Sunnyside

Steps:

1. https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/business/customer-service/electric-outage-center/report-streetlight-outages?sa=ho

1. Click on the Report a Streetlight Outage ↓

1. Enter the streetlight number (6-digit number on light pole) or address close to the streetlight

1. Click the streetlight that is not working correctly

1. Enter information about the issue

Or

You can call the number(s) below to report streetlight outings.

• Please call 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143

If there is tree canopy near streetlighting you can report this request to: (http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/forestry/urbanforestry.html)

To report a city tree that needs pruning or to request a tree removal permit contact the Urban Forestry section by calling 311 or visit the 311 Houston Service Center online www.houston311.org to submit your request.

How to use 311 to report: http://www.houstontx.gov/311/images/311-portal-overview.mp4

Outage Tracker (http://gis.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker/) for current electric outage information.

For more information on how to report light poles that are out or need maintenance, to request a new light pole, and to report tree canopy, please utilize the video below with CenterPoint, Public Works, and Urban Forestry. Thank you!

Neighborhood Preservation Tools

These free tools offered by The City of Houston can be used to:

• Preserve the existing lot size and prevent incompatible development
• Ensure that future buildings conform to existing building lines

If you want to learn about ways you can preserve the established character of your neighborhood, please watch the video below.

You have more questions? Call us at 832-393-6600, or visit us online at https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Min-Lot_Size-Min_Bldg_Line.html

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items

Covid-19 Media Campaign 

ACTION STEPS: Develop a targeted campaign to help inform and prepare communities to protect themselves from the risks of Covid-19, provide this information through local television channels and other media

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Mayor’s Office | Role: Support, Advocate, Implement  
• Community Connectors: Harris County Judge, Area Media | Role: Support, Advocate

Expand access to testing sites and provide walk-up testing

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the expansion of Covid-19 testing sites in the community, allow walk-ups to test sites 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Houston Health Department | Role: Support, Advocate, Implement  
• Community Connectors: District D, HCC | Role: Support, Implement

Mask UP Campaign 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for increased mask distributions at trusted community sites and provide information on the importance of wearing masks and directions on how to make your own 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Houston Health Department | Role: Support, Advocate  
• Community Connectors: District D | Role: Support, Advocate, Implement

Address food insecurity 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for ongoing food distribution sites in the neighborhood and develop ongoing strategies to communicate where and how to get food assistance

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Houston Health Department | Role: Support   
• Community Connectors: District D, Area Churches, YWCA, Houston Food Bank. Common Market | Role: Support, Implement

Expand access to affordable or free wi-fi 

ACTION STEPS: Identify partners and advocate for the provision of affordable or free wi-fi to area families who are unable to pay market costs 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support, Advocate   
• Community Connectors: District D, Area Internet Providers | Role: Support, Implement

Expand and promote childcare for working parents

ACTION STEPS: Inventory area childcare centers and prioritize expanding the capacity of centers to care for the children of working parents, particularly essential workers; Begin planning for the Fall and the potential increased needs for childcare if schools are closed and parents return to work  

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support, Advocate  
• Community Connectors: District D, Collaborative for Children, HER Taskforce | Role: Support, Advocate

Connect residents to rental assistance, eviction protection, and other housing resources    

ACTION STEPS: Create an outreach campaign to connect families to rental assistance, eviction protection, and other housing resources        

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support, Advocate  
• Community Connectors: Harris County Community Services, Area Civic Organizations, District D, Unity is Wealth, Lone Star Legal Aid | Role: Support, Advocate

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items

GOAL: Expanded Economic Development 

Sources: SNP, CC   

Advocate for a new grocery store 

(HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development of a new grocery store, including identifying potential sites, partners, and incentives, such as those related to area Opportunity Zones; Potential locations include Bellfort, Cullen, and Holmes Road

