Convenience Big Store: Cy-Fair then and now: See how iconic landmarks changed over the years

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Bullet train that may go through Cypress sparks controversial discussions of eminent domain again

A bullet train that can travel from Houston to Dallas in only 90 minutes while reaching speeds up to 186 miles per hour has reentered the news cycle. Amtrak and the railroad company Texas Central announced last week they are assessing the project's viability, the Chronicle's Ryan Nickerson reports.

The proposed route for the high-speed rail would stretch 240 miles, starting near Spring Branch and running northwest through Cypress on its way to downtown Dallas, reporter Jesus Vidales details. The route would include a stop near Leon and Madison counties and a stop near College Station for Texas A&M.

A letter from Texas Central's chairman Drayton McLane Jr. showed the bullet train's estimated cost was $30 billion in 2020.

The company's CEO Carlos Aguilar stepped down last year, leading critics to believe the project wouldn't move forward. Opponents of the bullet train questioned whether the company could obtain property through eminent domain, but the Texas Supreme Court confirmed the company's right to do so last year.

What are your thoughts on seeing the bullet train come through Cypress? Let me know.

Ralph Green, Suburban reporter producer

ralph.green.@houstonchronicle.com

Growing Cy-Fair

Old photograph of gasoline service station, located at Cypress Top Historic Park. Harris County Pct. 3 Parks Department works to renovate and restore the park.

Photo by: Harris County Pct. 3 Parks Dept., For The Houston Chronicle

Cy-Fair then and now: See how Cypress landmarks changed over the years.

Throughout the years, several structures became known as iconic landmarks in Cy-Fair for their power to gather the community.

Education

The Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees approved the 2022-2023 budget for the school district on June 13, 2022, raising the salary for staff district-wide for the 11th consecutive year.

Photo by: Courtesy Of Cy-Fair ISD / Submitted

What to know about Cy-Fair ISD's school board election.

With four spots on the ballot and 11 candidates vying for a trustee position, here's what you should know ahead of the Cy-Fair ISD school board election.

Need to Know

Contractors and crews work on containing a mulch fire at Living Earth on Crawford Street on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023 in Houston. The fire started Sunday evening.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

Living Earth mulch fire caused by wind, may take 1 week to fully extinguish.

A large mulch fire at a Living Earth center that sparked on Sunday may take up to a week to extinguish. Living Earth processes recycled Christmas trees among other functions.

Openings and closings

Salt & Sugar. Gastro Bar recently opened in Cy-Fair. The restaurant offers an extensive menu that features pastas, panne cook, desserts and more.

Shout out

Shoutout to Cy-Ranch volleyball player Taylor Porter, who recently verbally committed to Vanderbilt. Porter led her team to a 7-1 start and a No. 2 ranking in the Chronicle's Greater Houston volleyball poll this week.

One last thing ...

Did you see an athlete this week who deserves recognition? Vote now on the Houston Chronicle's Athlete of the Week Boys & Girls polls.

And, please keep an eye out once school starts for an outstanding student in your life! We're taking nominations all school year for Student of the Month, with monthly voting starting in September. Here's the nomination form.