Bay Area Cities Rank in “2016 Safest Places in Texas” ValuePenguin.com Report

ValuePenguin.com, a personal finance website, conducts research on a variety of subjects that focus on helpful topics for consumers. This information generally helps consumers to become more knowledgeable about investing their time and money.

ValuePenguin.com recently published “2016 Safest Places in Texas”, a report that ranked 217 cities in Texas with a total population of at least 10,000 to over 50,000. With so much population growth, the ValuePenguin.com team analyzed the most recent FBI Crime Report to determine the safest places in the Lone Star State.

The short list from this report shows the following Bay Area cities, in their population category and ranking:  Large Division (over 50k) - #10. League City; Mid-Sized Division (20k-50k) - #3. Friendswood; and Small Division (10k to 20k) - #10. Seabrook.

The Bay Area cities and their ranking in the “2016 Safest Places in Texas” (full list, 1-217) are:

#9. Friendswood;  #24. Seabrook;  #56. League City;  #63. Pearland;  and #96. Dickinson.

The methodology used by ValuePenguin.com to compile this list of the 217 cities safest places by ValuePenguin.com can be found on their website.

Brockway Realty Blogs - Keeping you in touch with League City, the Galveston Bay Area, and beyond.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Businesses Coming Soon to the Bay Area

The following businesses/companies/establishments* are projected to open in the Bay Area. We hope to update this report at least once a month to keep you informed of the growth in the area.

Baybrook Mall - Friendswood

• The Container Store
• Field & Stream
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)
• Anthropologie
• Uberrito Fresh Mex
• Golf Galaxy
• Total Wine (Spring 2017)

Dickinson Crossing Shopping Center – FM 517 & FM 646 - Dickinson

• TJ Reed’s Better Burgers & Shakes
• The Angry Chicken
• (no company name provided) a day care & a real estate office

Victory Lakes Town Center - League City

• El Polo Loco
• Tight Ends Sports Bar and Grill (At the former Quaker Steak & Grill location)

Mall of the Mainland – Texas City

• 70,000 sq. ft. of the previous location for J.C. Penney store will be redeveloped as a climate-controlled storage facility

Texas City Independent School District – Industrial Trades Education Center: $8 mil project, 30,000 sq. ft., being built at 1400 Ninth Ave North, Texas City, projected to open Jan 2017.

“The Delaney” at South Shore Harbour – League City: Under construction on Marina Bay Drive; 4-story building; 11-acre project will have 120 independent living apartments, 55 apartments for assisted living and 32 units for memory care.

Brockway Realty Blogs - Keeping you in touch with League City, the Galveston Bay Area, and beyond.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC



Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Just Reduced By Brockway Realty! Updated Home in Dickinson at $194,900

Gorgeous FULLY RENOVATED 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 story home with spacious yard and plenty of green space for activities, barbecues or just a place to relax and unwind. This home has it all! Country getaway just minutes from town and great shopping! Fully renovated with brand new Chef's Kitchen and new tile throughout downstairs. Spacious and cozy living area with a breakfast nook, dining area, granite countertops with white shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

View the full listing details on Brockway Realty, LLC's website.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

JUST LISTED AT 4709 33RD ST. IN DICKINSON, TEXAS!

Updated Home in Nicholstone Subdivision at $212,900
GORGEOUS, fully renovated 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in Inwood Forest! This home has it all! Completely renovated kitchen-cabinetry, tile, granite, appliances, hardware, fixtures and lighting. New flooring throughout, new doors, baseboards, fresh paint, new lighting, blinds, hardware and fixtures throughout. Bathrooms have been fully renovated with new plumbing, tubs, commodes, granite, sinks, fixtures, lighting, hardware and travertine tile. Huge backyard on a greenbelt/bayou and room for a pool.

View the full listing details on Brockway Realty, LLC's website.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

HOMETOWN BUSINESS CENTER – WAREHOUSE LEASE – OFFERED BY BROCKWAY COMMERCIAL

Business park on the corner of Ohio and FM 646 in League City/Dickinson with retail and office/warehouse space available. Warehouse units at $1.20 to $1.60 per square foot. Gross leases-landlord pays all CAM, Tax & Insurance. Spaces are available for immediate move-in or you may choose a custom build-out at $18,000 per suite credit. Ideal for small businesses of all types, gymnastics facilities, light manufacturing, day care centers, and professional satellite offices.

