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New Caney Porter Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 JUNE 3 30, 2026
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Rural to urban Residents and business
leaders adjust to rapid growth in East Montgomery County With roughly 2,400 units already available, The Highlands in Porter is one of the largest housing developments in East Montgomery County. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact) By Wesley Gardner 18
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Your Next Chapter Starts Here Buying or selling in New Caney/Porter? Let a professional handle the details. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. — Proverbs 16:3 Contact James now 8327419590 | jamesdavido@gmail.com
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Impacts
4 99 Business Center The center features 42 spaces available for small business and car enthusiasts that range in size from 1,200-1,500 square feet. The gated facility also offers 22 enclosed on-site storage spaces. Officials noted six of the 42 commercial/office spaces have already been leased with some of the first tenants moving in, in early May. • Opened May 1
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5 Pat’s Donuts A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 5 for this new doughnut shop, which will offer pastries and breakfast foods—such as tacos, kolaches and croissant sandwiches—as well as iced and hot coffee, cappuccinos and other drinks. • Opening date TBD • 23487 Hwy. 242, New Caney • www.patsbreakfast.com 6 ArchPoint at 1485 In June, construction is expected to wrap up on a new gas station and shopping center in New Caney, said Saqib Ali, president of project developer ArchPoint Ventures. The center will feature 14,000 square feet in retail space, and specific retailers for the shopping center—as well as a grand opening date—will be announced soon. Construction began in March 2025. • Opening date TBD Emergency Supply Warehouse Montgomery County Precinct 4’s new 10,000-square- foot emergency supply warehouse will be used to store emergency supplies—such as water and cots—that can be used during natural disasters. Previously, Precinct 4’s emergency supplies were kept in Conroe, but the new warehouse should provide quicker access to needed materials, officials said. • Construction expected to be completed by June 1 • EMCID Industrial Park, Gene Campbell Road and W. Industrial Parkway, New Caney (exact address TBD) • www.mctxpct4.org • 19255 & 19261 FM 1485, New Caney • Archpoint Realty LLC, 281-323-3680
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features 2,500-square-feet of gaming space, where the business hosts themed game nights, classes and weekly tournaments. Additionally, an on-site coffee shop serves custom-blend beverages and fresh-baked pastries. • Soft opened May 23; grand opening June 6 • 22564 Community Drive, New Caney • www.emporium-games.com 3 RapidCare Emergency Room The facility provides urgent and emergency medical care for adult and pediatric patients, as well as medical care for personal injuries, work-related accidents, auto accidents and rehabilitation stabilization. • Opened June 1 (after press time) • 24540 FM 1314, Porter • www.rapidcareemergency.com
Now open
1 99 Karate Owned by Christian Auguste and his wife Carley, the martial arts studio offers after-school and summer programs to teach children the fundamentals of karate in addition to evening classes for students of all ages. • Opened May 16 • 21042 Loop 494, New Caney • www.99karate.com 2 Emporium Games The store sells board games, collectible card games and hobby supplies, including miniatures, dice and play mats. Store Manager Walker Stevenson said the business also
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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Relocations
Now open
Now open
7 3 G’s BBQ and Catering Owned by Gerald and Jennifer Martin, the eatery serves barbecued meats—such as brisket, pulled pork, sausage and chicken—as well as sandwiches, baked potatoes and sides. The business previously operated from a food truck park in Porter, but now serves customers at The
Food Zone Grand Texas. • Relocated in February • 23020 Speed St., New Caney • www.facebook.com/3gsbbqandcatering
8 Blue Jay’s Cauldron Owned by Jeremy Miller, the store sells items such as comic books, video games, character trading cards, figurines, board games and more. The business was originally located at 23435 FM 1314, Ste. A2, Porter and temporarily closed in November. • Relocated May 11 • 1710 Roman Forest Blvd., Roman Forest • www.bluejayscauldron.com 9 Wells Fargo Previously located at 22420 Community Drive, New Caney, this bank will close June 26 at noon and reopen June 29 in Valley Ranch Town Center. Details on a potential grand opening celebration have not yet been announced. Wells Fargo offers personal, business, investment and wealth management; and corporate and commercial banking services, according to the company’s website. • Relocating June 29 • 21728 Hwy. 59, New Caney • www.wellsfargo.com
11 Captain Crab Cajun Seafood The locally owned restaurant offers Louisiana-style seafood. Per the website, the eatery offers a menu of chicken wings, gumbo, etouffee, fried chicken and seafood baskets, po’boys, crawfish and crab legs. • Opened May 17 • 20185 Hwy. 59, Ste. 400, New Caney • www.captaincrabnewcaney.com
13 Delizia Located in The Food Zone Grand Texas, the eatery serves crepes, waffles, salads and pasta. Menu items also include mini pancakes topped with whipped cream, fruit and cereal, and crepes drizzled in chocolate and topped with fruit. • Opened in March • 23020 Speed St., New Caney • www.instagram.com/delizia.food 14 Extra Space Storage The company assumed management of three self- storage facilities in New Caney in January. Previously called BestBox Storage, a company spokesperson said customers aren’t expected to be inconvenienced by the management change.