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development | Role: Advocate, Support
• Community Connectors: Harris County Precinct 1, Harris County Healthy Food Financing Initiative, The Food Trust, TIRZ #26, Area Real Estate Developers, Common Market | Role: Support, Implement
  
  

Create an Economic Development Plan 

(MEDIUM Priority) 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the creation of an economic development plan that focuses on opportunities related to urban farming and agriculture, infrastructure improvements, and solar energy, and which includes an inventory of available and publicly owned land, updates to area market studies, retail and service gaps, potential funding, incentives, and support for new economic development, capital improvements projects, local businesses, and entrepreneurs

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Advocate 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: Unity is Wealth, TIRZ #26, Sunnyside Energy Trust, South Union CDC AgHub, Sunnyside Community Redevelopment Organization, Common Market | Role: Support, Implement

Expand access to full-service banking 

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development of a new local bank or credit union committed to supporting residents, area businesses, and the community, including the possibility of a community-owned credit union; Identify why other commercial banks have left the neighborhood, such as Chase, to understand the barriers to providing financial services  

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: Unity is Wealth, City of Houston Controller’s Office Bank On Houston Program, Urban League, United Way | Role: Support
  
  

Advocate for new retail and amenities 

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Identify tools and resources, including financial incentives such as Opportunity Zones, to advocate for new retail, restaurants, entertainment (bowling alley, movie theater), and shopping destinations that build on the character and opportunities in the neighborhood, including temporary commercial development such as a food truck park or drive-in movie theater  

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Advocate 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development | City Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: International Economic Development Council, TIRZ #26, Area Real Estate Developers | Role: Support, Advocate     

Advocate for the proposed solar farm project

 (LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate and organize to support and identify partners for the proposed solar farm project 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Advocate 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development | City Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: International Economic Development Council, TIRZ #26, Area Real Estate Developers | Role: Support, Advocate     

GOAL: Connected Jobs, Opportunities, and Resources 

Sources: SNP, CC

Bring a Workforce Solutions to the neighborhood, or develop a new “supercenter” model 

(HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development of a “supercenter” in Sunnyside which would include a Workforce Solutions, Houston Financial Empowerment Center, and small business assistance center; Explore the possibility of the “supercenter” to be located at the new Sunnyside Multi-Service Center

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Office of Business Opportunity, Houston Financial Empowerment Center | Role: Support, Organize, Implement 
• Community Connectors: Gulf Coast Workforce Board, City of Houston General Services Division, Houston Health Department | Partner Role: Organize, Implement

Develop a Sunnyside Youth Apprenticeship Program 

(MEDIUM Priority)  

ACTION STEPS: Develop a program to connect youth to apprenticeships in diverse disciplines and trades, including plumbing, electrical, construction, solar energy, arts, agriculture, and others 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Advocate 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | City Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: HISD, Unity is Wealth, HCC, South Union CDC, AgHub, Sunnyside Energy Trust, Prairie View A&M University, AgriLife Extension Program | Role: Support, Advocate, Implement    

Expand local hiring and community benefits agreements

 (MEDIUM Priority)  

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for community benefit agreements and local hiring for publicly funded projects in the neighborhood

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate   
• City: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development | Role: Support 

GOAL: Thriving Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Source: CC 

Develop a Sunnyside Youth Farmers Market and Entrepreneurship Program 

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Identify partnerships, funding, and strategies to create a Sunnyside Youth Farmer's Market and Entrepreneurship program which would provide training in farming, entrepreneurial skills, retailing, and product development 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Advocate 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | City Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: Worthing High School, Pro Vision Charter School, HISD, Hope Farms, South Union CDC, AgHub, HCC, Ivy Leaf Farms, Common Market, Prairie View A&M AgriLife Extension, Sunnyside Solar Energy Trust | Role: Support, Advocate, Implement     

