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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 10 JAN. 24 FEB. 21, 2023
ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023
ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023
ISDs anticipate bond progress BY KYLEE HAUETER & ANNA LOTZ In 10 years, Conroe ISD may see upward of 100,000 students enrolled in its schools, according to a 2022 demographic study presented to the district in December. To accommodate the projected growth, the district is forming a bond planning committee early this year in anticipation of a bond appearing on the November ballot. This comes as Montgomery and Willis ISDs are planning to kick o construction in 2023 on projects from their bond packages approved by voters in May, including a new elementary school in MISD and a new middle school in WISD. In CISD, voters last approved a bond in November 2019, which totaled $677.37 million, including $315.8 million for new campuses and additions. CISD o cials said at a Dec. 6 meet- ing that needs over the next decade will include two new high schools as well as 19 other schools throughout the district. Within the Conroe and
New campuses needed
A demographic study projects that through 2032-33, Conroe ISD will need to build 21 new schools to meet enrollment needs, including 16 schools in the Conroe area.
Conroe ISD high school feeder zones
CANEY CREEK FEEDER
CONROE FEEDER
CANEY CREEK FEEDER 5 elementary schools 1 intermediate school 1 junior high school 1 ninth-grade campus 1 high school 2 elementary schools 1 K-6 school 1 intermediate school 1 junior high school 1 ninth-grade campus 1 high school
CONROE FEEDER
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OAK RIDGE FEEDER
WOODLANDS FEEDER
Community snapshot
9
GRAND OAKS FEEDER
99 TOLL
N
COLLEGE PARK FEEDER
Path to 100K
SHSU Conroe campus to expand
In the next 10 years, a moderate growth projection shows Conroe ISD could reach an enrollment of nearly 100,000 students. 100K
98,353
73,195
80K 60K 0
Education
14
CONTINUED ON 18
SOURCE: POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
88th legislative session kicks o
House Bills to watch Local legislators have led bills in the 88th Legislature.
The chief appraiser would be elected by the voters of the county. HB 808 Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe*
Public and charter schools must post all curriculums and classroom materials for review. HB 380 Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands*
Hotel to open in Conroe
16
BY ANNA LOTZ & VANESSA HOLT
Legislators and Texas policy orga- nizations plan to prioritize public education and property tax relief during the ongoing 88th legislative session, which convened Jan. 10. Lawmakers will have an unprec- edented amount of money to spend as they create the state’s next bud- get: $188.2 billion. This is largely
HB 1228
HB 221
Upon request, an appraisal district must provide information used to appraise property.
Partisan school board elections would require candidates to identify with a political party.
Metcalf*
Toth*
SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE COMMUNITY IMPACT
*DENOTES LEGISLATOR WHO FILED THE BILL
CONTINUED ON 25
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We started celebrating the new year a little early with our Let the Good Times Roll grand opening event. Almost 1,000 homebuyers joined us in Houston’s Hill Country to learn all about our amazing mix of amenities and an active adult master planned community like no other in Texas. Plan your visit and tour homesites and model homes by five esteemed builders. Come home to your 55+ best life now!
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • JANUARY 2023
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THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Chrissy Leggett SENIOR EDITOR Anna Lotz REPORTERS Cassandra Jenkins, Peyton MacKenzie SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ellen Jackson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Debbie Pfe er METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Ethan Pham CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281 469 6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES comnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING comads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter PODCAST communityimpact.com/podcast SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM CHRISSY: Happy New Year! As we head into a brand new year, we have included our Annual Community Guide in this issue. Inside you will nd our top stories for 2023 regarding transportation, development, government and education, along with local shopping and dining guides beginning on Page 9. To make sure not to miss any breaking news this year, sign up for our free morning newsletter for updates throughout the week at communityimpact.com. Chrissy Leggett, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM ANNA: This month, we take a look ahead at some of the top stories to follow in 2023 in the Conroe and Montgomery communities, including our front-page story that dives into Conroe ISD’s trajectory to reach 100,000 students by 2033 and the need for more schools as a result. Montgomery and Willis ISDs are also continuing work this year on bond projects, such as new campuses, approved by voters in 2022. Anna Lotz, SENIOR EDITOR
DAILY EMAIL AND START JANUARY IN STYLE WITH OUR
Cheers to your rst newspaper of the new year! Community Impact is also celebrating 2023 by welcoming our 100,000th email subscriber. If you don't receive the CI Morning Impact to your inbox yet, you're missing out. Our emails include everything you need to know about local government, new businesses coming to your area, dining hotspots and events. When you sign up as a new subscriber this Jan. 10-Feb. 10, we'll thank you by entering your email into a drawing to receive a gift basket featuring a CI shirt, jacket and hat, plus other surprise goodies to keep you on trend all year. One winner will be announced in each of the four metro areas we serve: Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio*.
