Commissioner Lesley Briones announced nearly $33.5 million in sustainable infrastructure projects spanning Alief, Sharpstown, Westchase, and surrounding neighborhoods as part of her third annual Places 4 People initiative. 

“This is a testament to the power of partnerships. We’re here to get things done. When we join forces and work together, we can deliver more and build a safe and strong community,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. 

The $33.5 million initiative leverages $10.9 million in Precinct 4 funding with $22.6 million from the City of Houston, Houston Parks Board, Westchase District, and Southwest Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20.

City of Houston Partnership Projects

• Alief Forest South Neighborhood Transformation: A $25.6 million neighborhood overhaul including new detention ponds, street reconstruction, and replacement of aging water and sewer lines to improve drainage, mobility, and public safety. The Alief Forest South neighborhood is located in the 100-year floodplain with 70 structures identified by FEMA as repetitive loss properties.  

• Lakeside Estates Roadway Improvements: This project in the Briargrove Park/Walnut Bend community rehabilitates roads, drainage, and sidewalks along Lakeside Estates Drive and Lynbrook Drive. The area has experienced 22 crashes in five years. The improvements will make the neighborhood safer for drivers, and children walking to nearby schools. 

“This is an example of collaboration between the City of Houston and Harris County Precinct 4. Together, we will improve infrastructure and the quality of life for families and others living in the selected communities. I am excited to work with Commissioner Briones on the Places 4 People announcement and other projects within shared boundaries. Our partnership is focused on people and building a future for everyone,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. 

"I’m excited about the Places 4 People matching funds to support the Alief Forest Drainage and Paving Project that will directly benefit residents and our beloved neighborhoods,” said Houston City Council Member Tiffany Thomas. “The City of Houston can't do it alone and having government partners like Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones makes the difference allowing us to do more-together with our shared constituency." 

Houston Parks Board Partnership Projects

• Alief Mobility Improvements: This project designs a shared-use path in Alief, along a section of the community on the High Injury Network. It will run from Keegans Bayou to Fort Bend County. The path will include a new crosswalk at West Bellfort Avenue, benefitting children and other residents who walk to two nearby schools, three parks, and a retail center. 

• Shadowlake Mobility Improvements: This community has seen multiple serious pedestrian crashes, including one death. The project designs a shared-use path with a new crosswalk on Westpark Drive and Richmond Avenue in Alief. The path creates safe connections for the Shadowlake neighborhood to Outley Elementary, the Alief ISD Center for Advanced Careers, multiple parks, and a nearby medical center.  

“Southwest Houston is seeing meaningful investments that strengthen connectivity and improve quality of life for residents,” said Justin Schultz, President & CEO of Houston Parks Board. “Thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Lesley Briones and the Places 4 People initiative, HPB continues to partner with Precinct 4 in the Alief and Sharpstown communities to create safe, off-street connections and more accessible routes to schools, parks, healthcare, and jobs — while linking more neighborhoods to our growing Bayou Greenways system. These efforts reflect our mission to expand greenspace and deliver infrastructure that supports the everyday needs of Houstonians.” 

“Our elected officials have made the Alief community a priority. On behalf of the 40,000 students we serve and their families, we say thank you,” said Dr. Anthony Mays, Alief ISD Superintendent

Westchase District Partnership Projects

• Hayes Road Re-design: This effort in the Westchase neighborhood will plan the full reconstruction of Hayes Road, improving roadway conditions, sidewalks, and storm sewer systems. The corridor serves the Houston City College Alief Hayes Campus and Hawthorn Terrace senior living community. 

• Wallingford Drive Re-design: The road in this corridor of the Westchase District frequently sees ponding after a rainstorm, making it difficult for residents, and first responders to navigate through the community. This project plans the full reconstruction of Wallingford Drive with roadway, sidewalk, and storm sewer upgrades to enhance neighborhood safety and create long-term infrastructure resilience. 

“The reconstruction of Hayes Road will significantly improve vehicular and pedestrian connectivity between two major thoroughfares, Westheimer Road and Richmond Avenue. This enhancement will provide better access to Houston City College at the Hayes/Westheimer intersection and improve connectivity to numerous multifamily communities along Hayes Road,” said Irma Sanchez, President & CEO Westchase District. “The reconstruction of Wallingford will improve access to Westheimer and enhance pedestrian safety. In addition to repaving the roadway, the project will upgrade drainage infrastructure and replace pedestrian facilities, contributing to improved mobility for residents and visitors.” 

Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20 Project

• Sharpstown Mobility Improvements: Construction of a shared-use path connecting Beechnut Street to the Bayou Greenway and providing a safer way to cross under I-69 in an area with high pedestrian and bicycle crash history. 

“This award is a major win for the Sharpstown area and for everyone in the area who’s been advocating for safer, more connected places to walk and bike,” said Welcome Wilson, Jr., Board Chair of Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20. “With Phase 2 of the Sharpstown Trail fully designed, permitted, and ready to deliver, Southwest Houston RDA/TIRZ 20 and Houston Parks Board can move quickly to complete the southern connection to the Brays Bayou Greenway, bridging the barrier created by IH-69 and creating a new north-south multimodal option alongside Gessner. We’re grateful for Commissioner Briones and Harris County Precinct 4’s partnership through the Places4People program and proud to invest alongside the County to bring this $4.27 million project to life for the Sharpstown community.” 

Since Commissioner Briones launched Places 4 People in 2023, Precinct 4 and its partners have invested over $250 million into 59 much-needed projects.

“This is words into action. We look forward to putting these projects in the ground for our community and we look forward to many more years of progress together.” Commissioner Briones said. 

Project funding will become available in fiscal year 2027- 2028. 

For more information about the Places 4 People initiative and upcoming projects, visit: https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Infrastructure/Places-4-People