Connect area entrepreneurs and start-ups to resources 

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: The Office of Business Opportunity to develop outreach materials and host community-based workshops promoting the programs and services available through the Solutions Center, including business development resources, legal counseling, minority, and women-owned business certification workshops, and information on Hire Houston First policies 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Outreach
• City: Office of Business Opportunity | Role: Support, Organize, Outreach, Implement 
• Community Connectors: Unity is Wealth, HCC, YWCA, TIRZ #26, Area small business owners and entrepreneurs | Role: Support

Develop a façade improvement program 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Develop and implement a façade improvement program to improve the viability of area small businesses 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate   
• City: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: Area Commercial Property Owners | Role: Support, Advocate 

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items

Goal: Thriving and Supported Students

Sources: SNP, CC 

Promote “Every Community, Every School” wraparound services in Sunnyside

(HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Promote the wraparound services provided at Sunnyside schools to ensure parents and students are connected to the resources available  

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: Houston Area Urban League, HISD, Unity is Wealth, University of Houston Urban Experience Program | Role: Support, Advocate, Implement 

Promote and expand tutoring and mentoring and college readiness programs

(HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Prepare students for success by expanding access to, and knowledge of, academic and instructional support, including tutoring, mentoring, and college readiness programs 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education, Houston Public Library | Role: Support, Advocate, Implement 
• Community Connectors: Houston Health Department Greater Houston Mentoring Alliance, HISD, YES Prep Southside, Houston Area Urban League, HYPE Freedom School, HCC, cafécollege Houston, Sunnyside Community Redevelopment Organization | Role: Support, Implement

Promote and expand early college options at area high schools 

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Promote and advocate for the expansion of early college credit courses at area high schools, including those offered through the Early College High School (ECHS) program at South Early College High School and Worthing HS in partnership with Houston Community College (HCC); Expansion programs could include veterinary sciences, animal husbandry, health occupations, engineering, and sciences

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Support   
• Community Connectors: HCC, HISD, Unity is Wealth | Role: Support, Implement

Promote and expand inclusive out of school enrichment programs 

(MEDIUM Priority)  

ACTION STEPS: Connect parents, children, and youth to resources and information on existing after school and summer enrichment programs; Expand partnerships to provide out of school programming and identify community facilities to host programming (including church-owned properties) 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Houston Public Library, Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Support, Implement 
• Community Connectors: Out2Learn.org, UH Urban Experience Program, HYPE Freedom Schools, Houston Area Urban League, YWCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, Houston Health Department, ABA Sensei | Role: Support, Implement

GOAL: Strong Community-School Partnerships 

Sources: SNP, CC 

Expand parent engagement, leadership, and advocacy 

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Develop strategies and an outreach campaign to expand parent engagement at area schools, including increasing participation in parent-teacher organizations, volunteers in public schools (VIPS), and other leadership positions

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Outreach, Organize  
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: HISD, YES Prep Southside, HYPE Freedom Schools, Houston Area Urban League | Role: Support, Implement

Create a community-school education coalition 

(LOW Priority) 

ACTION STEPS: Develop a community-based education coalition to support students, families, schools, administrators, and teachers and to develop a student-centered approach to addressing educational needs and non-academic needs of students and families, including ensuring culturally competent curriculum, elevated expectations, and to further understand the barriers and bridges to student success 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Outreach, Organize, Implement  
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: HISD Wraparound Advisory Council, YES Prep Southside, Unity is Wealth, Houston Area Urban League, Minaii Society | Role: Support

GOAL: Expanded Education for People of All Ages 

Sources: SNP, CC 

Provide financial literacy classes for youth, adults, and seniors 

(HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Provide financial literacy programs, including credit management and budgeting, and understanding the impacts of predatory lending and payday lending; Bring “Ready, Set, Bank” to the Johnson Neighborhood Library 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach   
• City: Houston Public Library, Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy | Role: Support, Implement 
• Community Connectors: United Way THRIVE Program, UH Urban Experience Program, Unity is Wealth, HCC, Houston Financial Empowerment Center, cafécollege Houston, Amegy Bank “Adulting 101” | Role: Support, Outreach, Implement