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© 2023 Community Impact Co. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.
Hay New Year!
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • JANUARY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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5 Marco’s Pizza opened at A 19970 Eva St., Ste. 104, Montgom- ery, on Dec. 13 and at B 9611 FM 1097, Ste. 500, Willis, on Sept. 24. The eatery offers build-your-own pizza options as well as traditional options, such as all meat and deluxe. The menu includes pizza bowls and cauliflower crust options. 936-276-6040 (Montgomery), 936-297-2500 (Willis). www.marcos.com 6 Malibu Nail Lounge opened Dec. 17 at 1135 Grand Central Parkway, Ste. 100, Conroe. The business offers all nail ser- vices—including acrylics, solar, dipping organic gel nails, shellac manicures and pedicures—as well as lashes, facials and waxing treatments. The lounge also offers guests a complementary bar and drinks, a kids area and private rooms to accommo- date special events. 936-224-5380. www.mailibunaillounge.com 7 Jersey Mike’s opened Dec. 14 at 9611 FM 1097, Ste. 100, Willis. The eatery offers a variety of cold subs, such as ham and provolone, roast beef and provolone, and club supreme as well as a variety of hot subs. The Willis location is open seven days a week and offers catering. 936-506-4054. www.jerseymikes.com 8 Iron 24 Fitness + Recovery , locat- ed at 2206 I-45, opened in Conroe in January. Brand President Marty Flanagan said Iron 24 is a zero-staff fitness center attractive to the average to active gym user. Open 24/7, Iron 24 Fitness + Recov- ery provides traditional cardio, weight and strength training machines with in- frared saunas and a stretching stage. Fla- nagan said members control everything through the gym’s app. Memberships can be canceled, changed or activated online. Guest passes are also available through
1484
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N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
NOW OPEN 1 MOD Pizza opened Nov. 13 at
offers a variety of handmade pizzas for pickup and on-demand delivery. According to a Dec. 13 release, the first Zalat Pizza opened in 2015 in Dallas, and nearly everything is made from scratch, including the dough and the fresh sauce. www.zalatpizza.com 3 Caya’s held a soft opening Dec. 9 in Montgomery. The business is located at 14626 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. A, Montgom- ery, and offers items including daiquiris, boba teas, snow cones and coffees. The
business also offers pastries, such as macaroons. 310-867-3559. Instagram: @cayas_cafe 4 Massage Forest opened in early December at 6511 Hwy. 105, Ste. C, Conroe. The business offers massages, such as Thai herbal ball, Thai combina- tion massages and Swedish massages. Each massage varies from 60-120 minutes. 936-703-3716. www.conroemassagetherapist.com
20175 Eva St., Ste. A, Montgomery. The business offers nine pizza options to choose from and allows customers to build their own pizzas. The restaurant also offers salads, garlic bread and dessert. 936-297-2155. www.modpizza.com 2 Zalat Pizza opened Dec. 16 in- side Conroe’s Kroger Marketplace at 341 S. Loop 336 W., Conroe. Zalat Pizza
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the app. Memberships are paid month to month. www.iron24.com 9 Charleys Cheesesteak and Wings , located at 449 S. Loop 336 W., Ste. 800, Conroe, opened Jan. 11. Local franchise owner Tony Lav said this is his first Charleys location. Charleys Cheesesteak and Wings serves specialty cheesesteaks, classic and boneless wings, fried appe- tizers, real-fruit lemonades and frozen shakes. 936-242-1857. www.charleys.com COMING SOON 10 The owners of Dragon Bowl C Noodle Bar are planning to open a new Asian-style coffeehouse called Kôfē Num Pang . The new restaurant will move into the former location of Verneles New Orleans Bakery Cafe at 330 N. Main St. in downtown Conroe. Owner San Cheng said he is hoping for a March opening. The coffeehouse will serve banh mi, banh bao, stir fry, rice, bowls, hot pot, drip coffee infused with Vietnamese milk and fruit teas. Contact information for the new coffeehouse was not available before press time. 11 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice will be open- ing a new location at 10463 Hwy. 242, Conroe, this spring. The dessert shop offers 40 flavors of Italian ice as well as soft-serve ice cream and gelati, which combines soft serve with Italian ice in layers. www.jeremiahsice.com 12 Grand Pines Reserve is under con- struction at 408 Bryant Road, Conroe. The event venue anticipates opening this summer with event dates beginning in September for weddings, corporate