View the full listing details on Brockway Commercial's website.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Just Sold in Dickinson, Texas! 3261 W. Meadow Ln.

Penny Brockway of Brockway Realty represented the buyer on the closing of this home at 3261 W. Meadow Ln. in Dickinson, Texas.  If you’re planning to buy a home we can assist in making the process easy.  Give us a call at (832) 225-2064 and let us help you find your dream home.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

The City of Dickinson Holds Clean-Up Day & Hosts Recycling Event on January 8th

Dickinson ~ Second Annual Clean-up Day
“On Friday, January 8, 2016, Dickinson City Hall, including Dickinson Municipal Court, Dickinson Public Library, the Historic Railroad Center and Public Works will be closed for business for the City’s Second Annual “Clean-Up Day.” During this Clean-Up Day, City employees will focus on reviewing records and files, setting up files for 2016, improving and streamlining the organization of their work areas, and furthering their records management skills by removing and responsibly disposing of records in compliance with the City’s Records Management Program. City employees will work their usual schedule on that day, but no City business will be transacted. All messages received will be responded to when City Hall reopens on Monday, January 11^th at 7:30 am. The City's emergency services will be unaffected by the Clean-Up Day and will continue to provide their routine levels of service.”  For more information, call 281.337-2489, or visit the City of Dickinson’s Facebook page.

Dickinson ~ Free Tire Recycling Event
“Any Galveston County resident may drop off up to 5 tires for recycling at the Dickinson Public Works building, 3120 Deats Road, from 7 am until 10:30 am, on Friday, January 8^th. This free event is for residential use only, and not for commercial disposal. Residents must be able to load and stack tires into the recycling trailer; assistance will not be available. This event is hosted by the City of Dickinson on the first Friday of every month. However, on Fridays that fall on a holiday, the tire recycling will take place the following Friday. For any questions or comments, please contact the City of Dickinson's Public Works Department at 281-337-6267.”

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

Brockway Realty Blogs - Keeping you in touch with League City, the Galveston Bay Area, and beyond.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Rotary Club of Dickinson Sponsors Annual Christmas Parade

The Rotary Club of Dickinson is sponsoring the Annual 2015 Christmas Parade which will be held on Thursday, December 10^th, beginning at 6:30 pm. This year’s theme is “Be a Gift to the World”. Dickinson Rotary’s President-Elect, Jim Barry, will serve as the Parade Marshall.

Be aware of the road closures during this evening parade. The route will begin at the Shrine of the True Cross Church, 300 FM 517 East, head east on FM 517 turning south on to Hwy 3, ending at the Dickinson City Hall Complex, 4403 Hwy 3. NO PARKING will be allowed on FM 517 nor on Hwy 3.

The parade will end at the Dickinson City Hall Complex, 4403 Hwy 3. The celebration will continue at City Hall with refreshments, Christmas music, visit with Santa, and presentation of awards to parade entrant winners.

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

Brockway Realty Blogs - Keeping you in touch with League City, the Galveston Bay Area, and beyond.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

The 18th Annual Dickinson Festival of Lights Opens on November 28th

Volunteers, (or are they elves?), have gathered to help get the holiday lights ready for the The 18^th Annual Dickinson Festival of Lights. The Dickinson Festival of Lights Society, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not for profit organization. This walk-thru holiday display is put together in the Paul Hopkins Park, located at 2716 FM 517 Rd East in Dickinson. The park will be open to visitors nightly beginning on November 28^th thru December 31^st, 2015.

Due to the small amount of parking available and the popularity of the displays, a FREE shuttle bus service has been established. FREE Parking is available at the Dickinson Plaza Shopping Center, (Exit 19 (HWY-517) I-45N feeder Rd) which is where the shuttle bus will pick up visitors to travel to the park, and return them from the park.

While at Paul Hopkins Park, guests can enjoy a leisurely pace walking around the many different themed light displays, stop by the Cookie Factory & the Blinkey Hut. Donations are welcome. There will also be an opportunity to have your photo taken with Santa! A concession stand will have snacks & drinks for sale, but you could also visit one of Dickinson’s many restaurants.

For more information about the Dickinson Festival of Lights, please visit their website or Facebook page.

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

Brockway Realty Blogs - Keeping you in touch with League City, the Galveston Bay Area, and beyond.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Free Tire Recycling in Dickinson – October 2nd

Any Galveston County resident may drop off up to 5 tires for recycling at the Dickinson Public Works building, 3120 Deats Road, on the first Friday of every month, from 7am until 10:30am.