Expand access to computer literacy classes, computers and tablets, and broadband internet 

(HIGH PRIORITY)

ACTION STEPS: Expand access to computer literacy training, computers and tablets, and broadband internet for learners of all ages     

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education, Houston Public Library, Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy | Role: Support, Implement 
• Community Connectors: HISD, YES Prep Southside, Comp-U-Dopt, Bridging the Digital Divide, Internet Providers | Role: Support, Implement

Promote early childhood education 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Expand access and information for parents on the benefits of enrolling children in high-quality early childhood education 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Organize, Outreach  
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: HCC, Houston Area Urban League, YWCA | Role: Support, Outreach

Inventory and promote locally available adult education classes 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Create a comprehensive inventory of adult education classes and programs offered at HCC, Johnson Public Library, and area schools (such as the adult literacy and ESL classes at Worthing HS) to encourage lifelong learning, including for single parents with children, seniors, and people re-entering from the disciplinary system

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Implement  
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education, Houston Public Library, Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, Houston Health Department | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: HCC, HISD, YES Prep Southside, Unity is Wealth, Houston Area Urban League, Workforce Solutions, District D | Role: Support, Outreach

GOAL: Schools as the Center of the Community 

Sources: SNP, CC

Advocate for joint-use schools 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate to open area schools for community uses during out of school hours to provide services and enrichment programs for students, access to computers and internet, adult education classes, and job training and life skills programs 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate  
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support  
• Community Connectors: HISD | Role: Support, Implement 

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items

GOAL: Safe and Healthy Environment 

Sources: SNP, CC 

Address environmental concerns

 (HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Inventory, license, and monitor hazardous and incompatible land uses, including the former landfill site; Install a regulated air quality monitor at Sunnyside Park 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Health Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Air Alliance Houston, TCEQ | Role: Support, Implement 

GOAL: Quality Healthcare 

Source: CC 

Attract an urgent care center to the neighborhood

 (MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development of an urgent care center in the neighborhood

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Health Department | Role: Support

Advocate for a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center

 (LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development of a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center in Sunnyside 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Health Department | Role: Support

GOAL: Supportive Community 

Source: CC 

Inventory, promote, and expand supportive services

 (MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for and identify a partner to inventory available supportive services and programs and identify gaps, including rental assistance, food distribution, veteran services, and violence prevention; Develop a directory of local support services and distribute at area schools and community centers; Connect residents to resources

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Support, Outreach, Implement 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Houston Health Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: HPD, Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, Mayor’s Office for Homeless Initiatives, Unity is Wealth, Minaii Society, Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council | Role: Support, Outreach

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items

Well-Maintained Housing

Sources: SNP, CC 

Connect vulnerable households to home repair assistance 

(HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate and organize to develop a local home repair program, or expand the capacity and funding for existing citywide programs, to assist elderly, disabled, or other vulnerable residents to maintain, and/or make accessibility improvements to their homes, including roofs and foundations; Develop an outreach campaign to connect homeowners in need of repair or disaster recovery assistance to resources, including providing education on eligibility, processes, and timelines; Ensure timely assistance that does not create additional economic stress for those receiving assistance   

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Advocate, Implement 
• Community Connectors: Driven Work Solutions, Area Churches, Area Civic Organizations, Rebuilding Together Houston | Role: Advocate, Support, Implement 

Identify and address substandard conditions in multi-family housing developments 

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Develop an outreach campaign to encourage residents to report unsafe and substandard housing, including units with mold, unsafe conditions, or unresponsive property management; Advocate and prioritize necessary repairs

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Department of Neighborhoods, Inspections and Public Services, Houston Health Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Area Tenants, Lone Star Legal Aid, Texas Housers | Role: Support 