events, retreats and parties. Venue op- tions include two ceremony options and a grand reception space. 936-525-8806. www.grandpinesreserve.com 13 Dough Baby Bakeshop , located at 107 Old River Road, Ste. I, Montgom- ery, is set to hold a grand opening in February. According to the business, the shop will offer homemade bakery items, such as cupcakes, cookies and other fresh pastries baked daily. The business will also serve breakfast and lunch items, including homemade biscuits and gravy, kolaches, omelets, burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Brunch will be served on Saturdays and Sundays. www.doughbabybakeshop.com EXPANSIONS 14 Dragon Bowl C Noodle Bar , located at 118 Simonton St., Conroe, expanded the inside of its restaurant to join with The Corner Pub as of early January. Own- er San Cheng said customers can now use The Corner Pub to dine in during lunch and dinner hours. 936-494-3824. www.dragonbowltx.com NEW OWNERSHIP 15 Apricot Lane Boutique is under new ownership, owner Lisa Crawford said. She took over the business, located at 295 Enclave Drive, Ste. 100, Conroe, on Dec. 1. The boutique offers trendy wom- enswear, including casual wear, dressy fashion and accessories. The business is planning a grand reopening celebration in February, Crawford said. www.facebook. com/apricotlanewoodlandlakes
The sixth annual Lone Star Luau is coming to Margaritaville in Montgomery. The event will include a lineup of Texas country and trop rock artists as well as Nashville songwriters. Times vary. $35-$175. Margaritaville Lake Resort, 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery. https://lonestarluau.com
COURTESY TAYLORIZED PR
FEATURED EVENTS
2-10 p.m. Free (entry). MoCo Food Hall, 109 Metcalf St., Conroe. www.mocofoodhall.com 18 CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS The MoCo Food Hall is celebrating Mardi Gras with a gumbo cook-o , zydeco music, bead throwing from the balcony and craw sh. Noon-midnight. Free. MoCo Food Hall, The Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a parade to kick o the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 1-3 p.m. Free. North Frazier Street, Conroe. 963-756-6644. www.conroe.org 18 GO TO A DANCE The city of Conroe is hosting a father-daughter dance where fathers 109 Metcalf St., Conroe. www.mocofoodhall.com 18 WATCH A PARADE can take their daughters out for a night of photos, dancing and food. The event is open to age 4 and older. Preregistration is required. 6-9 p.m. $70 (pair), $20 (per additional daughter). Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488, Magnolia. 936-522-3000. www.cityofconroe.org
JANUARY 28 SHOP A PLANT SALE Montgomery County Master Gardeners is hosting a fruit and nut plant sale, where attendees will get to hear a presentation by horticulture agent Michael Potter and shop plants. 9 a.m.-noon. Free (admission). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension O ce, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. https://mcmga.com FEBRUARY 07 ATTEND A JOB FAIR The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a job fair open to the public. The fair will include employers from occupations such as medical, hospitality, retail and technology. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free (job seekers), $50-$75 (employers). Lone Star Community Center, 2500 Lone Star Parkway, Montgomery. 936-597-5004. www.montgomeryareachamber.com 11 ENJOY AN ART SHOW The MoCo Food Hall is hosting an art show with local vendors. Attendees can shop artwork, apparel and decor.
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • JANUARY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2023 ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT
Data and information on local communities
COMPILED BY ANNA LOTZ
PEYTON MACKENZIE COMMUNITY IMPACT
CASSANDRA JENKINS COMMUNITY IMPACT
PEYTON MACKENZIE COMMUNITY IMPACT
CONROE The growing city of Conroe borders Lake Conroe. Population growth in the city outpaced that of Montgomery County from 2016-21.
MONTGOMERY The Montgomery area is served by Montgomery ISD, where 9,536 new housing units are projected through 2030 as of a 2021 demographics report.
WILLIS The Willis area is projected to see 19,662 new housing units through 2030 within Willis ISD boundaries as of a 2021 WISD demographic study.
City of Conroe
Montgomery ISD boundaries
Willis ISD boundaries
SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5 YEAR ESTIMATES COMMUNITY IMPACT
Population change The populations of the city of Conroe, Montgomery County, and within the boundaries of Montgomery and Willis ISDs grew 17%-18% from 2016-2021.