This event is hosted by the City of Dickinson; if the first Friday falls on a holiday, the recycling will take place on the following Friday. October 2^nd is the designated date for this coming month.

This FREE event is for residential use only, and not for commercial disposal. Residents must be able to load and stack tires into the recycling trailer; assistance will not be available.

For any questions or comments, please contact the City of Dickinson's Public Works Department at 281-337-6267.

Brockway Realty maintains a Community Calendar on their website; check this calendar for events/activities in your city.

Brockway Realty Blogs - Keeping you in touch with League City, the Galveston Bay Area, and beyond.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Just Sold in Bay View, Dickinson, Texas

Brockway Realty is proud to announce the closing of 201 Harbor Bend Lane in Bay View, a subdivision in Dickinson, Texas.  Penny Brockway represented the buyer in the purchase of this newly constructed home.

Please click here for more information on this recent transaction and others..

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Just Sold in Cheyenne, Dickinson, Texas

Penny Brockway of Brockway Realty was proud to represent the buyer in the sale of 3003 Overland Trail in the Cheyenne subdivision in Dickinson, Texas.

Click here for more details!

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Two Bay Area Communities are Winners of the 2015 Texas Governor’s Community Achievement Award

Early in March, the Keep Texas Beautiful announced the ten (10) winners of the 2015 Governors Community Achievement Awards.  Amongst those winning communities, are two located in the Bay Area; Keep Dickinson Beautiful and Keep Friendswood Beautiful. The environmental awards recognize the best grassroots environmental programs in the state, and are awarded in 10 different categories, based on population.

Dickinson was awarded $180,000 and Friendswood was awarded $210,000; TxDOT (Texas Dept. of Transportation) provides the funds for the landscaping awards presented. A dinner and formal award presentation will be held during Keep Texas Beautiful 48th Annual Conference in Fort Worth on June 15-17, 2015.

“Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is a statewide 501(c) 3 nonprofit dedicated to beautifying and improving community environments through programming and education; we address the areas of litter prevention, community beautification and waste reduction. We work with affiliate communities, government agencies, businesses, civic groups, and volunteers to ensure that every Texan has the opportunity to make Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state in the nation. KTB is also a certified state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful.”

(Excerpt from the KTB website, www.ktb.org/about-us.aspx)

Brockway Realty Blogs - Keeping you in touch with League City, the Galveston Bay Area, and beyond.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

6th Annual Red, White, & Bayou Crawfish & Texas Music Festival in Dickinson

The 6^th Annual Red, White, Bayou Crawfish & Texas Music Festival will have over 100 vendors! For up-to-date information, check out the event’s Facebook Page or webpage.

Brockway Realty maintains a Community Calendar on their website; check this calendar for events/activities in your city.

Brockway Realty Blogs - Keeping you in touch with League City, the Galveston Bay Area, and beyond.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Annual Housing Family Fair to be Held in Dickinson – February 21st

The City of Dickinson and the Dickinson Fair Housing Work Group will hold their annual Housing Family Fair on Saturday, February 21, 2015, from 10 am  to 2 pm, at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 2910 Hwy 3, in Dickinson. This free event, designed for first time home buyers, will be a one-stop shop for those interested in learning about the resources available to potential homebuyers.

Local organizations and real estate experts will be on hand to discuss credit counseling programs, home maintenance and home safety tips, home lending and first time homebuyer assistance programs. There will also be hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks available at no cost.

Brockway Realty maintains a Community Calendar on their website; check the calendar for events/activities in your city.

Brockway Realty Blogs - Keeping you in touch with League City, the Galveston Bay Area, and beyond.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Dickinson Rotary Hosts Annual Christmas Parade on December 11th

The Dickinson Rotary Club will be sponsoring the Annual Dickinson Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 7 pm. This year’s theme will be “Frozen” (from the Disney Movie). Current Dickinson Rotary President, Brandy Liss, will serve as the Parade Marshall.

Local residents should be aware of the parade route and times for traffic tie-ups. The route will begin at Shrine of the True Cross Church, 300 FM 517 East, head east on FM 517 turning south on to Hwy 3, ending at the Dickinson City Hall Complex, 4403 Hwy 3. Parade participants will begin lining up at 6 pm.

The celebration continues at the Dickinson City Hall Complex, immediately following the parade. Children may visit with Santa Claus in the lobby; holiday music and refreshments will be available.