Assess neighborhood housing conditions

 (MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for, and identify a partner to, conduct a comprehensive assessment of neighborhood housing conditions; Based on the analysis identify and prioritize rehabilitation programs for both single and multi-family housing; Identify partners and funding mechanisms for implementation 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Organize
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Rebuilding Together Houston, Habitat for Humanity, TIRZ #26 | Role: Support

Advocate for a local home repair loan pool 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development of a Sunnyside home repair loan pool and connect homeowners in need to this resource 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Organize
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Unity is Wealth, Community Loan Center of Greater Houston, Area Banks | Role: Support, Implement 

Expand and Secure Homeownership and Stabilize Renters 

Sources: SNP, CC 

Expand homeowner education programs 

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Develop an outreach campaign to connect area homeowners and their families to existing workshops on property taxes, appraisals, wills, inheritance planning, predatory lending practices, and exemptions

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Department of Neighborhoods, Mayor’s Citizens Assistance Office | Role: Outreach, Support 
• Community Connectors: Neighborhood Recovery CDC, TSU, Unity is Wealth, Harris County Appraisal District | Role: Support, Implement 

Connect residents to new homebuyer and homeownership classes 

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Develop an outreach campaign to connect interested residents and families to homebuyer and homeowner education classes, including information on the City of Houston’s down payment assistance programs, and other resources for first time home buyers; Advocate for the provision of locally available classes

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: Neighborhood Recovery CDC, Houston Community Land Trust, TSU, Unity is Wealth, Harris County Appraisal District | Role: Support, Implement 

Establish a Sunnyside Homestead Preservation District 

(LOW Priority)  

ACTION STEPS: Explore using a Homestead Preservation District (HPD) to increase homeownership, provide affordable housing, and prevent involuntary loss of homesteads owned by low-income and moderate-income homeowners

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support, Advocate
• Community Connectors: Elected Officials (State and County Level), Harris County Appraisal District | Role: Support, Advocate

Connect renters to assistance programs and housing services 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Identify strategies and partners to advocate for the prevention of eviction and the safeguarding of renters (particularly seniors) by connecting them to housing relocation services, legal services, and rental assistance programs; Advocate for local organizations to apply for funding to provide community-based assistance 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, South Texas College of Law, Disability Rights Texas, Veterans Affairs, Judge Jeremy Brown’s Eviction Prevention Program, Lone Star Legal Aid, Houston Housing Authority | Role: Support, Implement 

New Quality Housing

Sources: SNP, CC 

Build a range of market-rate and affordable single-family housing across the neighborhood 

(MEDIUM priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the construction of new single-family housing at a wide range of price points by leveraging Houston Land Bank properties and church-owned vacant land; Partner with area developers to negotiate affordable units within market-rate projects

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Houston Land Bank, Houston Community Land Trust, Area Churches | Role: Support, Implement 

Develop a Sunnyside community housing development organization (CHDO)

 (LOW Priority) 

ACTION STEPS: Organize to establish a Sunnyside community housing development organization (CHDO) or expand the capacity of existing community development corporations through technical assistance, mentorship, and support 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Organize 
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Driven Work Solutions, Area Churches, Houston Land Bank | Role: Support

Build mixed-income rental housing 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Identify potential sites and concepts to develop mixed-income rental housing across the neighborhood, targeting seniors, single, and family units; Create partnerships for funding and implementation 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Organize 
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Houston Land Bank, Houston Community Land Trust | Role: Support

Incentivize innovative housing models

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Identify incentives and advocate for the construction of innovative housing models, such as mother-in-law cottages, accessory dwelling units, and sustainable homes, target programs to veterans and those re-entering from the disciplinary system

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Houston Land Bank, Houston Community Land Trust, Planning and Development Department | Role: Support, Implement

