Conroe - Montgomery Edition | July 2024

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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4 JULY 23AUG. 20, 2024

2024 Home Edition

COURTESY CITY OF CONROE Conroe, Montgomery area begins Hurricane Beryl recovery Conroe is among the cities underway with recovery eorts and debris cleanup following Hurricane Beryl, which swept through the Greater Houston area July 8.

operating the farm with a generator, using nearly 30 gallons of gas a day. She’s not alone, as thousands of Conroe and Montgomery residents were left without power and internet for several days as temperatures in the 90s moved back into the region.

“We have a long road to recovery,” owner Michelle Owens said. “We have managed to get all the [goats] into one pen that is safe for them. … It’s going to take some time and a lot of chainsaw work and a lot of manual labor, but we’ll get there eventually.” Without power as of July 12, Owens said she’s been

BY VANESSA HOLT, NICHAELA SHAHEEN & LIZZY SPANGLER

After Hurricane Beryl moved through the Greater Houston area on July 8, Superior Farms in Willis was left with damage to goat pens, barns, and the milk parlor, as well as the loss of one barn cat, Sarah Kitty.

CONTINUED ON 24

Also in this issue

Impacts: Oishi Sushi opens its doors in Conroe (Page 6)

Government: Conroe Mayor Duke Coon discusses city debt (Page 11)

Education: Conroe ISD upholds restrictions on 19 books (Page 27)

Health care: Aging agency builds local presence (Page 28)

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Farm-country Roots. Modern-day Comforts.

Welcome to Clopton Farms, a new home community just off the beaten path and down the scenic Rabon Chapel Road in Montgomery, Texas. Farmhouse-chic homes and thoughtfully planned amenities go hand-in-hand in this tranquil spot. Choose from three collections of modern home designs on 50’, 60’, and 70'-wide homesites, all with deep, oversized backyards. Check out resident-exclusive amenities like a planned recreation center and sparkling pool, a fitness center, playground, covered pavilion, and miles of neighborhood walking paths. Then hook up your boat and grab fishing gear. Lake Conroe is 1.5 miles away.

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The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions, square footage and acreage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of any home’s or homesite’s precise or actual size, location or orientation. There is no guarantee that any particular homesite or home will be available. A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client’s first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission or referral fee, if available. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Community maps, illustrations, plans and/or amenities reflect our current vision and are subject to change without notice. Photographs or renderings of people do not depict or indicate any preference regarding race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or national origin. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. © 2024 Tri Pointe Homes Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.

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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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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Impacts

3 Momentum Athletic Training The facility offers dynamic group classes focusing on strength training and metabolic conditioning to help people reach their fitness goals. • Opened May 31 • 5016 Central Parkway, Conroe • www.instagram.com/momentumat 4 Stella Maris Orthodontics Whitney Vrazel, owner of Stella Maris Orthodontics, opened her first office, the business confirmed via phone. The business offers treatment to patients 7 years old and up. • Opened June 14 • 702 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 200, Willis • www.stellamarisortho.com 5 Chick-fil-A The fast-food chicken chain opened in Conroe, providing a variety of chicken, salads and wraps, according to a June 24 news release. The new location is owned and operated by Eddie Kober, who also owns the Chick-fil-A Lake Conroe Parkway and Willis locations. • Opened June 27 • 612 N. Loop 336 W., Conroe • www.chick-fil-a.com 6 Oishi Sushi The restaurant offers customers all-you-can-eat sushi, hibachi and hot pot, manager and partner Alan Liang said. • Opened June 6 • 1205 Grand Central Parkway, Ste. 900, Conroe • www.oishisushiconroe.com 7 Southern Avenue Boutique The boutique sells clothing, accessories, shoes, workout wear and swimwear, according to its website. • Opened May 24 • 10669 FM 1484, Conroe • www.southernavenueboutique.com Bliss Care Transportation The nonemergency transportation service launched in the Greater Houston area. • Launched June 1

Willis

Montgomery

1097

8 4

LONE STAR PKWY.

