Update on Short Term Rental Regulations - Committee Meeting Monday, April 7th /  by Michael Graves

The following message was received from the office of CM Castillo via SN15. It pertains to new regulations that may impact short term rental, such as Air B&B, in the City of Houston. If you have concerns about such potential rules, here’s your chance to get informed about what’s coming.

I know parts of your Super Neighborhood are disproportionately impacted by Short Term Rentals (STRs). An ordinance to better regulate STRs came before City Council today but was tagged. It will now go before the Quality of Life Committee on Monday, April 7th for further discussion.

Attached is the language that will go before the Committee. If anyone from your Super Neighborhood would like to speak on the item, here are the details:

President's Report - March 2025 /  by Michael Graves

After some drift, the WHCA is transitioning to a more normal cadence for member meetings. These would normally be the second Tuesday of odd-numbered months (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sep, and Nov) Recently, a requirement to gather specific guests to address important topics has forced some flexibility in scheduling. That had the knock-on effect of pushing this most recent meeting later in the month. Be that as it may, we had a good turnout at this week’s meeting, once again held in the Great Room at Zion Lutheran Church.

Friends of Woodland Park

The Friends of Woodland Park occupied the top of the batting order. They presented their 15 for 15 Project, an ambitious project that details the launch of 15 projects they will launch this year as part of FWP's 15 Anniversary Celebration.

Jennifer Oslind, FWP Board Member, led the presentation by recalling Woodland Park's significant role in her life in Woodland Heights. Her presentation is one that many residents can relate to, as so many residents use the park with their families.

Pat Rutledge, Treasurer and founding FWP member, noted that FWP was created as a result of the success of the WHCA Centennial Committee in raising funds for park improvements. He went on to describe the design of the Great Lawn, which is part of the park's Master Plan. The 15 for 15 projects work in conjunction with the Woodland Park Master Plan and vary in terms of fundraising and completion timelines.

However, the goal of all 15 projects is to improve the park for residents and visitors. Notable projects include the establishment of a Great Lawn (Phase 1), which would involve relocating picnic tables, benches, and grills to a shadier section of the park while creating a central open space for events and programming and adding landscape improvements.

Kelli Fereday, FWP President, further detailed additional projects that are part of the 15 for 15 Project, including improved signage and a historical marker for the park, a bayou overlook project designed to study the feasibility of "Bird Watching Platform" accessed from Houston Ave side of the park to allow more people the opportunity to visit the natural areas of the park without having to navigate stairs and trails, this study would include design and cost estimates for construction, and a Trash Weir Feasibility Study to address the installation of a weir system to catch debris from the bayou before it washes into the park along the waterways.

There are several other projects on the Friends of Woodland Park's 15 for 15 Project list, and they will be launched throughout the year. Stay tuned in to FWP for more information and to become involved in helping them improve Woodland Park for the entire neighborhood. For more information, visit FWP 15 for 15.

2026 WHCA Home Tour

Louise Moss spoke at the evening's meeting to send out a call to those with historic homes who would like to be considered for the 2026 WHCA Home Tour. This bi-annual event is the leading fundraiser for the WHCA and is an exceptionally popular event, drawing neighbors and visitors from across Houston to admire the iconic old homes.

The Home Tour planning committee is seeking nominations and will begin viewing potential homes in June of this year. All homes need to be vintage, with renovations and additions welcome.

Additional opportunities to help with the committee on event planning and management will open up in the fall, and volunteers and docents for the Spring event will be sought in early 2026. If you are interested in having your home considered for the tour, please contact Louise Moss at limoss@comcast.net or Megan Mastal at mmastal@insightspr.com.

Constable Patrol Update

Beth Sorenson arranged to have Lieutenant McClerkins and Deputy Constable Suggs update members on the status of the WHCA Constable Patrol and the types of activity they have seen recently in the neighborhood. The deputies noted several activities, including a porch pirate and a suspicious vehicle they'd been watching in the area.

However, they noted that it would be more helpful if neighbors consistently reported issues they face, even if the incident is small. For example, a package stolen from a porch. Reporting the incidents to Precinct One  Dispatch allows them to cross-reference events occurring in other neighborhoods in addition to Woodland Heights. This allows the Deputies to build a stronger case against individuals they catch and can help in identifying criminals who visit multiple neighborhoods.

