The Houston Parks and Recreation Department recommended that the council approve an increase in a developer fee that has not been adjusted in nearly 20 years.

Explained: HPRD collects a fee from developers as part of the city’s open space ordinance, which provides parks, recreational amenities and open space for residential areas.

If a developer receives a permit or certificate of occupancy for a property, such as a multi-family unit, the developer must pay a fee per unit. That fee goes toward the fund, which is used partly to maintain city parks.

The fee is $700, but HPRD director Kenneth Allen said the department is looking to increase the fee to $900, which would be the first time the fee has been adjusted since the creation of the fund in 2007.

What’s changed: The proposed increase is in response to the rising appraised land values and is considered below the allowed amount under state law, which caps the fee at a maximum of $1,260.

Boomtown Coffee Roasters has opened a Memorial Park location, its third since launching in 2011.

What’s on the menu: Boomtown serves pastries, breakfast tacos and specialty drinks with house-made syrups. It offers signature concoctions and house lattes such as:

• Toddy Mocha: cold brew coffee, espresso, mocha and whole milk

• CRUD: cold brew, espresso, chicory, vanilla and cream

• Shakarato: espresso, agave, citrus zest and bitters

• Sea Turtle: latte with caramel, chocolate and vanilla

Meet the team: Boomtown also joined the Houston hospitality group Different Hospitality this year and merged with New Heights Coffee Roasters.

“Memorial Park brings so many different people together, and that’s a big part of what drew us here,” said Charlie McIntyre, Different Hospitality founder and executive director. “We’re excited to bring some new life to an existing space while serving great coffee and having fun with the drinks.”

• 6001 Washington Ave, Unit 100, Houston

According to unofficial results from the Harris County Clerk’s Office, 1.08 million voters participated in early voting for the general election.

Zooming in: This turnout surpasses the early voting numbers for the 2018 and 2022 midterm elections. The county has more than 2.7 million registered voters and experienced record turnout on its first day of the 12-day early voting period.

Also of note: The election will determine officeholders in federal, state and local races. Election Day on Nov. 3 is the last opportunity for voters to cast a ballot, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at more than 600 locations across Greater Houston.

Local races on the Harris County ballot include county judge, attorney, district clerk, county clerk, treasurer and County Department of Education Places 5 and 7.

Texans' last chance to vote in this year's midterm election is Nov. 3. Polling places across the state will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, according to the secretary of state's office.

What to expect: Dozens of races will appear on the ballot, from U.S. Senate and governor to local officials and propositions.

If a voter runs into an issue at the polls that cannot be immediately resolved, such as a lack of photo ID or an administrative error, they have the right to cast a provisional ballot, per state law. Some voters may be required to return to the local voter registrar's office by Nov. 9—six days after Election Day—to resolve the issue after voting.

Stay informed: Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide to read Q&As with hundreds of candidates, find coverage of local propositions and print a custom sample ballot to bring to the polls.

After polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, election results will be posted on the same webpage.