Expanded Fair Housing Policies 

Sources: SNP, CC 

Expand access to publicly subsidized housing and vouchers 

(LOW Priority) 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the amendment of public housing authority occupancy requirements to allow rental to people re-entering the community; Expand housing choice vouchers 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Housing Authority | Role: Support, Advocate
• Community Connectors: Elected Officials, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department | Role: Advocate, Support, Implement

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items

GOAL: Great Streets

Sources: CIP, CC 

Improve and repair area streets, including streetscaping 

(HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Identify priority streets for repair, maintenance, and streetscaping enhancements; Priority streets include Bellfort St from 288 to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Reed Rd, Sunnyside, Brookhaven, Reedwood, Blueridge, and Scott St from 610 to Airport Blvd, Jutland Rd, Coffe St, Sunbeam St, Higgins St, Paula St

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Advocate   
• City: City Council District, HPW | Role: Advocate, Implement
• Community Connector: TIRZ #26 | Role: Advocate, Implement

Improve street lighting 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Outreach to area civic organizations and super neighborhood councils to encourage residents to report streetlight outages to CenterPoint, including launching a social media campaign 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Houston Public Works | Role: Support
• Community Connector: CenterPoint | Role: Support, Implement

Create a campaign to encourage the reporting of poor street conditions 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Develop a campaign targeted to area civic clubs and other organizations to encourage residents to use 311 to report potholes and other needed street improvements

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Outreach, Implement
• City: ARA (311), Houston Public Works | Role: Support, Implement 
• Community Connectors: Area Churches, Schools, and Civic Organizations | Role: Promote

Calm traffic on neighborhood streets 

(LOW Priority) 

ACTION STEPS: Implement traffic calming strategies at priority locations to reduce speeds and ensure pedestrian safety, focusing on areas adjacent to schools and parks

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Public Works | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: District D | Role: Support, Implement

GOAL: Complete and Safe Pedestrian and Bike Networks

Sources: CIP, Houston Bike Plan, CC 

Create a complete and accessible sidewalk network

 (MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Identify and document areas in need of new sidewalks or sidewalk repairs and accessibility improvements, focus on routes to area schools and transit routes; Priority streets for inventory include East Sunnyside Ct, Calhoun Rd, Brandon, Colonial, Rosemont, Rosehaven, Sunbeam, Cathedral, Bellfort, Scott, and Coffee St

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Prioritize, Advocate
• City: Houston Public Works, Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities | Role: Advocate, Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: District D, METRO Universal Accessibility Program, TIRZ #26 | Role: Advocate, Implement

Prioritize area bike lane projects 

(MEDIUM Priority) 

ACTION STEPS: Prioritize the projects identified in the Houston Bike Plan and advocate for the implementation 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Prioritize, Advocate
• City: Planning and Development Department, Houston Public Works | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Bicycle Advisory Committee, Harris County Precinct 1 | Role: Support, Advocate

High-Quality Storm Drainage and Wastewater Management

Sources: CIP, CC 

Maintain area ditches and drainage easements (MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Ensure that area ditches are well-maintained and free of debris and dumping through frequent cleanups in cooperation with area civic organizations, schools, and churches; Encourage residents to participate in the Adopt-a-Ditch program

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Organize, Implement
• City: Solid Waste Department, Houston Public Works | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Keep Houston Beautiful, Area Churches, Schools, and Civic Clubs, Harris County Flood Control District | Role: Support, Implement

Prioritize and address stormwater and wastewater infrastructure needs

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Inventory and prioritize drainage, storm sewer, and wastewater management repair needs for the entire Complete Community, focus on areas with existing open ditches and those identified by Build Houston Forward; Advocate for the provision of storm sewers instead of ditches where sidewalks, wider streets, and other infrastructure is needed

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Prioritize, Advocate
• City: Houston Public Works, Build Houston Forward | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: District D | Role: Support, Advocate 