Local demographics, 2021* Hispanic or Latino White Black or African American American Indian or Alaska native Asian Native Hawaiian or other Paci c Islander Some other race
9.6% 90.8% 3% 0.3% 1.3% 0%
23.3% 80.3% 3.9% 0.2% 1.2% 0% 3.6% 10.8%
30.2% 71.7% 11.8% 0.6%
74,482
39,172
38,368
2016
2016
2016
87,930
46,274
44,905 +17.04%
2021
2021
2021
2.9% 0.1% 5.7% 7.2%
+18.06%
+18.13%
0.9% 3.7%
5-year population change
Two or more races
Montgomery County: +17.18%
Texas: +7.07%
*ALL CATEGORIES LISTED ARE RACES, EXCEPT FOR HISPANIC OR LATINO, WHICH IS NOT A RACE. HOWEVER, THE PERCENTAGES OF THE RACES LISTED DO NOT INCLUDE HISPANIC OR LATINO RESIDENTS.
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • JANUARY 2023
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SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT
1097
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N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
832-966-1643 www.facebook.com/ bluewillowco ee
COMPILED BY PEYTON MACKENZIE
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THESE LISTINGS ARE NOT COMPREHENSIVE.
7 Boba Queen Tea and Sweets A 2107 W. Davis St., Ste. C, Conroe B 15295 Hwy. 105 W., Montgomery COMING IN 2023 8 CAP Nutrition 18446 Hwy. 105, Montgomery 936-582-2544 www.facebook.com/capnutrition 9 Hellcat Co ee 12922 Hwy. 105, Conroe 936-588-0108 www.hellcatco eeco.com 10 Luliet Creamery and Bakery 3600 FM 1488, Ste. 105, Conroe 936-333-6735 • www.lulietbakery.com 11 Slice of Amish 401 College St, Ste. 170, Montgomery 936- 588-4340 • www.sliceofamish.com 12 Sugar Sugar 810 Pine Market Ave., Montgomery 832-877-6881 • www.sugarsugar.store 13 SweeTTies 3301 W. Davis St., Ste. C, Conroe 936-463-1000 • www.sweettiesfroyo.com 14 Twisted T Farm Store 8181 County Line Road, Willis
CLOTHING HOME GOODS 1 Almost August 227 N. Main St., Conroe 832-715-2838 • www.almostaugust.shop 2 Bride & Bloom 21123 Eva St., Ste. 100, Montgomery 936-597-4626 www.brideandbloom orals.com 3 Forged 86 20165 Eva St., Ste. H, Montgomery 936-703-5234 www.forged86.com 4 Hope Resale 19786 Hwy. 105, Montgomery 936-777-5958 www.facebook.com/ hoperesale.org 5 Rev It Up 2017 N. Frazier St., Montgomery 936-282-8812 www.facebook.com/REVItUpBikerGear
Jerry Coker 713-224-3426 ¡Hablamos Español!
Slice of Amish
Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_633312129
COURTESY SLICE OF AMISH
281-799-1539 www.facebook.com/twistedtfarmtx HEALTH 15 The Nutrition Store 19794 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 300, Montgomery 281-362-5371 www.facebook.com/thenutritionstorecom ENTERTAINMENT 16 The Perfect Round 1219 Grand Central Parkway, Ste. 300, Conroe 936-582-2544 www.facebook.com/ theperfectroundgol ar
Jerry Coker 713-224-3426 ¡Hablamos Españo
Jerry Coker 713-224-3426 ¡Hablamos Español! Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_63331212 Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. Jerry Coker 713-224-3426 ¡Hablamos Español! apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_633312129 Jerry Coker 713-224-3426 ¡Hablamos Español! See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. Jerry Coker 713-224-3426 ¡Hablamos Español! apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image 1999- 2022. 2022 GEICO. 21_633312129 more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_633312129 more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_633312129
Jerry Coker 713-224-3426 ¡Hablamos Español! Coker 713-224-3426 ¡Hablamos Español!
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • JANUARY 2023
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12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
DINING
Restaurants that opened in 2022 or are coming in 2023
2023 ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE
W. DAVIS ST.
LEWIS CREEK RESERVOIR
1097
WILLIS
149
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MONTGOMERY
METCALF ST.
