Over 30 trees were replaced on Montrose Boulevard after many died or struggled to survive in the summer heat.

Growing challenges: During an Oct. 21 Montrose Redevelopment Authority meeting, Michael Robinson, a landscape architect and principal with SWA Group, which designed the project’s landscaping, said his firm’s assessment concluded that the trees were not being watered properly.

“It is unfortunate that the trees perished,” Robinson said.

Robinson said the planting schedule also may have been part of the problem. The project specifications call for trees to be planted between Oct. 1 and Feb. 28, which he described as the ideal planting window. Planting later in the season, when temperatures begin to rise, can make it more difficult for trees to establish themselves.

What’s changing: The project team introduced additional watering measures for the replacement trees, including Gator bags that will be filled daily unless adequate rainfall makes watering unnecessary.

The iconic Houston furniture showroom Noël Furniture is permanently closing after 50 years in business.

What's happening: Owner Tod Noël announced his retirement in June, leading to the subsequent closure of the showroom located off the Southwest Freeway.

“For five decades, it has been our privilege to help clients create homes of beauty, warmth and distinction," Noël said. "We are deeply grateful for the trust our customers placed in us and for the friendships that have defined our business across generations.”

Some background: Noël Furniture originally opened around 1977, selling luxury and custom home furnishings such as designer sofas, dining tables, handmade rugs and statement art pieces. The store also carried interior design products and luxury brands, including Marge Carson, Elite Leather and Stone International.

Before you go: Noël Furniture's last day will be Oct. 25. Until then, the showroom will continue its liquidation sale with savings ranging from 50% to 80% off.

• 2727 Southwest Fwy., Houston

The Houston Airport System will host its first Flavor Fest, allowing non-travelers to sample airport cuisine to benefit Wings of Compassion, an organization providing temporary financial aid to airport system employees experiencing hardship.

The details: Tickets cost $30 per person and include validated parking. Because both events take place in pre-security areas, attendees do not need a flight or boarding pass.

The events will take place:

• Nov. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at William P. Hobby Airport, with parking in the Blue Garage. Participating restaurants include Killen's BBQ, Common Bond and Velvet Taco.

• Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, with parking in the CDE Garage. Participating restaurants include El Tiempo Cantina, The Annie and Little Purse Dumpling Den.

The festival will feature food and drinks, a live chef competition, People's Choice voting, live entertainment and retail partner giveaways.

Texas environmental regulators have continued processing certain data center permits in the month since Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a permitting pause, according to a new report from FracTracker, an oil and gas watchdog group.

The details: Abbott directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality last month to "halt all permits sought by data centers" while the Electric Reliability Council of Texas audits proposed projects.

Yet as of Oct. 16, the TCEQ had moved at least 35 data center-related applications forward, per an analysis of TCEQ records.

Zooming in: The agency has issued public notices for three data center projects since Abbott ordered the pause Sept. 21. It also approved stormwater coverage, certified air emissions limits or assigned engineers to other projects.

"No permits have been approved," Andrew Mahaleris, the governor's press secretary, said Oct. 20. "In line with the governor’s directive, TCEQ has not taken and will not take any proactive actions related to the approval of data center permits."

"These actions do not signal an agency trying to pause," FracTracker said in the report.