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‘Too many close calls’: Pedestrian safety improvements underway at Houston school intersection

Construction began at the intersection of Ella Boulevard and Grovewood Lane on March 9.

About the project: Funding is being split between Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones and Houston District C Council member Abbie Kamin, who allocated $60,000 to the project.
Improvements include:

  • New and updated curb ramps
  • Sidewalk construction where gaps currently exist
  • Ladder-striped crosswalks at all approaches
  • Installation of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon, or RRFB, to enhance pedestrian visibility 

The intersection has been the subject of concern after many residents raised issues with the number of close calls from people ignoring stop signs, Kamin said. 

“These upgrades make sure our children, families and neighbors feel safe every time they use this intersection,” Kamin said. “We’ve had too many close calls, and for years, parents and neighbors pleaded for a solution.”

One more thing:  The entire project is expected to be completed by March 18, weather permitting.

 
CI Business
Milano Nail Spa Heights to celebrate its 5-year anniversary with discounted services

The Milano Nail Spa in the Heights will celebrate five years in business March 21.

The spa and nail salon offers manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements and services such as eyelash extensions, facials and waxing.

The celebration: To celebrate their fifth anniversary, according to a March 10 news release, the one-day event will include complimentary snacks, exclusive one-day service discounts, 30% off for the first 100 online bookings and the chance to win a Tesla Model 3.

Guests visiting the salon on March 21 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. will also receive 10% off any main service.

  • 2799 Katy Freeway, Ste. 130, Houston

 
Metro News
HAR reports that Houston is seeing more homes on the housing market

More moderate prices have led to an influx of homes hitting the market, according to the Houston Association of Realtors' February 2026 housing market update. While there was a slight decrease in home sales, buyer activity has increased across the region.

The gist: According to HAR, property sales of all types compared to February last year have dwindled by 3.3%, with 7,024 properties sold. Despite this, the number of properties listed has risen by 14.3%, with 55,710 properties now available. 

According to HAR Chief Economist Ted C. Jones, the Houston housing market has been “bottoming out” for the past several years and is now returning to pre-pandemic levels.

As it stands right now, the median price declined 0.9% year over year in February to $322,078. Homes have also been spending more time on the market this February compared to last February—the average days spent on the market for a home went from 60 to 69 days, which is the highest it’s been since March 2013, when the average time was 74 days.

 
What You May Have Missed
Katy ISD approves new school, new stores coming to The Woodlands Mall: 6 trending stories in the Houston metro

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from March 9-13.
  • Cajun cuisine, New York-style sandwiches: 6 restaurants to try across the Greater Houston area
  • Katy ISD approves nearly $41.02M construction contract for 49th elementary school
  • 6 new, coming soon and renovated stores in The Woodlands Mall
  • The Best Stop Cajun Market brings a taste of Louisiana to Katy
  • Toro District estimated to have $34B economic impact in Cypress region
  • Tomball moves to lock down Main Street property next to city information center

 
Statewide News
Applications for new Texas education savings accounts close Tuesday, March 17

Families have until 11:59 p.m. March 17 to apply for the first year of Texas’ education savings account program, according to the state comptroller’s office.

The big picture: Under the $1 billion program, participating students will receive state funds for private education or homeschooling during the 2026-27 school year. It is unlikely that all applicants will be accepted, as application data shows more students have applied than the program can fund.

The program offers $2,000 to homeschooled students; $10,474 for private school tuition and related expenses; and up to $30,000 for students with disabilities. With demand set to exceed available funding, applications will be prioritized based on need and household income.

How we got here: State lawmakers created the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program in 2025, with proponents saying it will expand options for families who don't want to send their children to public schools. Critics of the program have said it will unfairly benefit students already in private schools and divert funding from public schools.

 

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Cassie Jenkins
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Chloe Mathis
General Manager

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