The deputies stressed how important it is that even minor crimes are reported to the authorities. A porch pirate caught on camera here in Woodland Heights may match similar incidents in other neighborhoods. Citing a pattern of criminal activity makes for a stronger case against the thief.

Who You Gonna Call?

  • In a real emergency, please dial 911 (life and death situations).

  • Call the constable dispatch office for anything less urgent, such as something damaged or stolen or minor fender benders! They’ll respond faster, and they can file the police report that you need for insurance purposes. That number is Precinct One Dispatch Office at (713) 755-7628

  • If you wish to remain anonymous while making a report, call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (713) 222-TIPS.

The remainder of the meeting consisted of WHCA Directors reporting on topics that are mostly detailed elsewhere in this issue. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

In Recognition of an Artist 'Houston' - Mac Whitney (1936 - 2025) /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Earlier this month, I heard from a neighbor that Mac Whitney had passed away. Why, you may ask, is that relevant? It is because his art is a piece you may walk by when you visit Stude Park.

The 50,000-pound, 50-foot-tall abstract monument titled 'Houston' stands tall on a hill above White Oak Bayou, visible from I-10  toward downtown. The piece was completed and installed in 1982 and was one of the first public artworks commissioned by the City of Houston.

Mac Whitney was born in 1936 in Manhattan, Kansas. He grew up on his parents' farm and learned to weld in High School. He went on to attend the College of Emporia and then studied at the Kansas State Teachers College and Kansas University. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Kansas in 1968.
 
In 1969, he moved to Texas and became associated with a Dallas group called the Oak Cliff Four. Around 1983 Whitney bought a 22.5-acre property on forested Red Oak Creek in Ovilla, outside of Midlothian, south of Dallas, on the northeast Texas prairie. He built his studio on this property and continued to produce artwork that has been called

"dynamic sculptures and extensive career have become a recognized part of Texas' rich cultural environment. His abstracted raw steel sculptures portray the primary forces of tension and resolution while instilling a sense of monumentality. The freestanding sculptures are both prodigious and lyrical- heavy metal seems effortlessly bent, unfolding toward the sky." – Gallery Sonja Roesch
 
Mac Whitney's work has been shown nationally and internationally and is part of many public collections, including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Fort Worth Museum of Art, the Art Museum of South Texas, the University of North Texas Museum, and the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, Texas. It is worth recognizing, and you can see one of his many pieces when you take your morning or evening walk through Stude Park.
 
Additional information on Mac Whitney and his art is found at the following links.
Glass Tire - https://glasstire.com/2025/03/13/mac-whitney-1936-2025/
Glass Tire - https://glasstire.com/2025/01/08/mac-whitney-man-of-steel/
Houston Chronicle - https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/article/Paintings-expand-meaning-of-sculptures-by-Whitney-4294878.php#photo-4226173
Gallery Sonja Roesch  - https://www.gallerysonjaroesch.com/mac-whitney
Kirk Hopper Fine Art - https://www.kirkhopperfineart.com/whitney.html
Mac Whitney Art - https://macwhitneyart.com/

To find a list of Art in Parks located throughout Houston visit
Houston Parks & Recreation Department Art in Parks - https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/artinparks/pdfs/Houston.pdf

District H Final Town Hall Virtual Meeting /  by Michael Graves

Council Member Mario Castillo, District H, will hold his final Town Hall for this year on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. It will be a virtual meeting, and you are requested to RSVP for the event at wkf.ms/4hlmuaq, or you can scan the QR code on the invite.

This is your opportunity to meet your council member and his team, ask questions, offer comments, and hear updates coming in 2025. In addition, you can find out more information regarding available city resources.

Solid Waste Management - Heavy Trash /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department announced two service changes that took effect on March 9 and 10, 2025, regarding Heavy Trash Pickup and Neighborhood Depository Hours. (Read COH SWMD's press release)

Heavy Trash Removal Change

The all-inclusive heavy trash removal has been changed to a tree waste only collection. Residents will need to take any waste outside of this guideline to one of the City's 6 Neighborhood Depositories.

Neighborhood Depository Hours and Requirements

All six City Neighborhood Depositories will operate under new hours: Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed Mondays). When dropping off heavy trash at a depository, each user must provide proof of residency, including a valid Texas Driver's License or other ID, along with a current utility bill or city property tax receipt. Citizens may use the depositories four times per month and are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to allow adequate unloading time.