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LAKE CONROE
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LOCAL HOT SPOT The MoCo Food Hall opened
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20 The Table at Madeley 316 Madeley St,, Conroe 936-760-9000 www.conroetable.com $ H 21 Tacos 105 1155 E. Davis St., Conroe 936-320-9088 Facebook: Tacos 105 $ B 22 Yum Food Truck Park 12335 FM 1097 W., Willis 713-534-3976 • www.yumfoodtruckpark.com $$ K PAKISTANI 23 Aladdin Kebab House 13721 FM 1097 W., Willis 936-666-5588 Facebook: Aladdin Kebab House $$ Aug. 6. The food court is located at 109 Metcalf St., Conroe, and home to 10 businesses. www.mocofoodhall.com House of Roux o ers Cajun dishes made from scratch, such as boudin balls and gator on a stick. www.houseofroux.com Rolling Phatties o ers wraps loaded with tender chargrilled meats and home- made sauces known as Paratha Rolls. Ciccio’s Pasta o ers Italian dishes, such as shrimp scampi and spaghetti and meatballs. www.cicciospasta.com Super Smash Burgers and Fries o ers a variety of burgers and milkshakes. Juice Freaks o ers freshly squeezed juices as well as detox water and mush- room gummies. 832-390-1491. www.thejuicefreaks.com Dulce Vida o ers dairy-free ice cream, dairy-free sorbet and alcohol-infused sorbet. 832-671-4999. www.dulcevidatreats.com Jersey Dogs o ers beef hot dogs brought in from New Jersey, Frito pie and nachos. 832-671-4999 The Montgomery County Co ee Shop o ers a variety of iced and hot lattes and iced co ee; curbside ordering is available. www.mocofoodhall.com The Vault is a hidden bar within the food hall that o ers handcrafted cocktails. Miracle City Bakery o ers freshly baked pastries, such as blueberry mu ns and pop tarts. Instagram: @miraclecitybakery
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CAROLINE ST.
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OLD HWY. 105
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CONROE
2854
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PINE MARKET AVE.
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336
WOODFOREST PKWY.
1314
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149
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WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER
1488
1488
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N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
MAP NOT TO SCALE Average entrees: $ Up to $9.99 $$ $10-$19.99 $$$ $20 or more N TM; © 2022 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
B Breakfast/brunch H Happy hour K Kids menu
7 Monkey’s Tail Conroe 2017 N. Frazier St., Ste. A2, Conroe www.instagram.com/monkeystailconroe $ B H COMING IN 2023 8 Montgomery Grove 22016 Eva St., Montgomery 832-349-4191 Facebook: Montgomery Grove $$ H K COMING IN 2023 9 Nourish Cafe 2510 S. Loop 336 W., Ste. 125, Conroe 936-441-8997 www.nourishcafeconroe.com $$ B 10 OMG Wings 1201 N. Loop 336 E., Conroe 936-539-9464 • Instagram: @omgwingstx $ K 11 The Shout House 1355 N. Loop 336 E., Conroe 936-539-2400 www.theshouthouseconroe.com $$ K 12 Wister’s Bar & Grill 950 Pine Market Ave., Ste. 400, Montgomery 936-588-5883 • www.wistersbar.com $$$ H K ASIAN 13 Dragon Bowl C 118 Simonton St., Conroe 936-494-3824 • www.dragonbowltx.com $$ K
14 Shogun Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar 15444 Hwy. 105, Ste. K, Montgomery 936-244-7564 • www.ishogun.com $$$ H K 15 WO Sushi Fusion 810 Pine Market Ave., Ste. 140, Montgomery 936-588-1904 Facebook: WO Sushi Fusion $$ H K BARBECUE 16 Porky’s Belly BBQ 15496 FM 2854, Montgomery 832-302-5868 • www.porkysbellybbq.com $ COMING IN 2023
COMPILED BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & PEYTON MACKENZIE
THESE LISTINGS ARE NOT COMPREHENSIVE.
AMERICAN 1 Dough Dough Baby Bakeshop 107 Old River Road, Ste. I, Montgomery www.doughbabybakeshop.com $$ B K COMING 2023 2 The Feed Store Grill & Bar 26333 Old Hwy. 105 W., Montgomery 936-597-8895 www.facebook.com/thedobbinfeedstore $$ K 3 Greggo’s Pizza & Subs 2466 FM 1488, Conroe 936-363-0036 • www.greggospizza.com $$ 4 HeBrew’s Co eehouse 3830 W. Davis St., Conroe 832-642-0786 • www.facebook.com/ hebrewsco eetx $ B H COMING 2023 5 Hunger Crush Cafe 15250 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 160, Montgomery 936-224-7518 • www.hungercrushcafe.com $$ B H K 6 Kale & Kettle Cafe 15865 Hwy. 105, Ste. 3, Montgomery 936-588-4421 www.facebook.com/kaleandkettlecafe $$ B K
FOOD TRUCKS 17 Montgomery Grove 22016 Eva St., Montgomery 832-349-4191 Facebook: Montgomery Grove $$ K 18 Pop Pop’s Dandy Dog 404 Caroline St., Montgomery 936-217-3653 www.poppopsdandydog.com $ 19 Sno with Dano 26091 Hwy. 105, Montgomery 832-657-6240 www.facebook.com/snowithdano $
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • JANUARY 2023
EDUCATION
Top education stories to watch in 2023
OTHER STORIES TO FOLLOW IN 2023
HIGHER EDUCATION EXPANSION
360
Sam Houston State University is expanding its College of Health Sciences by building a new Health Professions Building and parking garage next to the growing College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Conroe.
