The Woodlands Market Street Annual Tree Lighting

The Woodlands Market Street Annual Tree Lighting Event is tonight, November 19th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM!

Kick off the holiday season with a soaring, 70-foot Christmas tree, synchronized to twinkling lights and holiday music! This gorgeous giant will be unveiled on Thursday, November 19 at 6 p.m. as part of the “Luxury in Lights” celebration.

Hundreds once again will gather to witness the first “performance” of Market Street’s Christmas tree and the more than 25,000 multi-colored lights adorning the destination’s Central Park. The “Luxury in Lights” presentation will continue nightly throughout the holiday season.

This event is free and open to the public!

As part of the evening’s festivities, one deserving family or individual, nominated as the 2015 Official Lighting Luminary, will light the tree in front of the cheering crowd.

Kicking off a holiday season of events, the celebration continues with live musical performances, entertainers and holiday carriage rides.

Traditional horse-drawn carriage rides will be available in front of the Cinemark Theater and will operate from 6 – 9 pm. Rides are $10 per person; children ages 12 and under are $5.

Veterans Day 2015- Restaurant Freebies in The Woodlands, TX.

Veterans Day 2015- Restaurant Freebies in The Woodlands, TX.

Many Houston-area restaurants and businesses will be rolling out the red carpet for former and current military personnel.

In all cases, diners will need to provide proof of service.

If the restaurant is part of chain, call ahead to make sure the store is honoring the promotion. Also ask about the hours of availability.

Del Frisco’s Grille – Free appetizer. Also Saint Arnold Brewing Co is taking over the taps and 25% of beer sales will go to the non-profit Operation Homefront. Location: 1900 Hughes Landing, The Woodlands 281-465-0300

Olive Garden-Enjoy a free entree that includes unlimited salad and breadsticks. Family member dining with them receive a 10% discount on their meals. Check your nearest location Olive Garden.

IHop-from 7 am to 7 pm, veterans and active military will receive one free stack of Red, White, and Blue pancakes. Find the nearest location atihop.com

Bar Louie-Receive your choice of a free appetizer or entree for active military or veterans. Located at 24 Waterway Ave, The Woodlands 281-719-1900

Texas Roadhouse- Free lunch from select menu. Dine-in only. Find the nearest location here.

California Pizza Kitchen – Veterans and active military will receive a free entree from a select menu. Dine-in only. Find the nearest location at cpk.com

Proposition 1- Texas Homestead Exemption

The Texas Homestead Exemption for School District Property Taxes Amendment, Proposition 1 is on the November 3, 2015 ballot in Texas as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment.

Voting yes would increase the homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000.

Voting no would not change the current homestead exemption of $15,000.

Introduction

Depending on their district, homeowners would save an average of between $120 and $130 per year, which would cost the state about $1.2 billion in tax revenue for school districts over two years. Senate Joint Resolution 1, the enabling legislation, would make up for the lost revenue by entitling school districts to additional state aid from the Foundation School Fund.

The proposition also maintains the additional $10,000 exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners already awarded under current law, along with the proposed increase for all other homeowners.

The exemption was last increased in 1997, when voters approved Proposition 1.

The amendment would take effect January 1, 2016.

Click Here to find out more

How will that impact homeowners’ tax bills?

How much Texas homeowners would save depends on the tax rate of their school district, averaging between $120 and $130. The Texas Tribune created an interactive database found here that allows users to calculate how much they would save based on their district. The database uses 2014 data collected from the Comptroller’s Office and the news organization reported that school districts unlikely changed their rates in 2015. However, because property values are quickly rising, homeowners might not have a lower property tax bill, but one that increased slightly less because of the savings from the homestead exemption.

Ballot title

The official ballot title is:

“

The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $15,000 to $25,000, providing for a reduction of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for those purposes on the homestead of an elderly or disabled person to reflect the increased exemption amount, authorizing the legislature to prohibit a political subdivision that has adopted an optional residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation from reducing the amount of or repealing the exemption, and prohibiting the enactment of a law that imposes a transfer tax on a transaction that conveys fee simple title to real property.

”

 Summary analysis

The council’s summary analysis reads:

“

S.J.R. 1 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution to increase the portion of the market value of a residence homestead that is exempt from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $15,000 to $25,000. In addition, the proposed amendment provides for a reduction of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for those purposes on the homestead of an elderly or disabled person to reflect the increased exemption amount. The proposed amendment also authorizes the legislature to prohibit the governing body of a political subdivision that has adopted an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a percentage of the market value of a residence homestead from reducing the amount of or repealing the exemption. Finally, the proposed amendment prohibits the legislature from imposing a transfer tax on a transaction that conveys fee simple title to real property.

”

Enabling legislation

The amendment was placed on the ballot via SJR 1. However, Senate Bill 1 was the enabling legislation for SJR 1. SB 1 will become void if voters reject the constitutional amendment. The enabling legislation would amend the Tax Code and Education Code. Changes to the Tax Code would be made to bring the statutes in line with changes made to the constitution. Modifications to the Education Code would primarily address making up revenue reductions caused by increased homestead exemptions by increasing the state’s share of education funding.

Tax bill

In Texas, local tax bills are sent out to residents around October 1 each year. This is before voters cast their ballots on the proposed constitutional amendment. However, the amendment would apply to the 2015 taxes. To remedy this issue, SB 1 requires a school district’s tax assessor to compute a provisional tax bill for property owners using the current $15,000 and the proposed $25,000 homestead exemption. The provisional tax bill would include a statement about the proposed exemption increase. The tax bill will read:

“

If the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of a residence homestead had not been increased by the Texas Legislature, your tax bill would have been $____ (insert amount equal to the sum of the amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $15,000 and the total amount of taxes imposed by the other taxing units whose taxes are included in the bill). Because of action by the Texas Legislature increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption, your tax bill has been lowered by $____ (insert difference between amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $15,000 and amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $25,000), resulting in a lower tax bill of $____ (insert amount equal to the sum of the amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $25,000 and the total amount of taxes imposed by the other taxing units whose taxes are included in the bill), contingent on the approval by the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2015, of a constitutional amendment authorizing the residence homestead exemption increase. If the constitutional amendment is not approved by the voters at the election, a supplemental school district tax bill in the amount of $____ (insert difference between amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $15,000 and amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $25,000) will be mailed to you.

”

If the amendment is rejected in November, tax assessors will send new bills explaining the tax exemption will remain $15,000.

Education spending

Since SJR 1 would increase the homestead exemption on property taxes levied by school districts, schools would lose about $1.24 billion statewide over two years.SB 1 was designed to remedy this funding decrease. A school district would be entitled to additional state aid from the Foundation School Fund. In other words, SB 1 would increase the state government’s share of funding education.

Background

Proposition 1

Texas School Property Tax Relief, Proposition 1 (August 1997)

The last time the homestead exemption on school property taxes was increased was 1997. Nearly 94 percent of voters approved Proposition 1. Like the 2016 Proposition 1, this measure was referred to the ballot by the legislature and increased the exemption from $5,000 to $15,000. It costed the state $511 million to keep schools from losing tax revenue.

Be Our Guest Fall Fest

The Woodlands First Baptist Church – On Saturday, October 31 from  5:30 – 8:00 pm, you are invited to a fun, free, family event.

There will be inflatables, rock climbing, snow play with Olaf, Princess and Star Wars Character Signing, and candy to take home after all the fun!

Come dressed as your favorite character and bring a friend!

Location: 11801 Grogan’s Mill Road, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Visit the Official Facebook Page for more details.

Would you like to VOLUNTEER? Click here to sign up!

Houston Housing Market Despite Oil Slump

Houston Housing Market Despite Oil Slump

According to the Houston Association of Realtors, Houston’s housing market appears to be “holding its own,” although there are some signs of a slowdown amid the oil slump.

In the Houston metropolitan area, there were more homes listed and sold at higher prices this year, according to the recent monthly housing report. Here is a snapshot from HAR’s September report, released Oct. 14:

6011 N Ossineke – $509,900 Benders Landing Estates

Home prices: Houston median home prices increased 4.5% over the last year, to $208,000, a new September record high. Homes priced between $150,000 and $500,000 saw moderate sales increases..

Home supply: Home buyers may not have to compete as hard for homes, as the supply of homes on the market is growing. Months of inventory is steady at 3.5 months since July, up from 2.6 months in January. Active listings rose 17.6% compared to September 2014.

“September showed a bit more vitality than August, and considering that we are comparing to a record 2014 sales year and remain in a climate of energy-related layoffs, I’d say that the Houston real estate market is truly holding its own,” said Nancy Furst, HAR Chairwoman and Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. “Sales inventory has been stable for the past three months and we expect it to grow in the last quarter of 2015.”

According to HAR, Houston’s housing market saw gains across the board in September, however, there are signs that the market is cooling.

Longer days on market: Houston homes are staying on the market a little longer. The average number of days it took to sell a home was 49 days in September 2015, compared to 48 days in September 2014.

Lower sales among low- and high-end homes: Fewer homes were sold below $150,000 and above $500,000. Townhomes and condominium sales fell 4.5 percent in September. In addition, Houston’s luxury market is slipping, although it is still among the hottest nationally.

In September, Houston Realtors sold 8,024 single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums worth about $2.1 billion. Source: Paul Takahashi Houston Business Journal.

The Woodlands Children's Festival 2015

The 20th Annual Children’s Festival

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — The 20th Annual Children’s Festival presented by ExxonMobil takes place Nov. 14 & 15, 2015. Families are invited to come out and play as The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is transformed into a giant playground. With performers on multiple stages, characters meet and greets and activities located all around the venue, there’s surely something for everyone to enjoy.

Performing on the Pepsi Main Stage is Riff Rockit, a live action children’s entertainer who performs music the entire family can enjoy. Best described as part of the growing musical genre known as “kindie rock,” Riff Rockit’s songs are both inspirational and educational, set to rockin’ music that is not dumbed down. Also on the Pepsi Main Stage, grab your hardhat and tool belt! It’s time to go to the construction site with Bob the Builder. Both Riff Rockit and Bob the Builder perform on Saturday and Sunday with meet and greets available after their performances.

One of only six certified LEGO® Master Builders in the world, Brandon Griffith will be in the CB&I SEAD Zone (Science, Engineering, Arts & Design) on Saturday and Sunday with some of his elaborate creations. Griffith will be building two commissioned pieces while on site, including a replica of The Pavilion. He will also have an interactive area where kids can play with LEGO® bricks and learn how to become a master builder.

In the Meet & Greet area, kids have the opportunity to meet the Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles and Barbie multiple times per day. For meet and greet times, visit the website atwww.thewoodlandscenter.org.

Kids are encouraged to unleash their inner artist and create their own masterpieces in The Villager’s Arts Alley. They will learn about lines, colors, shapes, patterns,unity, balance and more by using these elements to make imaginative creations.

Just around the corner from the Pepsi Main Stage, enjoy hands-on arts and crafts, games, costumed characters and more in the amusing creative zones all around The Pavilion. Experiment with science-related activities in the FMC Technologies STEAM Zone (Science Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) featuring the Houston Children’s Museum and Fidelity Investments, with free balloons, hat making, performances on the Aramark Community Stage and more.

Take a walk through the Anadarko Adventure Zone for wild outdoor activities including a petting zoo and fun inflatables. Interact with professional sports teams like the Houston Texans and Houston Dynamo and test your speed with Bubble Runners. Stop by the Texas Children’s Hospital Healthy KidZone, where kids can learn about health and physical fitness in a fun, interactive way from a variety of local businesses and organizations. Explore an ambulance and enjoy games and activities like martial arts, gymnastics and more.

The Activity Tent is the place to be for train rides, more hands-on activities and games organized by local businesses including brain teasers, a coloring contest, instrument petting zoo and more. At the top of The Pavilion hill, the iFly Zone is filled with excitement. Build and fly your own kite, dig for gold and participate in parachute races.

For everything you need to know about Children’s Festival, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org or call 281-364-3010. You don’t want to miss it!

Admission is $8 per person in advance or $10 per person at the door. Children age 2 and under are free of charge.All activities and performances are included in the price of admission. Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or the day of the event. Children age 2 and under are free. Picnics are welcome, but beverages cannot be brought into the venue. Concessions will be open.

Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $10 per vehicle and tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Guests also may park in any of the five free parking lots on the southwest side of The Pavilion. The free, color-coded lots are connected to The Pavilion by corresponding pathways with signs leading across The Waterway.

If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org or look for The Pavilion on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and Blogger. Or download The Pavilion’s iOS or Android app. Source: The Woodlands Online

Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas traffic impact

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS  – The 10th Annual Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas 10-mile road race is set for Saturday, October 10, 2015, beginning at 7 a.m.. On this day, up to 3,100 runners will race through The Woodlands, as they make their way to the finish line in Market Street.  To ensure runner and spectator safety, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will be responsible for closing and re-opening lanes. There will be deputy officers at every intersection along the race route. The officers will allow cars through when there is a safe opportunity. Please allow extra time if you have somewhere to be on Race Day.

2015 Lane Closures:  The outside lane of the following streets will be closed to automobile traffic from 6 to 10:30 a.m. to accommodate runners:  Six Pines Drive: southbound, Lake Woodlands Drive to Riva Row Riva Row: westbound, Six Pines Drive to Grogan’s Mill Road The inside lane of the following streets will be closed to automobile traffic from 6 to 10:30 a.m. to accommodate runners: Grogan’s Mill Road: northbound, Riva Row to Lake Woodlands Drive Lake Woodlands Drive: westbound,Grogan’s Mill Road to Cochran’s Crossing Drive Lake Woodlands Drive: eastbound, Cochran’s Crossing Drive to Six Pines Drive If you plan to travel on Race Day morning, please allow yourself extra time. Traffic flow is estimated to be interrupted for 15 to 20 minutes until 10:30 a.m.

To view current route maps, please visit The Woodlands Township. For more information, please call the dedicated traffic hotline at 281-210-2099 for traffic-related questions. This number will be answered 24 hours a day. Inquiries may also be emailed to races@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.