Note that some items are accepted at neighborhood depositories, and some are not. Download a copy of SWMD Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Centers Standard Operating Rules and Regulations before your visit to be sure you have all the items required to use the depository sites and that your items will be accepted at the sites.

Neighborhood Depository Locations - Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

2026 Home Tour Gears Up With Call For Homes /  by Michael Graves

2026 Home Tour Gears Up With Call For Homes

The Home Tour Committee will begin viewing potential homes in June. Our goal is to showcase Woodland Heights' historic charm with homes of various sizes, architectural styles, and décor. All homes need to be original, but renovations and additions are welcome. If interested in having your home considered for the tour, please contact Louise Moss at limoss@comcast.net or Megan Mastal at mmastal@insightspr.com.

The home tour is the neighborhood's biggest fundraiser, netting almost $44,000 in 2024, thanks to the many volunteers, local business sponsors, and enthusiastic tour-goers.

Early this fall, we will look for "a few good neighbors" to help on the committee with event planning and management. It's a fun way to meet more neighbors and support your community. If interested, please let Louise or Megan know if you'd like to be part of making it happen. All talents and interests are welcome.

Next spring, we'll expand the volunteer opportunities as more than 150 docents are needed for the home tour weekend—that call will go out in early 2026. Interested in sponsoring? Just let us know! Welcome spring!

April - Go Fly A Kite /  by Michael Graves

In my past life, I flew many kites—many different kites—small kites, large kites, kites with one, two, or four strings, kites that stayed still or danced in the air, and even some that were used for fighting! Kites are a novel way for both young and old to get outside and engage with one of the most awesome forces of nature.

Kite flying can be a very calming activity. Or not! Depending upon the kite and the wind, it can be very sedate. Or require constant vigilance to keep the kite aloft. It can demand an intensity of focus that forces you to set aside the day's worries and concentrate on the task.

I once worked as a staff editor for Kite Line, the world's leading kite magazine at the time. To this day, I remain a card-carrying member of the American Kitefliers Association. This is how I know April is National Kite Month, which is also one of Houston's best times of year.

If you're looking for something novel to do, get yourself a kite and find a wide-open space in a nearby public park. In fact, ping me, and I may join you.

By the way, our local kite club is the South Houston Area Recreational Kiters (aka S.H.A.R.K.) They most often get together down on the beach in Galveston or at Sylvan Rodriguez Park in Clear Lake. Kites Unlimited in Galveston is the nearest kite store.

In Answer to Your Questions /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

We have a few updates to pass on to questions we've received from neighbors. They are regarding a water leak near the Norhill Esplanade, the repair of the sign and retaining wall at the corner of greenspace at Houston Avenue and White Oak Drive, and the status of repairs to the bollards and large rocks at the entrance to our neighborhood at the corner of Watson and Usener Streets. Also, you might see new signage around the neighborhood courtesy of Harris County Constable  Alan Rosen, Precinct 1 office.

The Water Leak near the Norhill Esplanade

originally identified and reported on  February 20, 2025, was fixed on March 19, 2025. We understand that many, including the WHCA Board, would have liked this to have been addressed at a more rapid pace, but we have received information indicating that the repair was basically triaged in terms of the many other repairs throughout the city that were more serious. In the end, the City of Houston Public Works did make the repair, and we are all thankful.

The Retaining Wall Repair at Houston Avenue and White Oak Drive

We still have not received an update from the Greater Northside Management District (GNMD) regarding when they will begin repairing the signage at the parkette at White Oak and Houston Avenue. We will continue to reach out to the GNMD until we receive a timeline for this repair. Again, thank you for your patience.

The Watson Street Esplanade

The damage caused by the February 13 two-car collision to the Watson Street Esplanade bollards and boulders has been fixed. Many thanks to Ryan Taylor, WHCA Director of Beautification, and his volunteers for addressing the damage and working to repair it. The esplanade looks beautiful with its new coat of paint and brand-new larger than ever boulder. As always, the Beautification Team is looking for more volunteers to help beautify the greenspaces across our neighborhood. They'd love to hear from you and welcome you into their ranks; email beautification@woodland-heights.org.

New Signage Comes to Woodland Heights

You may have noticed the new signage that Harris Country Precinct 1 has installed across our neighborhood. We've got 8 to 10 new signs throughout the neighborhood, letting the public know that Harris County Precinct 1 Constables are on patrol throughout Woodland Heights.