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Creekside Elementary School
College of Osteopathic Medicine Opened in August 2020 SHSU in Conroe Coming soon College of Health Sciences Construction beginning in 2024 Parking garage Construction anticipated for February 2023-February 2024 SOURCE: SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Montgomery ISD names new elementary school
The Montgomery ISD board of trustees voted to approve naming its newest elementary school at a board meeting Dec. 20. The district’s seventh elementary school was approved by voters as part of the $326.9 million May bond package and will serve 200 students within the Lake Creek High School feeder pattern. The new campus will be named Creekside Elementary School. The school’s mascot, a lion cub, was also approved at the meeting. The school colors will be blue and gold. Although Creekside Elementary is set to open for the 2024-25 school year, according to district o cials, construction is expected to get underway this spring. Districts to approve school calendars for 2023-24 Conroe ISD is considering several scenarios for the calendar for 2023- 24. Because of the days on which some holidays fall, winter break could begin as early as Dec. 15, o cials said. The district gathered feedback through Jan. 6, and the CISD District-Level Planning and Decision- Making Committee was expected to recommend a calendar plan to trustees Jan. 17 after press time. The Montgomery ISD District Advisory Committee is anticipated to recommend a calendar draft to the board of trustees in February for the 2023-24 school year.
COURTESY SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
SHSU continues discussions to bring College of Health Sciences programs to campus in Conroe
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
proposed and existing programs, including the relocated Master of Science program in athletic training and Master of Science in dietetics from Huntsville. Roper said proposed programs for Conroe include a doctorate in phys- ical therapy and Master of Physician Assistant; details of the programs are still in discussion. “In the new proposed programs in [physical therapy] and [physician assistant], the workforce demand indicates a very strong, immediate need for these programs as well as a long-term need for health care professionals,” she said. Construction on the Health Professions Building will begin after the coinciding parking structure
is complete in 2024. Roper said a parking garage, which will begin con- struction in February, is necessary to accommodate the new building and the growth of the College of Osteo- pathic Medicine. Thomas Mohr, dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, said the college is on track to grow from 326 students to 488 students in 2023. The college’s rst class will graduate in 2024. Until then, Mohr said his focus for 2023 is on expanding class sizes, adding additional clinical rotations for students, pursuing research opportunities and increasing con- nections with local hospitals. There is also discussion about creating graduate medical programs.
Sam Houston State University is expanding its College of Health Sciences from its main Huntsville campus to the existing SHSU campus in Conroe. Construction will begin in 2024 on a Health Professions Building adjacent to the College of Osteopathic Medicine, located at 925 City Central Ave., Conroe, according to SHSU o cials. The Texas State University System approved the $65 million project at the quarterly board of regents meeting Nov. 17 in Austin. According to the agenda, design services began in late August. Emily Roper, dean of the College of Health Sciences, said the new building in Conroe will house new,
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION
Top transportation stories to watch in 2023
2023 ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE
East-west mobility projects slated to progress in 2023 Texas Department of Transpor- tation projects to widen portions of three east-west thoroughfares in Montgomery County—Hwy. 105, FM 1488 and FM 1097—experienced delays in 2022 that have led to the projects falling into 2023 and beyond, according to Public Information O cer Emily Black. A $9.83 million widening and raised median project on Hwy. 105 will expand the road to four lanes through Magnolia and create a raised median closer to I-45. All three proj- ects are expected to be completed by late 2025, per TxDOT. In addition, projects to expand BY PEYTON MACKENZIE 149 105 N 45 2854 PRIORITY PROJECTS The Texas Department of Transportation has a series of projects underway to improve east-west mobility. Number of crashes (2017-21) 1,414 Hwy. 105 widening
OTHER STORIES TO FOLLOW IN 2023
Commissioners could call road bond
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Montgomery County commissioners will discuss the possibility of calling for a county road bond in 2023, according to Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, who said the talks have been sporadic. The last road bond was called in 2015 for $280 million. “We all know we need another road bond,” he said in a Jan. 9 interview. “As far as us sitting down, forming a committee and putting it on the agenda to talk about it, we have not done that yet.” However, Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack said in an email Jan. 9 he is not aware of bond conversations. “While there are mobility needs across the county, timing is important; so is countywide community support,” he said. “With in ation at a 40-year high, interest rates going through the roof and a recession knocking on the door, I am very skeptical about a bond right now.” Still, Riley said he hopes the committee process starts as early as the rst quarter. Commissioners Matt Gray and Robert Walker and County Judge Mark Keough did not respond for comment.
