Texas City Celebrates Small Business Week August 4th - 7th

[From the Texas City website] “Texas City Small Business Week is a time for local businesses to really shine and remind not only our residents, but the entire southeast Houston region what we have in Texas City to offer. It is not just for retail, but an opportunity for the industrial support businesses, construction trade, restaurants, and service industries to let people know of the opportunities and fine services and products we have in Texas City.

Texas City is working with the Texas City Economic Development Corporation, College of the Mainland (COM), Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Texas City businesses, The Post and Galveston County Daily News newspapers to host a week full of events.”

Activities planned include a Small Business Fair, a special night of entertainment, and opportunities to enter and win a grand prize. To review the week’s full schedule, visit the (City of) Texas City website.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

City Spotlight: Pearland – The Fastest Growing City in Brazoria County

The City of Pearland is located in northern Brazoria County with a small portion of the city in Fort Bend and Harris County. Pearland sits just south of Houston; approximately 20 minutes traveling distance from Houston’s downtown, and is roughly bordered by Texas Highway 288 and Beltway 8.

Pearland became a siding switch on the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway in the late 1882; the community was first named Mark Belt when a post office was established in 1892. The name was changed to Pearland in the fall of 1892 because of the many pear trees located in the area. At that time, local developers promoted the area as an agricultural Eden. Unfortunately the Hurricane of 1900 destroyed fruit trees; orchards were revived by planting oranges and figs until the 1918 freeze. The railroad depot helped the city stay alive by bringing new people and supplies. By the late 1930s, the discovery of oil outside Pearland and the rise in rice production gave Pearland the economic boost it needed.

Pearland is now the fastest growing city in Brazoria County with its residential population situated within two zip codes. Pearland children attend school in the Pearland Independent School District, but there are also some homes zoned in the Alvin Independent School District. Pearland has ranked first among Texas Retail Cities in Retail Growth among Texas’ 50 largest retail markets for 3 consecutive years. Shoppers have many choices between the 937,000 sq. ft. Pearland Town Center; the 750,000 sq. ft. Silverlake Village; the 500,000 sq. ft. Crossing at 518; and the 616,000 sq. ft. Shadow Creek Ranch Town Center, to name a few.

Because of Pearland’s close proximity to Houston, it is easy to take advantage of cultural events and activities, sports, and recreation. Residents can choose from a wide variety of housing options in more than 50 neighborhoods. Established homes found in the Old Town District offer a rich historic feel, while master-planned communities such as Shadow Creek Ranch, Silver Lake, and Silver Creek offer the newest in amenities.

The city’s name is “Pear-land”, not “Pearl-land”, even though you will no longer find pear orchards in the area. Today, you will find Pearland has much to offer; whether you work in Houston and are looking to settle in the ‘suburbs’, or you are looking to be part of this thriving community.

Read More About Pearland in the Brockway Realty Blog

View All Homes in Pearland for Sale

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Free Wi-Fi Now Available in the City of Texas City

The City of Texas City now offers free public (outdoor) Wi-Fi hot spots at seven places in the city. Current locations are: Carver Park, Carlos Garza Sports Complex, Godard Park, the Nessler Center, the Texas City Municipal Shooting Range, along Sixth Street, and at Bay Street Park.

The City’s Economic Development Department helped fund the project; yearly operating costs will come out of the City coffers. According to the City, this service is a non-secured data plan, but is a service that was free and easy to use – simply by typing in an email address to log in.

According to The Galveston Daily News, the City could add more Wi-Fi hot spots in the future. Expanding the range to include the area around the Tanger Outlets Mall and Buc-ee’s along Interstate 45.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

CCISD: The Education Village – The First of its Kind in Texas

The Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) Education Village is a uniquely designed 144 acre campus that brings together a comprehensive high school, intermediate school, and elementary school on a single site. The K-12 campus includes shared and multi-use facilities that have been created with a community of learners in mind. In addition to focusing on the development K-12 relationships between students, parents, and teachers, a primary emphasis of the campus will be the integration of 21st Century Skills throughout the curriculum.

The complex has been ranked among the top 10 construction projects in Texas. Funds for the project, the first of its kind in the Texas public school system and one of only two in the nation, were part of a bond referendum approved by the voters in 2007. The $116 million complex features three schools that accommodate kindergarten through 12th grade on a 144-acre campus near state Highway 96 and state Highway 146, at 4380 Village Way in League City, Texas.

