success. Macchi added that the initial KPIs are output-based, rather than outcome-based.
KPIs for solid waste management are:

• Tons of heavy trash collected: 230,000

• Average number of weekly curbside recycling stops: 165,500

• Total drop-offs at waste collection sites: 67,000

• Tons of tree and yard waste collected: 18,300

• Total number of containers replaced or repaired: 19,200

“We’re going to come back to council within the next 60 days with some refined KPIs that are much more specific,” Macchi said.

Houston is offering free gun safes and locks, which began May 14, for residents as part of its new distribution program.

What it means: Council member Abbie Kamin and the Houston Health Department launched a program that will offer free safety locks and provide free educational resources.

The program is intended to help prevent unintentional firearm injuries and will launch at three Houston Health Department centers in areas that have high rates of injuries, according to HHD. Those locations are:

• Sunnyside

• Northside

• Sharpstown

The program will also partner with pediatric offices and healthcare providers to expand distribution and education efforts.

“By partnering with trusted healthcare providers and community health centers, we are getting lifesaving resources directly into the hands of families to prevent tragedy before it happens,” Kamin said.

How it works: The program is under SafeWatch Houston, a dashboard that tracks firearm injuries and uses Level I trauma center clinical data, emergency response systems and other resources to provide information for the dashboard.

Harris County commissioners allocated an additional $19 million to the Harris County Sheriff's and Fire Marshal’s offices to support ongoing capital improvement projects across eight law enforcement facilities.

The overview: The May 14 vote increased funding from $100 million to $119.73 million for the projects, which aim to enhance resiliency and technology at facilities in the HCSO’s patrol districts, according to agenda documents.

Some context: Harris County voters approved a $100 million bond in 2022 to support improvements at public safety facilities, also known as Proposition A. In May 2024, Commissioners Court then allocated approximately $82.7 million in bond funds to HCSO’s proposed projects as well as $10 million for administrative costs and about $7.3 million for contingency—totaling $100 million—county documents show.

More details: The additional funding will help ensure the facilities meet updated safety codes and ensure operational resilience with enhancements such as generators, security infrastructure and structural remediation.

Looking forward: All projects are on track for construction by late 2026 and early 2027, with estimated completion slated for the second quarter of 2028.