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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 7 OCT. 24 NOV. 17, 2023
2023 Voter Guide
State property tax plan could aid Montgomery County residents
Property appraisal increases from 2020-2023
+43%
+44.5%
+43.8%
Montgomery County homeowners have seen rising appraisals over the last several years. A state plan to provide property tax relief is on the Nov. 7 ballot.
SOURCE: MONTGOMERY CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT COMMUNITY IMPACT
COURTESY JACKIE BRACEWELL BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE GARY GREENE
Angelo said his residential property’s 2021 appraisal of $682,000 more than doubled in 2022 before a protest and lawsuit brought it down to $823,000. “It was everywhere,” Angelo said. “Every property we had in Montgomery County was a ected by it.” Angelo is among the Montgomery County homeowners and business owners who could see property tax relief after state legislators approved a plan to address property tax increases in mid-July,
closing out the second special session of the year. “Right now, there is no cap on commercial prop- erty,” state Rep. Will Metcalf, R Conroe, said during a Sept. 20 presentation to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. “With this bill, [commercial property] can still go up 300%, but you’re only going to be paying taxes on the 20%.”
BY DANICA LLOYD, HANNAH NORTON & LIZZY SPANGLER
Je Angelo, a Montgomery County resident and owner of the Hodge Podge Lodge, said he saw appraisal increases on all his properties. Between 2021-22, Angelo said the appraisal on his commercial property went from $361,350 to $2.4 million—before working with a third party to protest and litigate it down to $1.08 million. Meanwhile,
CONTINUED ON 16
Also in this issue
Impacts: Tailgators Pub & Grill plans Lake Conroe eatery (Page 6)
Government: Bu alo Springs Drive upgrades ahead (Page 9)
Transportation: TxDOT proposes changes to I 45 (Page 19)
Education: Willis ISD considering future district needs (Page 20)
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Models are not an indication of racial preference. Floor plans, maps and renderings are artist’s conception based on preliminary information, not to scale and subject to change. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without no- tice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. School enrollment and boundaries subject to change. Equal Housing Opportunity. 10/23
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
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About Community Impact
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
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Impacts
Montgomery
Willis
1097
W. MONTGOMERY ST.
Now open
LONE STAR PKWY.
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OUTPOST DR.
KEENAN CUT OFF RD.
8 Cha! Boba Tea Initial menu items include craft teas, milk teas, brewed teas and slushies. Topping options include boba; crystal boba; and mango, lychee, coconut, strawberry and rainbow jelly as well as chia seeds and milk foam. • Opened Sept. 1 • 107 Old River Road, Ste. E, Montgomery • www.facebook.com/cha.bobatea107
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N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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jazz to skills precision and adult hip-hop, according to a Sept. 14 news release. The location has also partnered with Diamond Sports Academy and offers an elite athletic precision class for boys age 7-12. • Opened Aug. 19 • 859 Pine Market Ave., Montgomery • www.woodforestdance.com 5 Cuppa Yo Frozen Yogurt Owner Krysten Polvado opened the Oregon-based self- serve frozen yogurt chain and previously said in addition to traditional toppings and flavors, sugar-free and dye-free toppings are available alongside sugar-free, dairy-free and low-calorie frozen yogurt options. • Opened Sept. 23 • 909 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 300, Willis • www.facebook.com/cuppayowillis 6 Cookie Co. The new sweet treat shop offers its rotating gourmet cookie menu with six flavors weekly, including the franchise’s chocolate chip, sugar cookie and gluten- friendly monster cookie. Three other flavors switch each week. • Opened Oct. 14 • 19792 Hwy. 105 W., Montgomery • www.facebook.com/cookiecomontgomerytx 7 Texan Nutrition The wholesale nutrition store in Conroe offers national brands at discount prices, including merchandise such as high-protein snacks, premade protein drinks and energy drinks. • Opened Oct. 2 • 3301 W. Davis St., Ste. H, Conroe • www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550960614655
Now open
Coming soon
9 Spuds Potato Bar The new eatery will offer a create-your-own menu with customers choosing a base of a baked potato, baked sweet potato, fries, sweet potato fries or tater tots. Unlimited toppings and one protein can be added for a fixed price. • Opening early November • 15260 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 136, Montgomery • www.spudspotatobar.com 10 StretchLab The new business will offer clients 25- and 50-minute one-on-one assisted stretch sessions by certified flexologists, Owner Tracy Cowley said in an email. Cowley said assisted stretching sessions can lead to increased flexibility and mobility, improved sports performance, reduced muscle and joint pain, improved posture, and reduced stress.
1 Jeremiah’s Ice The new Montgomery location serves over 40 Italian ice flavors, creamy soft ice cream and Jeremiah’s menu signature item—the Gelati, a layering of any flavor of Italian ice with soft ice cream. • Opened Sept. 5 • 901 Pine Market Ave., Ste. 200, Montgomery • www.jeremiahsice.com 2 School of Live Music Students can create music groups that consist of pianists, guitarists and singers who will perform for a live audience. Owner Moree Simon said the music school also offers comedy instructors and public speaking opportunities as well as monthly high school talent shows. The School of Live Music accepts students ages 8-90. • Opened Oct. 2 • 107 Old River Road, Ste. F., Montgomery • https://schooloflivemusic.com 3 The Paleta Bar Owner Haley Burgess said the business serves gourmet paletas, a Mexican frozen treat made with fresh ingredients. Dairy-free options are available. Paletas can be dipped in milk, white or dark chocolate with a variety of toppings. The Paleta Bar also serves DoriNachos, elote in a cup and aguas frescas. • Opened Aug. 26 • 15258 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 120, Montgomery • www.thepaletabar.com 4 Woodforest Dance Co. The new studio is offering classes for students age 18 months to adults. Genres range from ballet, tap and
• Opening late November or December • 850 S. Loop 336 W., Ste. 450, Conroe • www.stretchlab.com/location/conroe
11 Bodybar Pilates Mother-daughter duo Jennifer Rubino and Natalie Luquette are opening Bodybar Pilates. The fitness concept focuses on strength, toning and modern movement within a spa-like environment, according to an Oct. 9 news release. The business will offer seven class formats on four Pilates apparatuses, including reformer, chair, tower and jump. Membership presales began Oct. 9. • Opening January • 900 New Day Ave., Ste. 1100, Montgomery • www.bodybarpilates.com/woodforest
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR, SHAHERYAR KHAN & ANNA LOTZ
Now open
Coming soon
12 Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux The sports bar and restaurant chain specializes in offering a sports-centric atmosphere along with a menu featuring a variety of food and drinks. The restaurant features Louisiana-inspired cuisine including dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, crawfish and other Cajun and Creole specialties. • Opened Sept. 18 • 1000 Outpost Drive, Conroe • www.walk-ons.com
14 Tailgators Pub & Grill The newest location of Tailgators Pub & Grill will offer a full bar and restaurant with a large patio overlooking Lake Conroe. Tailgators’ menu is known for its spicy boiled crawfish, popular Cajun dishes, fried alligator, wings and burgers. Founder and Managing Partner
Jim Hallers said the restaurant’s new location is set to open early next year. Tailgators has locations in
Magnolia and Spring. • Opening early 2024 • 15295 Hwy. 105 W., Montgomery • www.tailgatorspub.com
new space will become the company’s headquarters. According to its website, Spring Glass & Mirror provides commercial glass services.
Expansions
In the news
13 Lake Conroe Ace Hardware The hardware retailer is celebrating an expansion of its store slated to be complete and its fifth anniversary celebration Oct. 28 with a trunk-or-treat classic car show from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., a barbecue cookoff, giveaways and sales for customers. The store expansion includes adding to the backyard and barbecue area, doubling the size of the boutique and gift area, and adding new products, according to the business. • Expansion to be finished in late October • 19380 Hwy. 105. W., Ste 500A, Montgomery • www.facebook.com/lakeconroeace
15 Express Employment Professionals The Conroe office of Express Employment Professionals celebrated its 30th anniversary Sept. 21, marking three decades of providing businesses and job seekers with a range of staffing solutions across Montgomery and Walker counties. • 2816 I-45 N., Conroe • www.expresspros.com/conroetx 16 Spring Glass & Mirror Spring Glass & Mirror purchased a 43,200-square-foot industrial building on 9.89 acres, commercial real estate firm Colliers announced in an Oct. 4 news release. The
• 15431 I-45 S., Conroe • www.springglass.net
17 Living Spaces Home furnishing retailer Living Spaces is opening a Conroe showroom. The retailer offers selections for dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms and home offices as well as outdoor furniture, according to its website. According to permitting information from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation database, the project is estimated to be completed in January and will include a retail cafe and kids playroom. • 10900 I-45 S., Conroe • www.livingspaces.com/stores/conroe
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Government
BY LIZZY SPANGLER
Montgomery approves agreement with Home Depot
During an Oct. 2 special meeting, Montgomery City Council approved a Chapter 380 agreement with Home Depot in a 4-1 vote. Council member Sara Countryman voted against approval, citing constituent feedback. In a nutshell According to the Oct. 2 agenda packet outlining the agreement details, Home Depot will: • Contribute $750,000 toward improvements for the Buffalo Springs Drive and Hwy. 105 intersection • Pay the remaining construction costs of $674,000 plus 15% for contingencies In return, the city of Montgomery will reimburse Home Depot for the $674,000 over a period of five or more years using 50% of the total sales tax collected by the city at the retailer’s new store.
Zooming out Home Depot is anticipated to open a new store along Buffalo Springs Drive just west of Kroger. During its Sept. 12 meeting, Montgomery City Council approved 4-1 a proposal to reconstruct a portion of the roadway and add a traffic signal to the Buffalo Springs Drive and Hwy. 105 intersec- tion for $1.4 million. Countryman voted against the approval. Ward, Getz and Associates, which provides the city with engineering services, will work to design and coordinate construction for roadway improve- ments for Buffalo Springs Drive from the Hwy. 105 intersection to Home Depot’s rear property line, WGA Project Manager Katherine Vu said at the Sept. 12 meeting. The traffic signal and roadway improvements are separate projects, and they won’t necessarily be timed at the same time, Vu said.
BUFFALO SPRINGS DR.
ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS
HOME DEPOT
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What else? The improvements to Buffalo Springs Drive and Hwy. 105 are anticipated to be completed in September 2024, Montgomery City Engineer Chris Roznovsky said during the Oct. 2 meeting. Home Depot’s new store is slated to open in October 2024.
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
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Government
BY ANNA LOTZ & LIZZY SPANGLER
Lake Conroe sees 0 deaths over summer For the first season in more than a decade, no fatalities were recorded on Lake Conroe between Memorial Day and Labor Day—“100 deadliest days of summer”—the Montgom- ery County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office announced in an Oct. 2 news release. The big picture Precinct 1 Constable Philip Cash imple- mented a Safe Lake Initiative in 2017 to improve safety on Lake Conroe, according to the release. This year, Precinct 1 marine deputies: • Did 460 traffic stops • Conducted over 681 boat safety checks, among other initiatives Also, a new all-weather craft will allow the Marine Division to operate year-round.
City Council defers budget approval for Hyatt Regency Conroe At its Sept. 28 and Oct. 12 meetings, Conroe City Council deferred approving the fiscal year 2023-24 budget for the Hyatt Regency Conroe and Convention Center. Council also approved REVPAR International on Oct. 12 to provide long-term financial projections for the hotel. How we got here During the council’s Sept. 27 workshop meeting, the proposed FY 2023-24 budget for the Hyatt Regency Conroe and Convention Center was shared, which outlined:
“I would rather these Hyatt figures come in at a projected low and not have a big surprise at the end.” MARSHA PORTER, CONROE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
asset manager, said the hotel expects an average occupancy rate of 55.5% for the year. The Hyatt Regency Conroe and Convention Center, which opened May 25, cost nearly $109 million to construct, Community Impact previously reported. Before it opened, council approved a $5.1 million cash infusion needed to sustain hotel operations. According to a document included in the Sept. 27 agenda packet, by September 2024, around $1 mil- lion of that original $5.1 million is expected to remain. Colin Boothe, director of finance and assis- tant city administrator, said the city may have to put more money into sustaining the hotel if budget projections are not met and the cash is depleted.
• $12.76 million in revenues • $12.75 million in expenses
Jeff Binford of Garfield Public/Private, which serves as the hotel and convention center’s
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Election
BY ANNA LOTZ
Voter Guide
2023
classrooms, elementary gymnasiums, and career and technical education agricultural barns Proposition D The issuance of $22.9 million in bonds for the design, construction and equipment of a new outdoor competition swimming pool and the rehabilitation, renovation, expansion and equipment of the district natatorium There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more on Page 15.
Dates to know
Sample ballot
Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
Conroe ISD Proposition A
The issuance of $1.82 billion in bonds for the design, construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, improvement and equipment of school buildings in the district; the purchase of the necessary sites for school buildings; and the purchase of new
school buses Proposition B
Where to vote
The issuance of $40 million in bonds for the design, construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, improvement and upgrading of technology devices and instructional technology Proposition C The issuance of $112.88 million in bonds for the design, construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, improvement and equipment of school buildings in the district, including physical education
Montgomery County residents can cast their ballots at any voting center during early voting. Election Day locations are by precinct. Visit www.mctx.org for polling locations.
SOURCES: CONROE ISD, MONTGOMERY COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Election
BY HANNAH NORTON
Breaking down the 14 state propositions on the Nov. 7 ballot
Texas voters will find 14 propositions to amend the state constitution on the Nov. 7 ballot. Community Impact spoke with Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, to break down each proposition. Constitutional amendment elections give Texans “a window into the policy process” and a “chance to participate” in state affairs, Rottinghaus said.
Proposition 10
Proposition 5
SJR 87 What it’s asking: Proposition 10 would prevent medical and biomedical manufacturers from paying taxes on their tangible personal property, which the majority of businesses are currently taxed on. Officials said this exemption would strengthen Texas’ medical industry.
HJR 3 What it’s asking: The state’s National Research University Fund would be replaced with the Texas University Fund. Four universities—Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and Texas State University—would qualify for the research endowment. Roughly $273 million would be set aside for 2024-25.
SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
Proposition 1
House Joint Resolution 126 What it’s asking: This proposition aims to increase landowners’ rights to regulate what happens on their property and limit state or federal interference.
Proposition 11
Proposition 6
SJR 32 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the El Paso County Conservation and Reclamation District. Various counties and regions in Texas have similar districts, which tax local residents to support the creation and development of water services and other facilities.
SJR 75 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to establish the Texas Water Fund, which would support new and existing water projects across the state. The Texas Water Development Board would oversee the new fund.
Proposition 2
Senate Joint Resolution 64 What it’s asking: City and county governments would be allowed to offer a property tax exemption to child care facilities. Rottinghaus said this would reduce property tax burdens on child care organizations, which many families rely on.
Proposition 7
Proposition 12
SJR 93 What it’s asking: This proposition would establish the Texas Energy Fund, which would finance the construction, maintenance and operation of electric facilities to ensure the state power grid remains reliable. The Public Utility Commission of Texas would oversee the new fund.
HJR 134 What it’s asking: This proposition would eliminate the Galveston County Treasurer’s Office. If approved, other county officials would take over the duties of the treasurer. All Texas voters can vote on the proposition, but it only takes effect if a majority of Galveston County voters authorize it.
Proposition 3
HJR 132 What it’s asking: This proposition asks voters to prevent a wealth tax, which is based on a person or entity’s assets, from being imposed in the future. Texas does not currently have any form of wealth taxes.
Proposition 8
Proposition 13
HJR 125 What it’s asking: Proposition 8 asks voters to authorize the creation of the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which would help expand high-speed internet access statewide. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts would oversee the new fund.
HJR 107 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to raise the mandatory retirement period from 70-75 years old to 75-79 years old for justices and judges on appellate, district and criminal district courts.
Proposition 4
HJR 2, from the second special session What it’s asking: Voters can decide to authorize a $100,000 property tax exemption for Texans’ primary homes; establish a temporary 20% limit on annual value increases for nonhomestead properties worth $5 million or less; require members of appraisal boards in counties of over 75,000 people to serve staggered four-year terms; and prevent funds allocated for property tax relief from going against the state’s constitutional spending limit.
Proposition 9
Proposition 14
HJR 2, from the regular session What it’s asking: Voters can approve a cost-of- living adjustment for many former teachers. To combat inflation, teachers who retired before 2001 would get a 6% adjustment, those who retired between 2001-13 would get a 4% adjustment, and those who retired between 2013-20 would get a 2% adjustment.
SJR 74 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the Texas Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which would support the creation and improvement of state parks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would oversee the new fund.
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
From the cover
State property tax plan could aid Montgomery County residents
What else?
The overview
If Proposition 4 passes, the homestead exemp- tion will be raised, and homeowners will pay reduced taxes to their local school districts . • ISD tax rates will decrease by $0.107. • The state will distribute $12.7 billion to schools. • For a $300,000 home, decreasing the school district tax rate by $0.107 would cut an average tax bill by $321. The plan also includes a nonhomestead appraisal cap , which would limit annual value increases for certain properties if Proposition 4 passes. • The value of property worth $5 million or less cannot increase by more than 20% year over year. • This applies to all nonhomestead property, such as second homes and commercial property. • Approximately 13 million properties will qualify. As part of the new law, SB 3 also amends the state business franchise tax , which all businesses currently pay based on individual circumstances. • Businesses that make less than $2.47 million annually will no longer have to pay the tax. • Roughly 67,000 small and midsize businesses will be exempt from the tax. • Collectively, qualifying business owners will save around $300,000 each year. While lawmakers widely supported the legis- lation, some in opposition fought for relief for renters . State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, argued that landlords who receive tax relief would pass the savings on to renters, but Dick Lavine, a senior fiscal analyst for the progressive advocacy group Every Texan, said the legislation does “nothing for [renters] at all.”
The $18 billion package includes two bills— Senate Bills 2 and 3—and a constitutional amendment. For the tax cuts to show up on this year’s tax bill, Texans must approve the constitutional amendment, Proposition 4, on the Nov. 7 ballot. Homeowners would also need to apply to receive the homestead exemption. The property tax relief comes as Montgomery County property owners are seeing value increases. Between 2019-23, the average market value of homesteaded properties— those who have applied for a homestead exemption—within Conroe ISD’s boundaries increased by 44.4%, according to the Montgomery Central Appraisal District.
With the state’s plan, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the average homeowner would save $1,250-$1,450 on their 2023 tax bill while commercial property owners would see a 20% nonhomestead appraisal cap if the value of their property is less than $5 million. “If passed by voters this fall, Texas homestead exemptions [for school district taxes] will rise to $100,000; senior homeowners will be protected from being priced out of their home; the small-business exemption for the franchise tax will double; and Texas small businesses will be protected from excessive appraisal increases,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Aug. 9 news release after signing off on the plan.
Calculating tax bills
Taxable value The value of a property that can be taxed
Local tax rate Includes school district, county, utility district, etc.
Property tax bill
Current taxable value
Tax exemption (Value that cannot be taxed)
Average home value in Texas
Taxable value
New taxable value (pending voter approval) $331,000 $40,000
$291,000
Tax exemption (Value that cannot be taxed)
Average home value in Texas
Taxable value
$331,000
$100,000
$231,000
SOURCES: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Average market value of homesteaded properties
Why it matters
Montgomery ISD
Conroe ISD
Willis ISD
Rising home appraisals is a trend in Montgomery County. Between 2019-23, the average market value of homesteaded properties within the boundaries of Montgomery and Willis ISDs rose by 54.47% and 55.38%, respectively. Meanwhile, 93% of commercial properties in the county fall under the $5 million threshold for the nonhomestead appraisal cap, which is a three-year pilot plan, Metcalf said. “We took care of a lot of good people with that bill,” he said.
$503,363
$438,749
$500K $600K $400K $200K $300K $100K $0
$303,826
$325,857
$350,129
$225,340
Year:
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
SOURCE: MONTGOMERY CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY DANICA LLOYD, HANNAH NORTON & LIZZY SPANGLER
What they’re saying
“The signing of this Texas- sized tax cut, the biggest property tax cut in history, is a massive victory for all 5.7 million Texas homeowners.” LT. GOV. DAN PATRICK
“Forty percent of [Texans] rent. ... They often live month to month on their salaries. … We are specifically leaving out 40% of this state.” STATE REP. GENE WU, D-HOUSTON
“We must balance the needs of government with the limits of a taxpayer’s wallet.” STATE SEN. LOIS KOLKHORST, R-BRENHAM
What’s next
by Republican leadership,” the statement said. School districts will receive state funds to offset lower property tax revenue, but overall school funding will not change.
“Texas Democrats fought hard for the millions of Texans who rent, who are teachers or who send their children to public schools, but they were entirely neglected in the process
Three Democratic state representatives, including Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, released a statement condemning Republicans for providing more tax relief to certain groups.
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Transportation
BY JESSICA SHORTEN
TxDOT recommends elevated lanes, new intersections on I 45
Long- and short-term solutions to begin addressing congestion on the I-45 corridor were presented by the Texas Department of Transporta- tion at a public meeting Sept. 26. TxDOT initiated a Planning and Environmental Linkages study in 2017 to identify solutions to tra c congestion and ow on I-45. The details Based on TxDOT study ndings and public comment, the most viable and preferred solution to I-45 congestion was identi ed as elevated managed lanes with access to major frontage roads. Intersections which access I-45 would be turned into diverging diamond intersections, which would move frontage road tra c over major intersections. These projects are slated for a 10-20 year project timeline, according to TxDOT, and Houston-Galveston Area Council estimates the cost at $300 million. In the short term, TxDOT is also looking at potential shared-use pathways along the frontage roads to allow more space for biking and pedes- trian travel through intersections and between businesses on frontage roads. What they’re saying “We’re hoping that this is going to help the entire community with … increasing mobility issues, … and from what I’ve seen so far it’s a good plan,” Shenandoah Mayor John Escoto said. “We get a lot of our customers just from driving by, seeing the signs, so my concern is … if they expand, we’re right up against the frontage road so parking will disappear, but it’s a quite a ways out [before that happens],” said Andy Armstrong, a business owner along I-45. What’s next According to Bambi Hall, public information o cer for TxDOT, the projects will likely not see construction start for another ve to 10 years, and they still have to go through funding requests through the state before TxDOT o cially starts work on the project. Lane elevations on I-45 are currently on the 20-year plan for development by TxDOT; however, projects such as intersection remodeling and shared-use path creation could begin within the next ve to 10 years, TxDOT o cials said. A comment period for the project was held through Oct. 13, at which point TxDOT planned to consider any potential concerns and move forward with design and construction.
Future possibilities for I 45 A number of intersection changes on I-45 could provide additional transit routes and tra c patterns over the next ve to 10 years.
336
Intersection type recommended
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Diverging diamond: A tra c pattern that allows for free ow turns o of I-45 to intersections Multimodal hub: Structure that allows for multiple transit options in a single location Bike intersection: Area for bicycle and pedestrian tra c along intersections
45
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LAKE WOODLANDS DR.
RESEARCH FOREST DR.
GROGANS MILL RD.
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20-year plan for elevated lanes The Texas Department of Transportation unveiled a new possible look for I-45 at a Sept. 26 public meeting. The new design would create elevated managed lanes from the Grand Parkway to Loop 336 in Conroe.
2 managed lanes
2 managed lanes
Elevated lanes would be managed lanes for high- occupancy vehicles or tolls.
Sidewalk path
Sidewalk path
3 frontage lanes
4 main lanes
4 main lanes
3 frontage lanes
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION
Education
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & EMILY LINCKE
Conroe ISD lays out alternative plan for armed security officers The Conroe ISD board of trustees adopted a res- olution Sept. 19 declaring a good cause exception for House Bill 3, which relates to security officers on campuses. Two-minute impact HB 3 passed during the 88th Texas Legislature this year, requiring school districts in the state to provide one armed security officer on all campuses during regular school hours. However, the law allows school districts to claim a “good cause” exception and provide an alternative standard if they are unable to meet the require- ments due to a lack of funding or personnel. Quote of note “It is important to ensure that we weigh any
Willis ISD studying future facility needs
MISD continues superintendent search The search for a Montgomery ISD super- intendent has entered the next phase after focus groups wrapped up Oct. 3. In a nutshell Consultant firm Thompson & Horton LLP—which is leading the superintendent search—said key traits focus group members said they’re looking for in a superintendent include: • Education and leadership experience • Willingness to stay with MISD long term • Strong communication skills • Transparency • Familiarity with Texas laws and finances MISD officials said they hope to conduct the first round of interviews in November.
• At least one commissioned peace officer is assigned to each secondary campus. • Officers will be assigned to campuses clustered within a 1- to 2-mile geographic radius. • CISD Police Department officers will continue to be assigned to each feeder zone. • Patrol officers will remain available at all times within the district’s boundaries. CISD’s campus safety plan
Potential projects In the committee’s first two meetings, priority projects identified include:
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A new transportation center
A day care facility for employees A new high school or addition to Willis High School
Willis ISD formed a Long-Range Planning Committee in August to study the future needs of the district and make a recommendation to the board of trustees as to what’s needed, interim Superintendent Tom Crowe said. The background WISD voters passed a $143 million bond in November 2022. Proposition A, which passed, funded a new elementary school, middle school, fine arts addition at Lynn Lucas Middle School, upgrades to sports fields, playground equipment and future land purchases. However, voters did not approve propositions for a new $62.56 million football stadium and a $19.39 million natatorium. “Willis is growing, and getting people to under- stand the needs when they move in here, it’s not unusual for [propositions] to fail like that,” Crowe
CISD plans for new Bartlett Elementary Conroe ISD’s Attendance Boundary Com- mittee is reviewing zones for the opening in August of Janet K. Bartlett Elementary School at 11225 Cielo Drive, serving the Conroe and Caney Creek feeders. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Chris McCord said he anticipates bringing a final recom- mendation to the board in January. Community meetings will be held at 6 p.m. virtually Nov. 7 and in-person Nov. 9 at Austin Elementary, 14796 Hwy. 105.
An aquatic center
SOURCE: CONROE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
A district activity center
options carefully to ensure that we are providing the highest quality service to our CISD community,” CISD Chief of Police Matthew Blakelock said in a Sept. 21 email statement. Learn more Blakelock said the district has 78 peace officers and 27 security monitors as of Sept. 21, and the district also has relationships with other law enforcement agencies in Montgomery County to provide additional presence and response to campuses.
SOURCE: TOM CROWE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
said. “One of the things I’ve emphasized with [the Long-Range Planning Committee] is that it doesn’t matter what happened back there; it’s about where do we go from here.” Next steps Crowe said the committee will present to the board in January. If recommended, the last day to place a bond on the May ballot is Feb. 17.
CONROE 1304 W Davis (936) 539-8787 NORTH CONROE 18434 Hwy 105 W (936) 582-5410
MONTGOMERY PLAZA 1420 N Loop 336 W (936) 441-7161
WILLIS 9618 FM 1097 (936) 228-0385
Education
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
The LSC Montgomery campus is located on College Park Drive in The Woodlands.
PHOTOS COURTESY LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM
De’ Reese Reid-Hart takes helm as Lone Star College- Montgomery president De’ Reese Reid-Hart took o ce as the new president of Lone Star College-Montgomery on Sept. 1. Before becoming president, Reid-Hart was previously the vice president of instruction at LSC Montgomery. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com. What are your immediate and long-term visions for LSC Montgomery? The immediate is ensuring that we continue the great culture that we already have but then to make it better. My other goal is to increase student success, making sure that we have the right pro- cess and operations in place to help our students
be more successful, whether it’s a short-term or long-term goal for them. My nal goal is commu- nity engagement and partnership. I want to make sure that we are a staple in our community. How do you plan on boosting enrollment numbers? It goes back to making sure that we have those partnerships in the community, making sure that people know that this is a rst choice for our students. Students will get the best education possible, whether they go to one of the Ivy League schools or if they choose us. What new programs or degrees would you like to see pioneered on campus? One of the newer programs we are trying to bring now is biopharmaceutical. Right now, we need to look at expanding some of our health care programs. Additionally, we need to get more IT programs. We’re also about to open our Magnolia Center, which will have a focus of [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] and [emergency management services]. Another one we are
Bachelor’s degree in English and pre-law Master’s degree in education psychology Doctorate in education leadership Former vice president of instruction at LSC- Montgomery Previously the dean of instruction at Kennedy- King College in Illinois SOURCE: DE’ REESE REID HART COMMUNITY IMPACT Career and educational background considering is aviation mechanics. What changes can students or the community expect to see under your new leadership? I think what they will see is more engagement by faculty, sta and administration outside of the classrooms. They are going to see Lone Star everywhere in our community. They will see an opportunity for their voice to be heard more.
with us g �ow through every season
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Development
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
Children’s Safe Harbor to break ground on new Conroe campus
One more thing
State Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, announced during the luncheon that $5 million from the state’s budget approved during this spring’s legislative session will be facilitated through the Department of Family and Protective Services for the construction of the new permanent home for Children’s Safe Harbor. In addition, The Woodforest Charitable Foundation committed $2.5 million for the naming rights of the new building in June 2022, according to the Children’s Safe Harbor website. The organization set a goal of $15 million for its capital campaign to fund the new campus and was at the halfway point prior to the donation from the state, according to Children’s Safe Harbor.
• Healing garden • Space for counseling programs
Children’s Safe Harbor, a nonprofit organization that provides services and support to children who have been victims of abuse or trauma, announced Sept. 22 it will break ground on its new permanent home in Conroe in November. The organization has helped 26,350 children across Montgomery, San Jacinto and Walker counties, Executive Director Victoria Constance said during the organization’s 25th anniversary luncheon Sept. 22. The new 17-acre campus at 3006 N. Loop 336 E., Conroe, will focus on counseling, therapy, education and training as well as consolidate existing facilities, Constance said. Construction will take 13 months. The campus will include: • Law enforcement area • Conference and training center
• Family-based safety services area to support parenting and education for nonoffending family members • Gym • Dining center
3083
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336
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