Unique features at the Education Village

• State-of-the-art Biotechnology Lab that can be utilized in Engineering, Health Science and Ag Science programs;
• Information Technology Lab leading to certifications in A+ and Net+;
• Technology certification opportunities include Microsoft Office Specialist, Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, and Welding;
• The village features a campus-wide greenhouse, integrated computer technology and a biotechnology lab for engineering, health science and agricultural science classes.
• A retention pond behind the Education Village was transformed into a unique outdoor space that is part classroom/part environmental project. With the guidance of the Texas coastal Watershed program and Texas Sea Grant, teachers, students and community volunteers created a floating wetlands area. The project is the first of its kind at a Texas public school. The floating wetlands showcase a new technique for improving water quality in storm water detention and retention ponds while providing students with a hands-on way to learn about their local environment.
• While the three schools share the courtyard and cafeteria, the schools sit on three separate campuses with their own driveways, roads in and out, and with little other interaction. Between them, there are six gyms.
• The schools share a serving line in the cafeteria, and the same heating ventilating and air conditioning system.
• In addition to serving some 4,500 students each day in the cafeteria, the walls can be removed, opening up the facility into a massive room for large groups. There also is a shared courtyard with amphitheater and outdoor learning areas.

FAST FACTS - EDUCATION VILLAGE

Sandra Mossman Elementary School
4050 Village Way, League City, TX; Grades Kindergarten through 5;
105,000 Square Feet; 900 Student Capacity; Opened in 2009

Bayside Intermediate School
4430 Village Way, League City, TX; Grades 6 - 8;
176,500 Square Feet; 1,200 Student Capacity; Opened in 2010

Clear Falls High School
4380 Village Way, League City, TX; Grades 9 - 12;
460,000 Square Feet; 2,500 Student Capacity; Opened in 2010

Links For more information:

• Clear Creek Independent School District Attendance Zones by Campus (as of 2014)
• Sandra Mossman Elementary School Campus Website
• Bayside Intermediate School Campus Website
• Clear Falls High School Campus Website
• Education Village Online Virtual Tour

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

City Spotlight: Taylor Lake Village – More than a “Bedroom Community”

Looking for a desirable location on the water? How about Taylor Lake – Mud Lake – Clear Lake? Taylor Lake Village gives you the opportunity to choose because it borders all three bodies of water. When you see the beautiful homes along the water and see the family-friendly lake side park, you’ll know you have found a place to call home. The forested subdivisions offer a restful and warm location; in fact there are citizens who travel internationally that have chosen Taylor Lake Village as their “Houston-area” home.

Incorporated in 1961, Taylor Lake Village has a rich history of being one of the communities where employees of the Johnson Space Center lived. To preserve the residential character of the community, the town permits no business establishments within its corporate limits. Children attend schools in the Clear Creek Independent School District.

A 40-acre park includes a jogging track, fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic pavilion, and sports fields. A disc golf course, known for its signature “island” hole, is also located in the park. Taylor Lake Village and El Lago are considered “sister cities”, sharing a police department and also boasting to have the lowest crime rate in Harris County.

With a location between Houston and Galveston, Taylor Lake Village offers a unique residential community with a great proximity to water activities.

Read More About Taylor Lake Village in the Brockway Realty Blog

View All Homes in Taylor Lakge Village for Sale

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

CCISD Announces New Principal for Education Village High School in League City

Clear Creek Independent School District’s Board of Trustees approved the new principal for League City’s Clear Falls High School during a special session on July 7, 2014. Mr. Paul House was named the new (and second) principal of Clear Falls HS. Dr. Karen Engle, the first principal of Clear Falls HS, was named the Clear Lake High School principal when that position became open in June.

[CCISD Photo: Dr. Karen Engle]

[CCISD Photo: Paul House]

Paul House has been employed with CCISD since 1992. His most recent positions were principal at Victory Lakes Intermediate (2012-2014), and the associate principal at Clear Creek High School (2008-2012).