GOAL: Mobile and Connected Community

Sources: METRO Next, CC 

Improve area bus service 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Identify and prioritize area bus service improvements, including specific community goals for service; Ensure community engagement throughout the development of the Scott Street BOOST corridor; Advocate for the addition of Community Connector service in the neighborhood to serve Sunnyside Park, Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, health services, and grocery store

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: METRO | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Harris County Precinct 1, LINK Houston | Role: Support, Implement

Improve amenities at area bus stops 

(LOW Priority)  

ACTION STEPS: Identify, prioritize, and advocate for improvements at area bus stops, including benches, shelters, and other amenities 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: METRO | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: LINK Houston, Harris County Precinct 1 | Role: Support, Implement

GOAL: Equitable Infrastructure Investments

Source: SNP  

Advocate for equitable public infrastructure investment 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for transparency and public access to infrastructure project evaluation and the identified conditions of public infrastructure in the neighborhood; Advocate for the City of Houston to prioritize public infrastructure improvements in underserved neighborhoods, including reforming Rebuild Houston expenditures to be more equitable 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Public Works, Planning and Development Department | Role: Organize, Implement
• Community Connector: District D | Role: Advocate, Support

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items

Keep Sunnyside Beautiful  

Sources: SNP, CC 

Address abandoned housing, vacant lots, and dangerous buildings 

(HIGH Priority)

ACTIONS STEPS: Advocate for the enforcement of city codes and ordinances, including securing vacant housing, maintaining vacant lots, and demolishing dangerous buildings

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Advocate 
• City: Department of Neighborhoods, Administration and Regulatory Affairs (311) | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connector: Houston Land Bank | Role: Support

Develop a “Dumpstoppers” program 

(HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Develop a “Dumpstoppers” outreach campaign to encourage residents to report illegal dumping to 311, use multiple platforms such as water bill pamphlets, social media, CitizensNet, and other media; Identify and prioritize actions to deter illegal dumping, including camera installation in dumping hotspots such as Gladstone, Red Bun, Sunbeam, Rack, and Chesterfield

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Outreach
• City: Department of Neighborhoods, Solid Waste Department, City of Houston Illegal Dumping Task Force (FY 2020) | Role: Support, Outreach, Implement
• Community Connectors: District D, Harris County Constable’s Office, Crime Stoppers, Houston Police Department | Role: Support, Implement

Organize neighborhood clean-ups and beautification days 

(HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Organize regular neighborhood cleanup and beautification days to remove trash and plant trees and other landscaping in the public right-of-way, including highways and in esplanades

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Solid Waste Management Department, Department of Neighborhoods | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Keep Houston Beautiful, Area Churches, Schools, and Civic Organizations, Trees for Houston | Role: Support, Implement

Promote garbage collection and heavy trash schedules

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Publicize regular and heavy trash schedules and policies to ensure residents are well-informed and facilitate proper trash collection

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside SNC | Role: Outreach
• City: Solid Waste Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Area Churches, Schools, and Civic Organizations | Role: Outreach

Advocate for apartment recycling programs 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the establishment of recycling programs at area apartment complexes or regular Solid Waste Department bin placement and collections

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Solid Waste Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Area Apartment Owners | Role: Support, Implement

Celebrate Neighborhood Culture and Heritage

Sources: SNP, CC 

Document and celebrate historic sites and architecture 

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Survey historical buildings and sites in the neighborhood, particularly churches, to identify locations for historical markers or National Historic Landmark status

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Organize
• City: Planning and Development Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: TIRZ #26, Preservation Houston | Role: Support

Develop a Sunnyside Cultural District 

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Establish a cultural district to celebrate area heritage, character, and identity and enhance development opportunities 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs | Role: Organize, Support
• Community Connectors: TIRZ #26, Preservation Houston | Role: Support, Organize, Implement 

Expand public art

 (LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the installation of public art that reflects the history and identity of the neighborhood, including a Veteran’s Memorial, focus public art along trails and in esplanades; Install “gateways” at entry points and smaller landscape orientation signs within the neighborhood 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Area Artists, Area Civic Organizations, Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Parks Board | Role: Support, Implement