LAKE CONROE

2432

MONTGOMERY ST.

830

1484

105

149

2854

CENTRAL PKWY.

OUTPOST DR.

Conroe

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE

CENTRAL PINE ST.

W. DALLAS ST.

336

3083

PINE MARKET AVE.

2ND ST.

LAKE HOUSE DR.

GRAND CENTRAL PKWY.

1314

149

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

1488

WOODLAND SQUARE BLVD.

242

MAP NOT TO SCALE

CONCORD DR.

2 Chipotle Mexican Grill Officials announced the opening of a new Conroe location, according to a June 13 news release. The new location features the brand’s signature Chipotlane, a drive-thru pickup lane that allows guests to pick up digital orders without leaving their cars. Chipotle offers meals made to order in front of the customer, including burritos, burrito bowls and salads. • Opened June 18 • 16966 Concord Drive, Conroe • www.chipotle.com

Now open

1 Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers The restaurant is now open in Conroe, according to a June 4 news release. The 3,598-square-foot restaurant seats 90 guests and offers steakburgers, hot dogs, shoestring fries and frozen custard treats. • Opened June 4 • 1415 N. Loop 336 W., Conroe • www.freddys.com

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12 Grand Central Park Pickleball Courts The pickleball facility was slated to begin construction on July 1 and be complete by Jan. 1, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

• Serves the Greater Houston area • www.blisscaretransport.com

Coming soon

• 1039 Lake House Drive, Conroe • www.grandcentralparktx.com

8 Smalls Sliders The restaurant specializes in cheeseburger sliders and will be located in a 750-square-foot modular shipping container, according to a June 12 news release. • Opening in late summer • 806 W. Montgomery St., Willis • www.smallssliders.com 9 Mister Softee A location of Mister Softee is coming to Montgomery. The new shop will serve soft-serve ice cream and custom-made hard ice cream. The project opening date is not yet available. • Opening TBD

13 Residence Inn Construction on a Residence Inn is scheduled to begin Sept. 1 and be completed Jan. 1, 2026, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The cost of the project is listed to be around $5.5 million. • 1018 Outpost Drive, Conroe • www.residence-inn.marriott.com

15 Nona’s Italian Grill The Italian restaurant is coming soon to the Montgomery area, according to a news release from SVN | J. Beard Real Estate. The restaurant also has a location in The Woodlands. The new location is focused on delivering the freshest, most authentic, homemade Italian cuisine, according to the news release. The restaurant menu includes items such as antipasti, salad, parmigiana, seafood and pastas. • Opening in late 2024 • 950 Pine Market Ave., Montgomery • www.nonasitaliangrill.com

Worth the trip

Niko Niko’s Houston-based Greek eatery Niko Niko’s opened in The Woodlands on July 1, offering a variety of Greek and American traditional and fusion cuisine. • Opened July 1 • 922 Lake Front Circle, The Woodlands • www.nikonikos.com Phat Eatery The Malaysian street food restaurant opened in The Woodlands in late June following the success of its first location in Katy. The menu is comprised of a variety of traditional Malaysian street foods, such as beef rendang, curry laksa, nasi lemak and egg tofu. • Opened June 24 • 2290 Buckthorne Place, The Woodlands • www.phateatery.com

• 19794 Hwy. 105, Ste. 300, Montgomery • www.mistersofteemontgomery.com

In the news

10 Five Below The discount store is coming soon to The Market at Willis shopping center, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The project began in late March for a 9,504-square-foot space and should be completed by early January. The franchise offers items such as beauty supplies, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, toys and games.