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

The City of Texas City Releases Information Video

The City of Texas City has officially released a “Welcome to the City of Texas City” video which can be found on YouTube. The video runs just under 4 minutes in length and presents information that will interest prospective residents and remind area residents about what Texas City has to offer. You can find the promotion video on YouTube (here) or visit the city’s website for more information.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Just Listed: 86 Builder Lots in Dripping Springs, Texas

Brockway Commercial is Proud to Announce the Listing of these exclusive one acre plus lots in Bella Vista, located on 165 acres. These lots have all entitlements and are platted and ready for development of infrastructure.

For more information, please click here for the full brochure.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

TxDOT and City of Seabrook Authorities Hold SH 146 Expansion Public Meeting on July 24

“City of Seabrook News Release - On Thursday, July 24th at 7:00 PM the City of Seabrook and TxDOT will host a public meeting to discuss the expansion of State Highway 146 in Seabrook, TX. The meeting will explain the right-of-way acquisition process, highlight the latest maps and give an overview of the project timeline. The meeting will be held at Robinson Elementary School, 451 Kirby Dr., Seabrook, TX.

All business owners and residents are invited to attend and will have an opportunity to ask questions about the expansion project. Officials from TxDOT and the City of Seabrook will be on hand to personally meet with the community and address comments or concerns.

When: 7:00 PM - Thursday, July 24, 2014
Where: Robinson Elementary, 451 Kirby Drive, Seabrook, TX 77586

The expansion of SH 146 is greatly needed to alleviate daily traffic congestion and to allow safe passage of motorists during hurricane evacuations. SH 146 is an official hurricane evacuation corridor.

For more information about the expansion of SH 146 please visit www.seabrooktx.gov/146 .”

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Sold! 3421 Carriage Cove Court in League City, Texas

Brockway Realty was happy to facilitate the sale of this home!

Click Here for 3421 Carriage Cove Court Details on HAR.com

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

“Houston We Have Art” July 19 - Local Artisans’ Show and More in Nassau Bay

Bay Area artists have been coming together every third Saturday of the month to display their work in the Nassau Bay community and to support local charities. Their next event will be held on Saturday, July 19, from 4pm to 8pm.

“Houston We Have Art” offers sculptures, paintings, fiber artists, jewelry, photography, glass art, authors, ceramics and crafts plus found and eco art; food fun and wine. Special exhibitor, Bonnie Blue will be showing her award-winning Mermaid Art Car from the Houston Art Car Museum will also be showing her unique art.

[Photos from the April 2014 “Houston We Have Art” Show shown on their Facebook page]

Bring a friend and stroll from Upper Bay Frame and Gallery down to and into the Professional Building at 2045 Space Park Drive for fun, food, wine and celebration. Compassionate Friends will have rescue animals for adoption. Join in the festivities; consider stopping at Mediterraneo Market & Cafe for dinner along the way and visit other local businesses along the art walk. This event is open to the public, no admission charge and free parking. For more information, contact Kelly Halbach at 281-543-0083, and check out the “Houston We Have Art” Facebook page.

Brockway Realty, LLC maintains an Area Calendar on our website; check the calendar for events/activities coming to our community.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Listed in League City: 2104 Williamsburg Ct South

Located in League City, just rated 19th in small towns under 100,000 population in the U.S.! With its mature trees, front porch, workshop in the garage, extra storage space and living quarters in back, this home is a must see! Located in highly rated CCISD and NO MUD TAX! 400 square foot quarters in back are not included in square footage.*Buyer to verify all information herein including amenities, room sizes, schools, features and taxes.

Check out the details!

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Just Listed in Pearland: 2310 Messina

Beautiful, well maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Bellavita, a 55+ active adult community built around 14,000 sqft clubhouse, pool, spa, fitness center and resort style living with many clubs and events. Low maintenance home life with HOA taking care of many of the responsibilities. Refrigerator, washer and dryer stay with the house.

Check out the details!

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Just Listed Townhome in Cy Fair!

Located in the Cy Fair School District, this freshly repainted townhome is convenient to shopping, restaurants and Highway 6.

Click here for more details.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Just Listed in Friendswood: 400 Broadmoor St

New to the market, an adorable 4 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom home with open concept living area located in Friendswood ISD. Positioned on a corner lot, this home has a spacious back yard that includes pool, tool shed, and raised garden area. Asking Price: $154,000

By Dinah BuPane, Real Estate Agent of Brockway Realty - Friendswood Specialist

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

City Spotlight: Experience Seabrook!

Are you looking for a location that offers a relaxed lifestyle, water activities on both Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, Hike & Bike Nature Trails, affordable waterfront living, diverse dining experiences, or Pelican statues? The City of Seabrook has all this and more!

Seabrook is located about 30 minutes south from downtown Houston and about 30 minutes north from Galveston. Residents and visitors alike treasure this vibrant community for its resort lifestyle along Clear Lake and Galveston Bay.

Because of its location, Seabrook has many restaurants serving seafood. You can even purchase fresh shrimp or catches of the day at local seafood markets to take home and prepare. If you are in the mood to shop, many quaint antique stores and local artist shops are located in ‘Old Seabrook’. You might very well find the perfect item to compliment your home’s décor.

Seabrook proudly boasts about its extensive hike and bike trail system. The trail system connects Seabrook parks and is perfect for nature lovers. The area is also home to about 300 diverse species of birds. Seabrook parks cover over 100 acres and include two boat ramps, two public pools plus a 1,000-foot salt water fishing pier. The Lakewood Yacht Club offers a sailing school and charters.

Did we mention Pelican statues? The Pelican Path Project was developed in 2000 to recognize the ‘national bird of Seabrook’. Since March 2001, there have been approximately 45 fiberglass (6-8 ft. tall) Pelicans placed throughout the city. Some pelicans illustrate the “lighter” side of the community like “Cowboy”, while other pelicans focus on Seabrook’s connection with area businesses, such as “Uncle Sam”.

There is much more to say about the City of Seabrook, but the best way to learn about the city is to experience it for yourself. While you are looking around, don’t forget to see how many Pelican statues you can find!

Read More About Seabrook in the Brockway Realty Blog

View All Homes in Seabrook for Sale

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Two Area Cities Rank in the Top 20 “Best Cities to Live In” By NerdWallet

Consumer Advocacy site NerdWallet released their newest report, “Best Small Cities to Live In”, in their Finance Section on June 2, 2014. This nationwide study ranked two Bay Area cities in the Top 20 of the report; Friendswood ranked number 2, and League City ranked number 19.

NerdWallet explains how they analyze data to form their report, as follows: “Choosing where to live is one of life’s biggest financial decisions, and while big cities like New York and San Francisco get lots of attention, they may not fit everyone’s needs. So NerdWallet turned the spotlight on America’s vibrant small cities - communities that are not only thriving economically, but also are places that provide an affordable lifestyle for residents. These are some of the best places to live, with the vitality and growth of big cities combined with affordability and income equality.”

“Our analysis incorporated the following factors:

1. Is the city poised to grow in coming years? We included population growth, income growth and the decrease in poverty over a three-year period.
2. Is the city affordable for residents? To assess the cost of living, we included selected yearly costs associated with homeownership, divided by the median income for workers in the city.
3. Are residents’ basic needs covered? To ensure that all residents have a basic level of stability, we included the percentage of the population with health insurance coverage and percentage of people whose incomes are below the poverty line. This metric helps mitigate high income inequality.”

To read the full report, visit the NerdWallet website.

Residents of the Bay Area are proud of their home towns and growth in these cities continues to be on the rise. With the number of homes available, the great school districts, and the variety of family entertainment available, the Bay Area is an attractive location for families and businesses.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

A Cinema Returns to Baybrook Mall in 2015

Times are changing for the better; local growth has also encouraged an increase in amenities being offered at Baybrook Mall. Residents who have lived in the Bay Area for a long time will remember there was a movie theater at the Mall; that was then, but now a Star Cinema Grill will be opening in 2015.

The Houston Business Journal posted details about this announcement:

“Baybrook Mall’s 555,000-square-foot expansion will be anchored by Star Cinema Grill, Houston-based commercial real estate firm Wulfe & Co. announced June 10.

The 42,147-square-foot theater is expected to open in the fall of 2015 and will be Star Cinema Grill’s flagship location for the Houston market. The company currently has locations in Webster, Conroe and Missouri City, as well as in the Chicago area.”

(Concept plan – Wulfe & Co.)

“The Missouri City-based dine-in theater company was founded 10 years ago in Webster. The new location will feature a contemporary design, including lounge and bar areas that guests can enjoy before and after a movie, as well as the latest technologies, such as Sony 4k Digital Projection and RealD 3D.”

