HTX-TOM: Impact 9/25/2025

After five years of operating a landscaping business and years of self-taught gardening, Alex Drisaldi planted new roots with Potted Nursery in December 2024. Co-owned by Drisaldi and Charles Shockey, the indoor plant nursery specializes in rare plants imported globally.

What they offer: Specializing in anthurium, philodendrons and alocasias, Drisaldi said Potted Nursery strives to have a variety of plants imported from vendors in Thailand, Malaysia, New York, Washington and Florida. In addition to its rotating plants, Potted Nursery has a plant request book in which customers can request a plant and leave their contact information to be contacted when the plant becomes available.

What else: Made with a coir base consisting of coconut bark, perlite worm castings, compost and biochar mix, Drisaldi said he encourages his customers to make their own soil for best results. To further encourage customers, the nursery carries its soil for $16 per quart and $40 per gallon and teaches soil classes for $35. Looking ahead, Drisaldi said he plans to offer more plant classes and events.

Haven Event Venue officials said Mark Zientek, owner of The Refuge Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar and Southern Ice Co. is opening Haven Event Venue to hold private events, weddings and company functions.

The details: Haven is designed to offer a modern and inviting space, per the website. Guests can expect:

• Interiors designed with modern touches
• A flexible venue for intimate or large gatherings
• An exclusive catering menu by The Refuge culinary team

• Opening Oct. 22
• 8510 Creekside Forest Drive, Ste. E-100, The Woodlands

The Harris Health board of trustees unanimously approved a resolution Sept. 23 calling for the acquisition of a portion of Hermann Park to support the expansion of Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital, according to a news release.

Current situation: The board authorized the Harris Health legal team to take all necessary actions to purchase three parcels of land in Hermann Park—totaling about 8.9 acres, or 2% of the park—by eminent domain. The land currently belongs to the city of Houston, which oversees the park’s operations. 

How we got here: Harris County voters approved a $2.5 billion Harris Health hospital bond in 2023, which included plans for the Ben Taub expansion, according to past Community Impact reporting. The $410 million project would add approximately 100 patient rooms to the hospital, which has been consistently operating at and beyond its 402-bed capacity, according to the release. 

Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess formally announced she will not seek reelection for a third term as the district clerk of Texas’ largest county. Burgess said in a Sept. 22 news release that she also won’t pursue another political office.

The details: Burgess and her staff support the legal proceedings within more than 90 courts in Harris County. She first took office in 2019, then went on to win reelection in 2022. Her current term ends Dec. 31, 2026.

Quote of note: “I have truly loved this job and everything we have accomplished,” Burgess said. “When I leave this office on Dec. 31, 2026, it will be with my head held high, proud of our work, and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Harris County.”

The context: The announcement comes less than a week after Burgess appeared before Harris County commissioners Sept. 18, addressing her request for a raise with the county’s salary grievance committee.

The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.

The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.

Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA. 

The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.