Brockway Realty maintains a Community Calendar on their website; check the Brockway calendar for events/activities in your city.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

I-45 Ramp Reversal Project at SH-96 and FM-646

League City has announced the following road closure/construction by Texas Department of Transportation in a press release:

”The Texas Department of Transportation will close the southbound IH 45 entrance ramp at SH 96/ FM 646 permanently on Monday, April 21 to begin construction of a new exit ramp at the location. Along with the closure of that ramp, crews will also close one inside lane of the IH 45 southbound frontage road for approximately two months.

The work is part of a larger project to reverse the southbound entrance and exits ramps between SH 96 and FM 646. This means the existing on-ramp (closest to SH 96) will become the off ramp for IH 45 and the off ramp will become the on ramp (closer to FM 646).

Initially, work will focus on the building of the new IH 45 southbound exit ramp at FM 646, just south of SH 96. After this work is complete, the IH 45 southbound exit ramp at FM 646 will be closed permanently to make way for a new IH 45 southbound entrance ramp at SH 96. The project should be complete by Fall 2014.

The reversals of the ramps will alleviate congestion, improve access to the abutting properties and enhance safety along the frontage road and at both the SH 96 interchange and the FM 646 interchange. Because of the enhanced access, a secondary benefit is the improved access will make the vacant property in this area more desirable for commercial/retail development. Lastly, with the anticipated completion of Brookport Drive many of the vehicles traveling through the FM 646 interchange will be able to take an alternate route further reducing the congestion in the interchange.

Permanent Closure: IH 45 Southbound entrance ramp between SH 96 and FM 646:

• Date: Monday April 21, 2014 at 8:00 AM
• Temporary Closure: One Inside Lane (Entrance Ramp to IH 45) Between SH 96 and FM 646
• Duration: Approximately Two Months: April 21 - June 21

Houston Transtar Map of area: http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/layers/layers_ve.html?x=29.4912&y=-95.1068&z=15&lc=true

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

March 29th is the 21st Annual River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash

Once a year, thousands of volunteers gather along the Texas waterways to do their part to clean up the environment during the 21^st Annual River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash®. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, March 29^th at 8:30 am and ends at 1:30 pm.

The following list for local sites and their information links: Armand Bayou (Bay Area Park), Dickinson Bayou (Highway 3 Bridge), and Galveston Bay (Seabrook). To view all the locations participating and their information, follow this website link: http://www.trashbash.org/sites.html. (Suggestion: It would be best to keep checking the status of event locations, in the light of the oil spill which occurred on March 22^nd.)

Founded in 1994 by the Houston-Galveston Area Council and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality with 7-sites and 3,000 volunteers, Trash Bash has grown to 17-sites across the Galveston Bay Watershed with more than 5,000 volunteers annually. In 2013 alone, 5,012 volunteers cleaned 167 miles of shoreline; collected 49 tons of trash; recycled 5,827 pounds of collected materials; and gathered 483 tires for recycling.

Trash Bash® is managed by the Texas Conservation Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, with additional guidance and leadership from its 37-person Coordination Committee and H-GAC.

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

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

League City/Bay Area Golf Courses – Pick Your Style

Whether you are looking for a private 9-hole Canongate links-style golf course or a public lighted 9-hole course, the League City/Bay Area is home to a diverse selection of golf courses to suit your style and your time.

South Shore Harbour Country Club – Canongate members enjoy having a 27-hole private course located close to Clear Lake. There are three distinct nines:

• South Course: 9 holes, 3,360 yards
• Shore Course: 9 holes, 3,522 yards
• Harbour Course: 9 holes, 3,364 yards

The private course was originally designed by Dave Marr and Jay Riviere and recently renovated by Jeffrey Blume in the late 1990’s. Information can be found about the clubhouse, dining and other amenities on the Club’s website. South Shore Harbour Country Club is located at 4300 South Shore Blvd. in League City.

Magnolia Creek Golf Club – Another Canongate owned course that members can play under their membership, the newest private club in the Bay Area, the 27-hole Canongate links-style course was designed with a strong British Isles influence.

• Scotland Course: 9 holes, 3,669 yards
• Ireland Course: 9 holes, 3,680 yards
• England Course: 9 holes, 3,664 yards

Thomas E. Clark, who has designed over 100 courses, gave his “hands on approach” to this course with spacious fairways and a world-class 22-acre practice facility. To learn more about other amenities offered at this Club, visit the website. Magnolia Creek Golf Club is located in League City at 1501 West Bay Area Blvd.