• 1188 W. Dallas St., Ste. B, Conroe • www.facebook.com/strakescoutshop

• 12342 I-45 N., Willis • www.fivebelow.com

16 Tapped DraftHouse & Kitchen The casual craft beer taproom and restaurant closed its Conroe-area location, officials said. The location originally opened in 2019. In a message to Community Impact , Tapped DraftHouse & Kitchen officials cited interest rates and flagging dining trends for the closure. • Closed in May • 525 Woodland Square Blvd., Ste. 100, Conroe • www.tappedus.com

11 Meals on Wheels of Montgomery County The nonprofit named Carrie Watkins as president and CEO, according to a June 11 news release. Watkins replaced Summer Day, who served as president and CEO for the past seven years. Watkins joined Meals on Wheels in September 2015 and served as a member of the board of directors until October 2018, when she began serving as community development director, per her LinkedIn. • 111 S. 2nd St., Conroe • www.mowmc.org

Closings

14 Strake Scout Shop Strake Scout Shop closed April 13 after being open since 1989 in the Conroe area. The shop was known for its Cub, Boy, Sea and Venture scouts’ uniforms, books, patches, awards and camping retail items. • Closed April 13

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Government

Conroe passes updated irrigation restrictions Conroe City Council approved amending its irrigation ordinance to implement restrictions from May 1-Oct. 31 at its June 13 meeting. The overview The goal of the ordinance, which passed with no opposition, is to reduce water consumption while managing the water requirements of Conroe’s projected growth, according to the ordi- nance document. During nondrought conditions, there are no irrigation restrictions imposed from Nov. 1-April 30. Quote of note Council member Harry Hardman said during the meeting he understands the impact this will have on his constituents, but the new restrictions must be passed for the greater good of Conroe. “It may not be felt at this moment due to the

Local leader, business owner Tony Gullo dies Anthony “Tony” Gullo, the founder and owner of Gullo Auto Group, died June 16 at 90 years old in Magnolia. The full story Gullo founded the Gullo Auto Group in 1970, according to its website. There are three Gullo dealerships in Conroe. Gullo was also involved in the community and founded Gullo Christmas for Kids, a non- profit to help families in Conroe ISD during the holiday season. He also started the Gullo Dealership Scholarship Program, which offers scholarships to 12 public high school students in Montgomery County. In June 2023, Gullo donated $300,000 to the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park for the construction of the Texas Raiders Memorial, according to prior reporting.

Schedule

Violations

In a 12 month period

From May 1-Oct. 31, landscape irrigation systems are limited to the hours of 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. of the next day.

Fine

Warning

Addresses Days to irrigate

$200

Odd- numbered Even- numbered

Tuesdays and Fridays

$300

Wednesdays and Saturdays

$500

SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

recent and ample rainfall we’ve received, but make no mistake that this ordinance is going to affect those that I represent,” Hardman said. “It pains me to have to vote for this item.” Before you go At a May 22 workshop meeting, city officials said next summer will be the hardest when it comes to low water pressure amid irrigation and the city’s diminishing water capacity.

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Montgomery County eyes $450 million bond On June 18, Montgomery County commissioners approved moving forward on a $450 million bond with a preference for the May 2025 election. The big picture In an updated presentation, John Robuck—man- aging partner of BOK Financials, the county’s bond advisory council—said the county could issue $450 million in bond funds without increasing the debt service side of the county’s tax rate. However, Roebuck said that doesn’t mean no increase will occur to the overall tax rate at any point, as the debt service rate is only a portion of the county’s tax rate. The bond would be issued in four series ranging from $100 million to $125 million over four years. In their words Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack and

Montgomery City Council, MISD finalize waterline contract On June 11, Montgomery City Council approved an agreement with Montgomery ISD for waterline infrastructure for the district’s career and technical education, and agricultural science centers. Two-minute impact During its March 26 meeting, the council agreed to pay up to $75,000 for the waterline infrastructure. On June 11, council voted 4-0—with Mayor Pro Tem Casey Olson absent—to approve the agreement. MISD’s CTE and ag science centers are estimated to cost a combined $80 million total and are scheduled to be completed in July 2025, as previously reported by Community Impact .

On the ballot, the $450M bond would be split into three propositions:

$93 million for each precinct’s various road projects

$65 million for a new animal shelter

$12 million for a new tax office

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley disagreed with a November timeframe, stating people would not have enough time to be informed on the bond propositions before going to the ballot box during a presidential election cycle. Major takeaways While a vote to put the bond on an official ballot was not able to be taken, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough ended the discussion with agreement on going ahead with a May timeframe.