The expansion is expected to add retail, restaurant and entertainment space - including Dave & Buster’s third Houston location next door to Star Cinema Grill - by the holiday shopping season of 2015.”

More details can be found on the Houston Business Journal’s website.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Happy 4th of July from Brockway Realty, LLC

“Wishing you an Independence Day filled with pride in our country, and the special love of family and friends.”
– By Lynn

~ Happy 4^th of July from Brockway Realty, LLC. ~

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

In Honor of the 4th of July, Let’s Give our Veterans a Lower Rate on Their New Home!

The Texas Veterans Land Board is one of 5 programs in the country that rewards their service to our country with a lower mortgage rate.  Currently, that rate is just below 4% on a 30 year fixed rate mortgage.  Veterans who have a service related disability of more than 30% can even get an additional 1/2 % off of that rate. These programs are available for Veterans who live or have served in Texas and their surviving spouses.

Under these programs, reservists who are called to active duty can also have their interest payments waived for the period they are on active duty plus an additional 3 months in order to help their families with expenses while they serve our country.  They would only be responsible for principal and escrow payments.

These programs are only available through certain lenders and can be applied to VA, Conventional, and FHA loans.

Please contact Marc Elliott (NMLS #234917) with AMCAP Mortgage for more information at 281-687-5095.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Fourth of July Festivities Planned in the Bay Area All Events Listed Will Be Held on Friday, July 4th

LEAGUE CITY - Citizen Appreciation Day - League Park, located at 512 2^nd Street, is where the festivities for the annual 4^th of July Citizen’s Appreciation Day will begin at 11:30 am. The Mayor, City Council, Parks Board, and Parks Recreation staff members will be serving refreshments in appreciation of the citizens of League City. Music and a variety of live entertainment will be happening throughout the day. All concessions (including hot dogs, soft drinks, popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy) are FREE!

EL LAGO- 4th of July Parade – Floats, bikes and walkers in the parade will be at 8:30 am at Ed White Elementary School. The parade will begin at 9 am and follow a route through the city, ending at McNair Memorial Park, located at 499 Lakeshore Dr. Picnic in the Park - Bring your favorite patriotic picnic to McNair Park for a relaxing afternoon with neighbors. The city pool will have open admission for all residents from 10 am to 9 pm.

SEABROOK– Seabrook Fourth of July Kids Parade - This annual community event is held at Rex Meador Park located at 2400 Hammer Street. All kids from the Seabrook community are invited to march in the parade that takes place on the trail outlining Meador Park. Children may ride their bikes or tricycles in the parade and after, they can enjoy several activities including face painting and moon walk. Hot dogs and refreshments will be provided.

KEMAH–4th of July Parade and Hot Dog Party – Kemah’s annual patriotic parade begins with the Children’s Bicycle Parade at 9:30 am, followed by the Main Parade at 10:30 am. Both parades will start at the 6^th and Bradford City parking lot. There will be a Dixie Land Band, with hot dogs, drinks and desert served by the Kemah Lions Club immediately after the main parade at the Jimmy Walker Community Center until 1:00 pm.

NASSAU BAY– This year’s annual 4^th of July Parade will be judged for different patriotic themes, see the City’s Facebook Page for more information. Bring your lawn chair to The Park at Nassau Bay located at 18900 Upper Bay Rd to enjoy the fireworks show when dark.

TEXAS CITY –  July 4th Celebration – The City will celebrate the holiday with a parade that begins at 10 am. Festivities will continue with music entertainment by Funksion at 7pm. A fireworks show will begin at dark at Bay Street Park.

WEBSTER - July 4th Festivities – An evening of patriotism, family fun and entertainment will be held at Texas Avenue Park, located at 17100 N. Texas Ave.; festivities will begin at 5 pm. A Veterans ceremony will kick off the evening, followed by bingo, entertainers, inflatables, concessions, games, free watermelon & snow cones. A fireworks show will begin at 9:15 pm.

The Kemah Boardwalk will be holding its Fourth of July Celebration on Independence Day. It will include live music and patriotic fireworks show over Galveston Bay. For more information, visit the Kemah Boardwalk website.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Brockway Realty, LLC maintains an Area Calendar on our website; check the calendar for events/activities in our community.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog