Proponents of a 90,000-120,000-square-foot mixed-use development in Kemah say the complex—which would include a sports facility with eight basketball courts, in addition to a hotel and other amenities—could have a $26 million annual economic impact for the city.

Yet, those opposed say the project could irreparably alter Kemah’s character and should be put on a future ballot for voters to decide.

What happened: At its June 3 meeting, Kemah City Council voted 4-1 to table a discussion on whether to allow the citizens of Kemah to vote for or against the project and whether to suspend city expenditures and staff time committed to the project.

The details: If eventually approved by Kemah City Council or voters, the facility will include eight basketball courts, which can be converted to 16 volleyball courts or 24 pickleball courts, said J.D. Wood, regional vice president of strategic development at Sports Facilities Companies.

Looking to indulge in summer activities? Check out eight events to attend in Houston's Bay Area.

July
Armand Bayou Nature Center Pontoon Cruises: Enjoy the serenity of the waters while floating by the scenic views of Armand Bayou. Keep an eye out for herons, alligators sunbathing on the banks and native plants.

• July 18 and 25, 7:30-10 a.m.
• $30-$35 per person
• 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena

• July 19 and 26, 6-10 p.m.
• Free
• 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah

• Aug. 1, 2-5 p.m.
• Free
• 6708 Gulf Freeway, La Marque

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out five trending stories from the South Houston area from June 29-July 3.

1. New ice cream shop opens in Pearland Town Center

2. Fort Bend Care Center to add new education and community center

3. METRO announces new rail station named after Joe Ramirez

4. Brooklyn Pizzeria opens Fulshear area location

5. New ice cream, candy shop opens in Texas City

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas operates the state power grid, overseeing the flow of electricity to over 27 million customers. Yet ERCOT does not directly participate in Texas’ electric market or own any of the facilities that deliver power across the state.

The big picture: Power generation plants, transmission facilities and distribution lines are owned by outside companies, meaning that local power outages are typically isolated and handled by individual companies, rather than ERCOT.

How it works: In 1999, Texas legislators passed a law deregulating the state’s retail electric market. The law was designed to “introduce competition in Texas’ electric market by allowing consumers to choose their retail electric provider,” according to ERCOT.

Previously, most Texas utility companies owned all aspects of the electric supply chain, including generation, transmission and the delivery of power to customers.

Today, approximately 85% of electric customers in Texas can choose their retail electric provider, including those across the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth regions. Customers in Austin and San Antonio get their electricity from municipally owned utilities.