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Duke Coon was sworn in as Conroe’s next mayor during a special council meeting on June 25.

COURTESY DUKE COON

COURTESY CITY OF CONROE

New Conroe Mayor Duke Coon prioritizing water infrastructure, city debt In June, Duke Coon, former council member and mayor pro tem, defeated council member Todd Yancey to become the newly elected Conroe mayor. Coon rst served as a Conroe City Council mem- ber from 2002-06, and then again from 2014-22. He is a member of the Conroe Noon Lions Club, direc- tor of the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission and involved in other organizations throughout the city. Raised in Conroe, Coon is also a U.S. Navy veteran and the CEO of oil and gas company Hadco International. Why did you decide to run for mayor? It’s about service. My father served as an ocer. My mother was a nurse. It was instilled at an early age to serve. The military was about service to our country, and it was just so important for me to continue to serve. I had been on council previ- ously. I’ve been a mayor pro tem here in the city of Conroe. ... The feeling of serving and helping our community is important. The city is in an enormous amount of debt. Our water infrastructure is failing. We’ve got some serious issues we need to address. This is just about serving our people—those who are marginalized. That’s very important to me—those on

the margins who need our help and our services. I’m going to be a mayor that’s accessible to our people. What are your top priorities and goals as mayor? About a month ago, we found out from our engi- neering department that we need four new water wells that’s going to cost $50 million. We don’t have the pressure on our northern quadrants to continue to develop. ... My rst priority is to x our water infrastructure. ... Along with that is the budget. We are $750 million in debt. ... We’ve got failing water infrastructure. There should have been a progressive comprehen- sive plan. It should have been enacted years ago related to this water issue, right? But there wasn’t. But there will be now. We’re going to immediately try to x this water situation, but we’ll have a progressive, comprehensive plan moving forward so we don’t have this situation again. What are your big priorities for next scal year’s budget? That budget will include an audit. We’ll audit all our departments. ... That budget will allow for a grant writer to be hired by the city of Conroe. I think it’s so important that we go out for those federal, state and local grants that are out there available to municipalities. We don’t do that now. We’ve got to bring as much grant revenue to this city as possible. It’s going to help our parks, infrastructure, and it’s going to help our people. What will your approach be toward the Hyatt Regency Conroe and paying down the bond debt

associated with that project? I voted against the funding for that hotel when I was on City Council. ... Conroe should not be in the hotel business, but we are. We’re going to have to nd creative ways to work with Hyatt to try to x some of the debt that’s burdening our city due to the construction of the hotel. ... We’re paying operational costs for the hotel, and it’s dicult to budget when you don’t know what your operations and maintenance costs are. We’re going to have to work closely with our teams— maybe some external teams—to try to nd out what the best step forward is. We’ve got the hotel that is underperforming. I don’t think that’s a secret to anyone, but let’s hope it opens up revenue. How do you plan to approach new development and growth amid infrastructure needs? So our rst goal is to try to get as much infra- structure in the ground as we can. But where we can’t get infrastructure in the ground that we paid for, we certainly need to go to the developers and say, ‘Partner with us.’ If they’re interested in devel- oping here, then they’re going to need to partner with some of the infrastructure—water and sewer infrastructure—at their cost.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.

CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

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Election

BY LIZZY SPANGLER & MATT STEPHENS

Three new faces join Conroe City Council following runoffs

On June 25, three new Conroe City Council members, including the city’s new mayor, were sworn in following their wins in the June 15 runoff. What happened? Duke Coon, David Hairel and Shana Arthur won their respective runoff races for Conroe City Council on June 15, according to Montgomery County election results. Coon, who ran for mayor, defeated Place 1 coun- cil member Todd Yancey with 54.09%. Yancey garnered 45.91%, according to election results. “Conroe, thank you for the trust you’ve placed in our conservative leadership team,” Coon said in a June 17 Facebook post. In a statement posted to Facebook June 21, Yancey thanked his supporters. “There is nothing more important to me than my faith, family, and our community, and I take great pride in knowing that all were an integral part of our efforts these past several months,”

Yancey said. In the race for Place 1, Hairel received 52.87% while fellow candidate Susan Johnson received 47.13% of the vote, according to election results. “Thank you to all of the citizen voters,” Hairel said in a June 16 Facebook post. Incumbent Curt Maddux, who was running for Place 2, lost his reelection bid to Arthur after receiving 46.1%. Arthur garnered 53.9%, according to election results. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you,” Shana Arthur said in a June 15 Facebook post. Maddux also thanked his supporters in a state- ment posted to Facebook June 21. “Conroe is my home, and it’s where I’ll continue to work to make our town better for future genera- tions,” Maddux said. Conroe City Council canvassed the election results and swore in the new council members during a special meeting June 25.

Results breakdown

Incumbent

Winner

Conroe

Mayor

45.91% Todd Yancey 54.09% Duke W. Coon

City Council, Place 1

52.87% David Hairel 47.13% Susan Johnson

City Council, Place 2

53.9% Shana Arthur 46.1% Curt Maddux

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Transportation

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Montgomery County approves $19.1 M for Hwy. 242 flyover construction

Existing Proposed

WB Hwy. 242 to SB I-45 flyover

242

Montgomery County commissioners approved a $19.1 million funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation on June 18 to fund the construction of the eastbound flyover at Hwy. 242. What you need to know Following discussion over identifying a fund- ing source for the construction of a third direct connector from I-45 north to the eastbound lanes of Hwy. 242, commissioners finally approved a num- ber of budget amendments to fund the project’s construction. The $19.1 million in funding was pulled from seven accounts, including American Rescue Plan Act funds and leftover disaster funds from the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The background According to previous Community Impact report- ing, the cost to build the third direct connector was estimated at $14.9 million in 2022. A May 28 letter from TxDOT showed the cost to build the direct connector in 2024 has risen to $19.1 million. TxDOT officials told the county the project was scheduled to begin bidding in August, but it would be taken off the 2024 letting schedule if the funding was not allocated by the county before Aug. 2. What’s next? Budget Director Amanda Carter said she would reach out to TxDOT to see if the state will accept a wire transfer or check from the county. TxDOT has the project construction slated to begin with the bid process in early August and construction by the end of the year.

Proposed NB I-45 to EB Hwy. 242 flyover

NB I-45 to WB Hwy. 242 flyover

Montgomery County will use funds from several sources to pay for the eastbound flyover at Hwy. 242. • $5.88M from old bond funds • $7.5M from pass-through toll funds • $2.3M from interest accounts • $1M from commissioner road, bridge funds • $1M from county’s unused disaster funds • $506,293 in ARPA revenue replacement funds • $956,243.32 from contingency funds

Total: $19.1M

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Ongoing projects

Willis

Montgomery

1097

BLUEBERRY HILL

LONE STAR PKWY. 1 Hwy. 105 widening Project: Between 10th Street and South Loop 336, Hwy. 105 is being reconstructed and widened from two to four lanes. Update: According to a June media update from the Texas Department of Transportation, this project is 26% complete. • Timeline: March 2023-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $51.83 million • Funding source: state funds 2 FM 1097 widening Project: FM 1097 is being widened from two to four lanes with a continuous left-turn lane from Lake Conroe Hills Drive to Blueberry Hill. Update: This project is 45% complete, with a delay due to bridge redesign, according to a June media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: second quarter 2022-first quarter 2025 • Cost: $20.2 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 3 Hwy. 105 reconstruction Project: Hwy. 105 is being reconstructed and widened from two to four lanes between South Loop 336 and FM 1484.

LAKE CONROE HILLS DR.

830

2432

105

1484

LAKE CONROE

1486

1484

149

249

Conroe

105

336

1774

10TH ST.

2854

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

3083

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE Update: This project is 56% complete, according to a June media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: October 2022-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $89.88 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 4 FM 1486 repairs Project: Between Hwy. 105 and FM 1774, FM 1486 is

1314 undergoing overlay and base repairs. Update: According to a June media update from TxDOT, this project is 98% complete. • Timeline: October 2023-third quarter 2024 • Cost: $4.57 million • Funding source: state funds 45

149

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

1488

242

CASH BACK IS BACK! GET UP TO CASH BACK ON LOANS + 90 days no pay * $ 400

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*Offer of credit is subject to credit approval. New money only. Maximum cash back $400. Interest accrues during 90 Day No Pay. If account closes within first 12 months, cash back bonus will be forfeited and added back to the loan. Real estate loans qualify for Cash Back but are excluded from 90 Days No Pay. Line of credit, credit card, share and certificate secured are not included in this promotion. Cash Back tiers: $10,000 - $19,999 loan receives $100 cash back, $20,000 - $29,999 loan receives $200, $30,0000 - $39,999 loan receives $300, and over $40,000 loan receives $400

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

U Amenit� �en�er

The Summit is now open! Our new amenity center is designed to be the hub of everyday fun, fitness, and friendship in our active adult master planned community. It’s where you can plan your days, your way in staycation style. Come take a tour and experience 55+ life, the way it was meant to be! WELCOME CENTER • JERRY’S CAFE • OUTDOOR DINING AREA PICKLEBALL COURTS • TENNIS COURTS • FITNESS ROOM • MOVEMENT STUDIO FIRE PIT • CORNHOLE • MULTIPURPOSE ROOM • GATHERING SPACES

TODAY Schedule your golf cart tour

chamberscreektx.com | 14940 Chambers Creek Drive, Willis TX 77318

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN & CARSON WEAVER

Home Edition

2024

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Home Edition! This guide features news ranging from key real estate trends and new developments unique to your neighborhood to an overview of the housing industry across Texas. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—show them your gratitude by supporting local businesses. Over the last several years, we have seen the real estate market experience ebbs and flows, making it hard to predict what the future holds. But, what we do know, is more people have moved into the Montgomery County area within that time and there doesn’t seem to be any signs of that growth slowing down. In this edition, we look at year-over-year changes in the real estate market, including the changes in home sales and prices for eight Conroe and Montgomery-area ZIP codes. We also have some updates on a few residential communities that are under construction or now open. Additionally, read on to learn about Texas’s first statewide flood plan, which reports that over 5 million Texans either live or work in a flood plain. No matter if you’re a lifelong Montgomery County resident or just putting down roots in the area, I hope our annual Home Edition is useful and informative.

What's inside

See the changes in home prices year-over-year in June for Conroe, Montgomery (Page 19)

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

New communities begin construction, open in Conroe, Montgomery (Page 21)

First statewide flood plan reports millions of Texans living in a flood plain (Page 23)

Senior living apartments set to be completed in August, September

Quote of note

“I think it’s just another feather in our cap of an option for people to consider when moving here.” SCOTT HARPER, PRESIDENT, CONROE/ LAKE CONROE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

To facilitate the rise of the senior adult population in Conroe, Overland Property Group is renovating the former Montgomery County Hospital into senior living apartment complex Landmark 301. Scott Harper, president of the Conroe/ Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, said the project has dual benefits: revitalizing a long-dormant historical site during Conroe’s downtown refresh and meeting the demands of senior housing needs. Harper said he believes it will allow for more development and start a chain reaction of downtown upgrades. “It just adds more fuel to the fire,” Harper said. “People moving in and having an alternative place for their parents to live, ... that’s just going to enhance that they might come down.” Studio units, one-bedrooms units and two- bedroom units in Landmark 301 will be limited to senior households earning 30%, 50% and 60% of the area median income or less, respectively. April Engstrom, director of development for Overland Property Group, said Overland

Diving in deeper

Landmark 301 Units: 48

This past April, Landmark 301 began construction and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Harper said he believes there’s merit to preserving a historical building and keeping the facade for the community to reflect on. Texas Historical Commission offers a tax credit program for the rehabilitation of historic buildings, and Harper said he hopes the developers will pass those savings on to the residents.

Rent: $371-$994

Amenities: Adult education classes, video surveillance security, exercise facility and on-site management

SOURCE: OVERLAND PROPERTY GROUP/COMMUNITY IMPACT

applied for and was awarded state funding for the project at the historic site in 2022 after being denied funding in 2021 due to the competitive process. Landmark 301’s grand opening is set for late August or early September, Engstrom said.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

NOW SELLING in EVERGREEN From the high $300s

FIND YOUR HOME

Contact our Sales Counselor today. Megan Field | 832.538.2012 | megan.field@highlandhomes.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Out of the eight ZIP codes that comprise the Conroe and Montgomery area, the median home price in 77356 saw the highest increase year-over-year in June, rising 9.92%. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

June 2023

June 2024

-6.5%

+26.09%

-2.5%

-8.49%

-46.15%

-26%

+21.67%

-34.83%

77301

77302

77303

77304

77306

77316

77318

77356

77318

77356

77303

77301

105

Median home sales price

149

77316

June

2023

2024

77306

$262,065 $333,015 $286,495 $335,585 $242,495 $395,150 $428,750 $450,000

$264,990 $331,915 $264,990 $361,925 $234,450 $389,000 $317,490 $494,623

77301 77302 77303 77304 77306 77316 77318 77356

77302

77304

Homes sold by price point

June 2024

$1 million+

$750,00-$999,999

Average days on the market

$500,000-$749,999

+20%

+22.89%

+9.01%

-14.85%

-0.83%

-18.27%

+10.81%

+7.53%

295

$250,000-$499,999

113

<$249,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY MELISSA SPENCER RE/MAX INTEGRITY 23309 KUYKENDAHL ROAD, TOMBALL • 713-823-2368 MELISSA@THESPENCERTEAM.COM

77301

77302

77303

77304

77306

77316

77318

77356

We are fearlessly devoted to exceeding your expectations, offering personalized service built around YOU . Ready to experience the difference? Contact us to learn more about our commitment to you. Ready to make your real estate goals a reality?

Melissa & Doyle Spencer

melissa@thespencerteam.com ∙ 713-823-2368 ∙ TheSpencerTeam.com

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Real estate

BY COLBY FARR & CARSON WEAVER

BY CARSON WEAVER

Multiple Listing Service rules changing

Construction begins on 3 residential communities Story Built Homes, a recently launched custom homebuilding and remodeling company in the Greater Houston area, has begun building in three communities in Montgomery County, according to a June 13 news release. The overview According to the news release, the three Coton House, an interior design company native to Houston, for the construction’s interior projects. Quote of note

Stay tuned

Conroe

After the policy changes take effect, a final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for later in November. “Houston is going to be affected like everyone else because it’s a national settlement,” Mouton said. “We’re no different than any other state.”

A $418 million settlement with the National Association of Realtors in March may impact fees for buyers, sellers and real estate agents, starting in August. The settlement—brought on by class-action lawsuits alleging brokerages inflated buyer- seller commissions—will force the NAR to make policy changes to Multiple Listing Services, online platforms where real estate agents list homes. According to the settlement, sellers will pay smaller commissions and buyers will decide how much their agents are paid, among other changes. “When an agent searches for a home for their client, [the MLS tells] you what the listing agent is actually offering for compensation,” said Thomas Mouton, chair of the Houston Association of Realtors. “Now, that will not be displayed anywhere on the site.”

SPROUT CREEK CT.

Updated MLS policies The changes outlined by the NAR settlement in March that go into effect in August include:

KB Home opens new community in Conroe KB Home announced Sagecrest, a new residential community located at 4744 Sprout Creek Court in Conroe, is now open, according to a June 10 news release. About the project The houses, which start from the $230,000s, will include expansive bedroom suites with walk-in closets, according to the news release. Sagecrest will feature one- and two-story floor plans with up to five bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths.

“We are thrilled to introduce a new chapter of custom home offerings to the Greater Houston area,” said Chastity White, vice president of sales and marketing, in the news release. “We’re dedi- cated to crafting unique homes by working closely with our clients.”

Compensation disclosures to sellers, and prospective sellers and buyers, are required. MLS participants can’t filter or restrict listings to clients based on the level of compensation offered to the agent. Listing agents can no longer make compensation offers to buyer agents on the MLS.

communities include one in Montgomery and two in Willis. Story Built Homes partnered with

2024

March 15: Settlement agreement signed April 24: Preliminary approval of settlement review granted by the court Aug. 17: Practice changes take effect; earliest day for lawsuit notifications to be issued to those impacted Nov. 26: Final approval hearing for the settlement

CLEAR VIEW DR.

1 Chapel Bend • 24842 W. FM 1097, Montgomery • 2-acre lots 2 The Harbor at Clear View Estates • 13100 Laura Lake Drive, Willis • Three-story townhomes 3 French Quarter • 10929 Bourbon St., Willis • Gated community with boat docks

LAKE CONROE

LAURA LAKE DR.

SALLAS RANCH RD.

1097

MLS users must enter an agreement with buyers before home tours.

Willis

GAY LAKE RD.

Montgomery

SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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

Presented By OUR MOST DELICIOUS EVENT OF THE YEAR! CONROE & MONTGOMERY COUNTY for 90 years... CONNECTING Helping promote business in Montgomery County is one of the Chamber’s primary roles. We utilize many marketing tools to help our member businesses grow and thrive. Not only do we connect them with other Chamber members, but we also link them with the Conroe/Lake Conroe community.

JUNE 2-30, 2022 Includes Tastings from 20+ Restaurants!

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies became a staple of the Chamber’s marketing program in the 1960s and 70s. While our scissors (and hairstyles) have changed through the years, one thing has stayed the same – we work hard to promote our members and give them maximum brand visibility.

Get Tickets!

June 2nd Launch Party Sponsor

Scan to become a Chamber member!

Scan to see the growing list of participating restaurants, available sponsorship opportunities, and ticket options.

to our Platinum and Emerald Members for their generous support! Thank You to our Platinum Members for their generous support! Thank You

CONROE.ORG|936-756-6644

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas’ first statewide flood plan says 5 million people at risk

Over 5 million Texans live or work in areas vulnerable to flooding, according to a draft of the state’s first flood plan. State lawmakers tasked the Texas Water Devel- opment Board with creating the plan in 2019, in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The 267-page draft, published in early May, recommends over $54.5 billion in funding from various sources to reduce flood risks. The board discussed the plan during a May 30 public hearing in Austin. Board members are expected to adopt a final flood plan in August and submit it to the Legislature by Sept. 1. The details The plan includes findings from 15 regional flood planning groups, which have been working since October 2020, and makes several recom- mendations for state and local flood policies. “Although flooding has certain benefits, like recharging groundwater and providing vital

nutrients to ecosystems and agricultural lands, it remains a significant threat to the health and safety of Texans,” the plan reads. “Each of the state’s 254 counties has experienced at least one federally declared flood disaster, proof that floods can affect all areas of Texas.” The plan noted roughly 70% of flood-related deaths occur on roadways, particularly during the night and at low-water crossings. The planning groups identified nearly 64,000 miles of roads in areas susceptible to flooding. The board asked the Texas Legislature to expand early warning systems for floods, create minimum building and infrastructure standards to reduce fatalities and property damage, improve low-water crossing safety, and enhance dam and levee safety programs. “We want to put out a state flood plan that does what it is tasked to do, and that is to save lives and save property,” board Chair Brooke Paup said.

Flood risks Around one in six Texans live or work in flood-prone areas, the Texas Water Development Board found. Over one-fourth of Texas’ land area is vulnerable to flooding.

5.22M people

1.66M buildings

63,900 miles of roads

1.29M homes

12.65M acres of agricultural land

6,258 hospitals, EMS departments, fire stations, police stations and schools

SOURCE: TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Howard Hughes 2024 Scholarship Winners! Congratulations We’re honored to support these young leaders in their next educational endeavors.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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