Basketball hoops, blocked trains & a spooky-good Heights fundraiser 👻

Hey, Heights neighbors! 👋

Things have been a little quieter around here this past week, but that’s given me a chance to dig into some questions and concerns you’ve brought to me over time that I haven’t had a chance to fully look into yet.

Here’s what’s on my radar this week:

🏀 Should basketball hoops return to Proctor Plaza Park?

This one has sparked some strong opinions in Norhill, and on my Instagram post.

The basketball hoops at Proctor Plaza Park were removed more than 20 years ago for what Houston City Council Member Mario Castillo’s office says was “community safety.” Now, some neighbors want them back, while others have concerns about noise, and how the space is used by families with younger children.

Now, Castillo’s office is open to revisiting the decision alongside Houston Parks and Rec.

Read the full story here.

I’m curious: What do you think would make this space work for the neighborhood? If you live nearby, I’d love to hear your perspective. I will continue to follow this one!

⚡CenterPoint hosting a Heights community event Thursday

CenterPoint Energy is hosting a Community Connect event right here in the Heights THIS THURSDAY!

The company says residents can ask questions about grid reliability, storm and winter preparedness, energy bills and available assistance programs. It’s also an opportunity to speak directly with CenterPoint representatives.

This is GREAT for so many of you who always have CenterPoint questions.

📍 Caffvino Coffee & Wine Bar, 1030 Heights Blvd.🗓️ Thursday, October 22⏰ 7:30–9:30 a.m.

CenterPoint says your morning beverage is on them, too. ☕

If you can’t go, is there something you want me to ask while I’m there? Reply to this email and let me know. I want to hear what questions you have about reliability, outages, bills or anything else related to your service.

🏢 What’s happening at the AT&T facility on Harvard?

This is an interesting one. I have gotten several emails about an AT&T facility at 743 Harvard, across from Harvard Elementary.

Some nearby residents have raised concerns about two cooling units, noise they say is occurring daily, and questions about permits and city enforcement. One resident tells me they’ve seen city violation notices on the building.

I’m working to verify and understand what’s documented, what the city has done, and what AT&T has to say.

Have you noticed the noise or have information about this facility? I’d like to hear from you if you live nearby, especially if you’ve contacted the city or have documentation that could help explain what’s happening.

🚂 Are freight trains blocking Heights streets more often?

I’ve been hearing complaints about trains repeatedly blocking intersections around the Heights and nearby neighborhoods.

The big question: Has something changed?

I’ve reached out to the Federal Railroad Administration and Union Pacific to seek data and answers about train operations, and blocked crossings, etc.

In the meantime, I’d love to know:

• Which intersections have you seen blocked?
• How long are you typically waiting?
• Have you noticed this happening more often recently?
• Have you ever seen traffic backups create a problem for emergency access?

Specific locations, dates and firsthand experiences are especially helpful. I want to find out what’s actually happening and what the data can tell us.

💀 Halloween decorations with a bigger purpose

One Sunset Heights resident is turning spooky season into something meaningful.

Kate Block recently moved to Sunset Heights and is bringing Skeletons for St. Jude to the neighborhood through her local fundraising team, Houston Heights + Friends. Her goal is to raise $30,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The idea? Decorate your yard, display a fundraising sign with a QR code, and give visitors a way to donate while they’re checking out your Halloween display.

Want to participate? You can print your own sign and join the effort!

Read Kate’s story here

💌 Keep the tips coming!

Some of my best stories start with an email from YOU. If there’s something happening on your block, a question about the neighborhood, a concern you think deserves attention or a community win that more people should know about, I want to hear from you.

You can reply directly to this newsletter or send me a note on our Heights Hub

Thanks for reading! Talk soon!