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items

Existing Resources: The Johnson Neighborhood Library has a number of conference and meeting rooms available to the public, in addition, classes and programs include: Tax Help, Preschool Story Time, Family STEM. Urban Harvest has two affiliate allotment gardens in Sunnyside: Harry Holmes Healthy Harvest Community Garden at 4646 Brinkley Street and Happy Place Garden at 4502 Brinkley Street. Hope Farms and the AgHub are also located in the neighborhood, both provide programs for youth. In addition, there are three active area Boys and Girls Clubs, Jim and Barbara Morefield Club at 5950 Selinksy Road, KIPP Sunnyside Club at 11000 Scott Street, and YES Prep Southside Club at 5515 S. Loop Freeway.

GOAL: Beautiful Parks

Sources: CIP, CC  

Improve Sunnyside Park (MEDIUM Priority) 

ACTION STEPS: Identify, prioritize, and advocate for improvements at Sunnyside Park including upgraded playground equipment, additional walking trails, accessible swimming pools, lighting, and improved parking 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Support
• City: Houston Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Outreach, Implement
• Community Connectors: Houston Parks Board, TIRZ #26 | Role: Support 

Improve E.P. Hill Park (LOW Priority) 

ACTION STEPS: Identify, prioritize, and advocate for improvements at E.P. Hill Park such as additional recreational facilities, basketball court, exercise equipment, water fountain, dog park, benches, walking trails, playground equipment, parking, and drainage   

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Support
• City: Houston Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Outreach, Implement
• Community Connectors: Houston Parks Board, TIRZ #26 | Role: Support 

Identify and advocate for improvements at other neighborhood parks (LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Identify, prioritize, and advocate for improvements at Bessie Swindle (Clover Leaf), Crestmont, and Schnur Parks, including accessible swimming pools, upgraded facilities, outdoor exercise areas, walking trails, playgrounds, and shade structures; Advocate for proper maintenance and security at all area parks  

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate, Support
• City: Houston Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Support, Advocate
• Community Connectors: Houston Parks Board, TIRZ #26, District B | Role: Support, Advocate 

GOAL: Connected Parks and Greenways

Develop the Proposed Hill at Sims Bayou Park (MEDIUM Priority) 

ACTION STEPS: Support and advocate for the proposed park at the Hill at Sims Bayou, including the incorporation of programs for families, children, and seniors such as archery, nature conservancy, and other programs  

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Support, Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Harris County Precinct One, Nature Heritage Society, Houston Parks Board | Role: Implement

Develop a cultural trail along the Sims Bayou Greenway (LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development of a cultural trail along the Sims Bayou Greenway that incorporates art, historical markers, and other cultural amenities and connects the historic Black neighborhoods across south Houston; Provide 911 mile markers along the Sims Bayou Greenway to improve safety

COORDINATION 

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: Houston Parks Board, Houston Arts Alliance, TIRZ #26, Nature Heritage Society | Role: Support, Implement

GOAL: Expanded Programming at Community Facilities 

Source: CC 

Expand programs for families and seniors at Johnson Library, including technology programs (MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the expansion of programs offered at the Johnson Library, including bringing the Tech-Link program, entrepreneurial programs, resume writing, and life skills/work place etiquette; Provide programs for those with special needs and mental health challenges 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Public Library | Role: Implement
• Community Connectors Unity is Wealth | Role: Support

Expand the programs and improve services at Sunnyside Park and Community Center (MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the expansion of programs for people of all ages at Sunnyside Community Center, including identifying partners to provide programming; Expanded programs could include organized sports, such as street Olympics, swimming lessons, Zumba, yoga, meditation, and gardening; Increase free access to meeting rooms and other spaces for community-based organizations 

COORDINATION

• Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Area Churches, Memorial Hermann,  Minaii Society | Role: Support