FM 1097 to four lanes from Blueberry Hills Road to Anderson Road will be nished by the rst quarter of 2024, according to TxDOT. Both series of projects have seen utility delays, Black said. Black said the projects are intended to improve safety along the east-west corridors of Mont- gomery County. For example, there were 1,414 crashes from 2017-21 on Hwy. 105, data shows. “The ultimate goal of these projects is to provide a safe and reliable corridor for drivers in this increasingly expanding area,” Black said. “We have a lot of focus on the Montgomery County area as it is one of the fastest growing in the region, and we want to ensure our roadways are able to keep up with that growth.”
from FM 2854 to I-45 has been underway since October 2021, according to TxDOT, and is expected to be completed in the rst quarter of 2024, which is a delay from its original date of June 2023. Black said in a Dec. 20 email the delay comes from cement shortages and design changes made to the project by the city of Montgomery. Other east-west mobility proj- ects across Montgomery County making progress in 2023 include three projects on FM 1488 from the Waller County line to I-45, which
FM 1097 widening
LAKE CONROE
1097
425
ANDERSON RD.
N
FM 1488 widening & median
1774
1488
45
473
249
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SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • JANUARY 2023
DEVELOPMENT
Top development stories to watch in 2023
The Hyatt Regency Conroe Hotel and Convention Center to open in May
OTHER STORIES TO FOLLOW IN 2023
The Hyatt Regency Conroe Hotel and Convention Center is anticipated to open in 2023 in Grand Central Park.
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BY PEYTON MACKENZIE
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The Hyatt Regency Conroe Hotel and Convention Cen- ter, which has been in the works since 2015, is anticipated to be complete by May 2 at 1001 Grand Central Parkway, according to Conroe Director of Finance Collin Boothe. However, weather delays and material supply chain issues may cause a minor change to the completion date, he said. According to previous Community Impact reporting, the hotel budget grew from $92 million to $107 million. Boothe said the project’s cash ow to the city is estimated to be $71 million over 28 years. Conroe Mayor Jody Czajkoski said the hotel creates opportunities for other businesses to bring jobs. “It’s a proven model. The Woodlands built their conven- tion center and hotel, and look what sprung up next to it,” he said. “Now we can bring larger conventions [to Conroe].” The seven-story hotel consists of 250 rooms, a tness center, a pool and other amenities, such as a full-service restaurant. “Out-of-town visitors spend money in the local economy on retail, restaurants, fuel, lodging and night- life, which supports local jobs and businesses,” Boothe said in a Dec. 20 email. “The project will also generate hotel occupancy tax revenue, sales tax revenue and mixed-beverage tax revenue.”
CITY CENTRAL AVE.
336
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Gringo’s to build Conroe location in 2023
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BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Gringo’s Tex-Mex broke ground at I-45 and Drennen Road as of early January. The eatery was slated to open in late 2022, per a December 2021 release, but Chief Marketing O cer for Gringo’s Heather McKeon said in a Dec. 27 email the company plans to open in late fall. McKeon said construction was not delayed. “We have had other projects that have taken priority,” she said in an e-mail. The rest of the 115-acre tract at the Conroe Waterfront Center where Gringo’s will be is expected to see 300 high-end apartments and a second multifamily project in 2023, according to NewQuest Properties.
CITY & COUNTY
Top city & county stories to watch in 2023
2023 ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE
Conroe, Montgomery to welcome new leadership in 2023
OTHER STORIES TO FOLLOW IN 2023
BY PEYTON MACKENZIE
to Community Impact during the Dec. 14 meeting, Palmer previously served as city administrator for the city of Roswell, Georgia, and the assistant manager for Farragut, Tennessee. Palmer began his new role Jan. 6 in Montgomery. In Conroe, City Council members appointed City Attorney Gary Scott as the new city administrator Jan. 12. Scott served as interim city administrator since council members terminated the contract with former City Admin- istrator Paul Virgadamo Jr. on Aug. 11. “I look forward to serving and being a servant to the citi- zens in this new capacity,” Scott said in a Jan. 12 release. “With a city this size and growing, there are a lot of moving parts. With his background in law, it’s a win-win for the city. He’s the only one crazy enough to take the job, and he’s going to be the best city administrator in Amer- ica,” Mayor Jody Czajkoski said in a release.