Bay Oaks Country Club - Established in 1988, this 18-hole private club offers a 7,011 yard course with elevated greens, Bermuda grass fairways and a link-style design on the back nine.

The course rating is 74.7 and has a slope rating of 134. Designer Arthur Hills, ASGCA, manages this facility with General Manager Patrick Pettit. Bay Oaks Country Club is located in the Clear Lake community at 14545 Bay Oaks Blvd, less than 30 minutes from downtown Houston. Members will find many services and amenities as shown on the club’s website.

Timber Creek Golf Club –Located on 316 acres of wooded area at 4554 FM 2351 Rd in Friendswood, this public club offers 27-holes among oak and pine trees. Over 1-million cubic yards of dirt were used to create the rolling looks of South Carolina; 13 bridges cross over Clear Creek, which winds throughout the course.

• Pines Course, 9 holes
• Creekside Course, 9 holes
• Timber Trails Course, 9 holes

A lighted driving range is offered for golfers who work late and want to wind down by hitting a few balls. Director of Golf Instruction, David Pilsner, has been a ‘Class A’ PGA Member since 1983 and is certified as a Ping and Titleist club fitter. For more details about the course, Pro Shop and other amenities, visit the club’s website.

Beacon Lakes Golf Club – Unique to the area, this public course is located at 801 FM 646 Road West in Dickinson, and offers 18 holes and over 6,777 yards under lights. Imagine playing golf when the sun is going down or rising on the weekend.

Dusk or dawn golfing can be a challenging, yet fun experience. Golf carts are equipped with lights and coupon specials are available. All levels of players will find this course a great after-hours way to get together. For more information about this club, visit their website.

The Links at Green Caye – This family-friendly public par 3, 9-hole course is both affordable and laid-back. The course is lighted to allow golfing into the night and has a covered driving range for protection from the heat and/or rain.

Located at 2100 Caroline St. in Dickinson, the club offers daily rates as well as golf membership options. More information can be found on the club’s website.

By Pam Moore, Featured Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

October Fall Festivals and Arts & Craft Fairs in the Bay Area

The Bay Area comes alive in the fall when many fall festivals are held by cities, churches, and organizations. Our area is also home to many talented artisans and crafters, which proves evident at the Arts & Craft Fairs also planned as the calendar nears the holiday season. This blog lists many of these events that have been scheduled for the month of October.

October 6

• Clear Lake United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch, 16335 El Camino Real, Clear Lake City; multi-day event-from October 6^th, 9:30am to October 31^st, at 7:30pm. Select and purchase that perfect pumpkin from the front lawn of the church.

October 12

• Space City Cruisers Fall Car Show and Community Fall Festival, League Park, begins at 11am. Proceeds benefit the Vicki Gibson Scholarship program and the Texas Lions Camp.

October 18

• Gloria Dei Lutheran Church-22^nd Annual Craft Show, 18220 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay; from 9am to 5pm. Handcrafted items from more than 50 vendors; Admission & Parking are free.

October 19

• Gloria Dei Lutheran Church - 22^nd Annual Craft Show, 18220 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay; from 9am to 3pm. Handcrafted items from more than 50 vendors. Admission & Parking are free.
• St. Christopher Episcopal Church – 8^th Annual Community Barbecue and Auction, 2508 St. Christopher Road, League City; their Open Air Market will run from 10am to 3pm.

October 20

• Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church – Annual Fall Festival, 300 FM 517 East, Dickinson, from 10am to 6pm. Free admission; music, games, kid’s activities, Artisan Alley, silent auction, food and raffle.

October 26

• 19^th Annual Oak Tree Festival, sponsored and hosted by Butler Longhorn Museum, located at 1220 Coryell St, League City, from 10am to 7pm. Live music, food, crafts, children’s entertainment, crafts, collectibles, and more.
• 2^nd Annual Seabrook Festival of the Arts, Seabrook City Hall & Community House, located at First Street and Anders Lane; from 10am to 4pm. Local fine artists exhibit and demonstrate their craft, live music; featured artist is Ruth Burke.

October 27

• 2^nd Annual Seabrook Festival of the Arts, Seabrook City Hall & Community House, located at First Street and Anders Lane; from 10am to 3pm. Local fine artists exhibit and demonstrate their craft, live music; 2013 featured artist is Ruth Burke.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog