2023
READERS’ CHOICE
Libraries to host ‘Battle Bot’ workshops - Page 5
GET SEEN CALL 713-371-3600
ADVERTISE HERE! WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 29, 2025
Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 50 • No. 44 • $1.00
Visit www.FortBendStar.com
Sugar Land Fort Bend commissioners again spar to hold over county attorney’s role community By Ken Fountain In a specially called meeting on October 15, the court voted along party lines to pass a new map of the county’s four precincts, the sessions The battle over the redistricting of Fort culmination of a rare, mid-decade redistricting Bend County precinct lines may have ended effort that lasted several months and earned on Imperial – barring any future litigation – but a related Fort Bend County many explosive media headskirmish continued last week as the Republican lines. The new map, which goes into effect in on Commissioners Court made yet January, provides for two solidly Republican Redevelopment majority another move concerning the authority of the districts and two solidly Democratic districts, office of Democratic County Attorney Bridgette replacing the map passed by a then-Democratic Project Smith-Lawson. majority passed in 2021 which gave that party Fort Bend County commissioners hold a heated KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Staff Reports The city of Sugar Land will host a series of community planning sessions for the Imperial Redevelopment Project from Nov. 3-6, 2025, giving residents the opportunity to help shape the future of the Imperial Historic District, home of the former Imperial Sugar site and the iconic 100-year-old Char House. Sugar Land officially acquired the approximately 40-acre site in February, marking the first time in history the property has been publicly owned. This pivotal acquisition removes long-standing barriers that have hindered private development efforts for decades. Public ownership allows the City to lead thoughtful redevelopment that preserves the site’s historic character while creating a vibrant, community-focused destination. “Redeveloping the Imperial Historic District has been a longstanding priority for both the City Council and our residents,” Mayor Carol McCutcheon said in a news release. “These sessions are an essential part of shaping a shared vision for redevelopment – one that honors the site’s history, preserves its iconic structures, and creates a thriving district our community is proud of.” The input gathered during these sessions will establish a vision for the project and inform the selection of a private development partner. The master development partner selection process is anticipated to begin in spring 2026 through a request for qualifications, followed by a request for proposals to establish a concept plan. The sessions will include interactive workshops, topical discussions and presentations where residents can share ideas on housing types, mixed-use development, transportation, arts, culture, history and public spaces. Community members are encouraged to participate in as many sessions as their schedules permit.
SEE REDEVELOPMENT PAGE 2
This time, the court voted along party lines to hire a private Houston attorney to render an opinion as to the scope of powers of SmithLawson’s office.
a 3-1 advantage.
SEE LAW PAGE 4
discussion last week over the hiring of an outside law firm to offer an opinion on the duties of County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson, foreground. Photo by Ken Fountain
Fort Bend Women’s Center, Houston Humane Society partner to protect pets of domestic violence survivors By Juhi Varma CONTRIBUTING WRITER
There are many reasons why someone in an abusive relationship can’t simply leave – financial dependence, children, fear – but one often overlooked factor is pets. Abusers may threaten or harm a partner’s animals as a means of control, leaving victims trapped, afraid that escaping could put their pets’ lives at risk. The Fort Bend Women’s Center and the Houston Humane Society have teamed up to address this very issue, offering safe shelter for pets while their owners rebuild their lives. Knowing their pets are protected gives survivors one less worry as they plan their escape from abuse. “We offer the program for 90 days, which is a boarding program for, so that way the owner can get help while their pet is being cared for,” said Ashley Garza of the Houston Humane Society.
What is the Southeast Texas LINK Coalition? Research shows a clear connection between domestic abuse and pet abuse – violence against animals often signals danger to people in the same household. Yet victims often struggle to find the right help. The Southeast Texas LINK Coalition (or “setlink”) was created to connect people in crisis to the agencies best equipped to help them, fostering easy communica-
SEE PROTECT PAGE 2
The Fort Bend Women’s Center and the Houston Humane Society have teamed up to offer safe shelter for pets while their owners rebuild their lives. Here, HHS staff members pose with some of the pets currently available for adoption. Photo by Juhi Varma
Sugar Land Holiday Lights set for Nov. 21-Jan. 6 Community Reports The 12th Annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights at presented by Houston Methodist at Constellation Field is will be held November 21 through January 4 at Constellation Field. A staple of the holiday season in Fort Bend County and beyond, Sugar Land Holiday Lights transforms the ballpark into a holiday wonderland, featuring over 3.5 million
lights, holiday vendors, light shows, themed displays, a signature 40-foot Christmas Tree, nightly photo opportunities with Santa until December 23 and more. A new addition to Sugar Land Holiday Lights for 2025 is a Nine Hole Mini-Golf Course in the H-EB Picnic Plaza. 2025 will see the return of the Synthetic Ice Rink, with skates available for rent on a nightly basis. There will once again be a carnival for most nights start-
ing on November 28 and running through January 1. Sugar Land Holiday Lights is open all nights throughout the holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day, running from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for most Sunday through Thursday nights and 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm for most
SEE LIGHTS PAGE 3
Sugar Land Holiday Lights will be held from November 21 through January 4 at Constellation Field. Courtesy Sugar Land Space Cowboys
PROUDLY ENDORSED PROUDLY ENDORSED BY BY
,CPA
MATTRESS MACK MATTRESS MACK
KennethForFortBend.com