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The cities of Conroe and Montgomery saw a shift in city leadership as both city councils terminated their city administrators in 2022. According to city o cials, both cities are bringing new leadership aboard in 2023. Montgomery City Council voted to appoint Gary Palmer as city administrator Dec. 13 following a monthslong search for a candidate. City Council voted in late May to terminate the city’s contract with former City Adminis- trator Richard Tramm. Assistant City Administrator Dave McCorquodale had served as interim city administrator. “This is the last meeting I will sit as city administrator,” McCorquodale said during the Dec. 14 meeting. “There is no way I could have done this without the sta we have here; they are outstanding at what they do and they will always pick up and help and get stu done.” According to a release given by Mayor Byron Sanford
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Conroe centers to open Conroe Mayor Jody Czajkoski said he is excited for the new A Oscar Johnson Community Center on Foster Drive to be nished for the community. According to Czajkoski, the new center is needed to o er adequate services to keep up with population growth. The center is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2023. In addition, the city was slated to have a soft opening for the new B Owen Park and Westside Recreation Center on Jan. 23, which was after press time. According to a Jan. 5 city announcement, some areas are still under renovations. The former YMCA property includes an o -leash area for dogs, a covered pavilion, a basketball court, restrooms, a pond and trails.
2022 LEADERSHIP CHANGES JAN. FEB. MARCH APRIL
In 2022, Montgomery and Conroe experienced changes in city leadership.
MAY JUNE JULY AUG.
SEPT.
OCT.
NOV.
DEC.
May 24: Montgomery terminates former City Administrator Richard Tramm.
May 31: Assistant City Administrator Dave McCorquodale is appointed interim city administrator.
Aug. 11: Conroe City Council votes to terminate former City Administrator Paul Virgadamo Jr.
Aug. 17: Conroe City Attorney Gary Scott is appointed interim city administrator.
Dec. 13: Gary Palmer is chosen as Montgomery’s new city administrator.
SOURCES: CITIES OF CONROE AND MONTGOMERY 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
TOP STORY
Housing growth
Campus capacity By the 2032-33 school year, 47 of the district’s 59 campuses will be at or overcapacity without taking new campuses into consideration.
In the Conroe area, Artavia in the Caney Creek feeder is projected to see the most growth. Most CISD growth is occurring in the northern portions of the district.
Projections for 2032-33 school year
Single-family neighborhoods
Type of campus
Not at capacity
Over 100% capacity
Over 110% capacity
Over 120% capacity
Pine Acre Trails
Projected single-family occupancies Oct. 2022-Oct. 2032
Sweetwater Ridge
High schools
2
1
0
3
0 1-50 51-100 101-500
Silverthorne
Junior high schools
0
2
1
4
Intermediate schools
2
3
1
4
Timber Pointe
501-1,000 Over 1,000
Elementary schools
8
5
2
21
CONROE
SOURCE: POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
Spring Branch Crossing
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low-, moderate- and high-growth projections. Historically, CISD has recorded enrollment higher than the highest projections provided in previ- ous studies with the exception of the 2020-21 school year in the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the district. PASA’s highest enrollment projec- tion said in the 2032-33 school year, the district could have an enrollment of over 120,000 students, up from 73,195 in the current school year. PASA President Stacey Tapera said at the meeting that PASA aims to remain conservative in the projec- tions it presents. “It is very important to us that we don’t make big promises or big pro- jections that would cause you to over- build,” Tapera said. In Conroe, hot spots for growth come from single-family develop- ments Artavia, Grand Central Park, Mavera, Evergreen, Silverthorne, Spring Branch Crossing and Sweetwa- ter Ridge. By the 2032-33 school year, 47 of the district’s 59 campuses are estimated
to be at or over capacity, without tak- ing new campuses into consideration, according to the study. More than 54% of those schools over capacity will be at more than 120% capacity, it states. In addition to Bartlett Elemen- tary, Hines Elementary and Veter- ans Memorial Intermediate schools as well as the new Moorhead Junior High school—built with 2019 bond funds—the study found the district will need to add 21 schools, including one kindergarten through sixth-grade school, seven elementary schools, two intermediate schools, two junior high schools, two ninth-grade cam- puses and two high schools in north- ern CISD. “There are many, many, many other factors that go into the decision and reality of building this many schools,” Tapera said. “We are just here to give you one bit, one piece of the puzzle.” Current needs As of the 2022-23 school year, the district is already at 102% capacity overall, according to the district.
Evergreen
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Grand Central Park
Mavera
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THE WOODLANDS
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Artavia
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Woodson's Reserve
SOURCES: CONROE ISD, POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
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community [and] about our school district that families are moving here, and they want to raise their families in Montgomery County—in Conroe ISD,” he said. Demographic study results A demographic study by Population and Survey Analysts presented Dec. 6 showed three growth scenarios:
CONTINUED FROM 1
Caney Creek feeder zones, 16 new schools will be needed by 2032-33, including two new high schools, o - cials said. CISD Superintendent Curtis Null said in an interview the district’s growth is a good challenge to have. “It says positive things about our
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