12 Bull Sallas Park The splash pad at this park reopened May 15 following a temporary closure from May 13-14. Montgomery County Precinct 4 officials said the splash pad was undergoing a small repair. During the season, the splash pad is open daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.mctxpct4.org/parks/splash-pad
A 17644 Hwy. 59, New Caney B 26270 FM 1485, New Caney C 22041 FM 1314, Porter • www.extraspace.com
The Pop Stop Owned by Modisty Pruett and Cara Gautreaux, the business incorporates a 1950s theme with a menu featuring specialty coffee drinks, dirty sodas, lemonade and energy sodas. The business is now fully mobile but previously operated from locations in New Caney and Roman Forest. • Service area include New Caney, Porter and the Lake Houston area • www.facebook.com/popstop.co
In the news
Closings
10 Final Gravity Brewpub Founded by U.S. Army veteran and retired police officer Ted Dougherty and his wife Terri Dougherty, Final Gravity Brewpub offers handcrafted beer and features a dog-friendly environment. The brewpub will host a one-year anniversary celebration July 4 featuring food trucks and live music.
15 Chachi’s House Located at The Food Zone Grand Texas, the shipping container restaurant that served Puerto Rican and Caribbean food has closed, according to an April 22 social media post from the business. • 23020 Speed St., Unit 13, New Caney • https://chachishouse.getrestaurantops.com
• 23435 FM 1314, Ste. B-6, Porter • www.finalgravitybrewpub.com
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Government
BY WESLEY GARDNER & NICHAELA SHAHEEN
Montgomery County Sheri Wesley Doolittle said the county jail has returned to compliance after previously failing state inspections, but the facility remains a major point of focus as o cials continue weighing what comes next for the aging jail. What’s changed Doolittle gave county com- missioners an overview of the Montgomery County Sheri ’s report during the May 7 Commis- sioners Court meeting. Doolittle said the sheri ’s o ce has reorganized jail, inmate transport and courthouse security operations under one justice bureau, led by Chief Eric Hensley. He said it has helped the o ce operate more e ciently. “When I came into o ce, this jail was failing inspections, failing standards, had previously failed twice, was not in compliance, Montgomery County jail back in compliance
Montgomery County Jail needs
Current jail projections
1,137 beds in 2026 2,352 beds needed by 2040 $705.3M-$976.8M cost estimate to expand or replace jail
1,077 square miles 800,000+ residents Montgomery County context
SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT
was in a remedial state and we brought that up to compliance,” Doolittle said. How we got here The updates come about a month after commissioners reviewed long-term jail options Following that discussion, commissioners moved with con- tingencies to look into building a new jail. No formal action was taken on the deferred jail item May 7. How- ever, Doolittle said the sheri ’s o ce has “roadmaps” for future needs and plans to keep commis- sioners updated.
DO THE THING
Roman Forest appointee opts out
Roman Forest City Council appointed Montgomery County ESD 7 Fire Chief Howard Rinewalt to serve as Position 3 council member during the council’s May 18 meeting. However, Rinewalt ultimately turned down the position. The details Council members approved the appointment with a 2-1 vote. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell Davis cast the dissenting vote, while council member Larry Sanders was not
Reasner announced his resigna- tion from the position following the death of a family member. A closer look Rinewalt said he turned the position down after hearing feed- back from community members. “While I truly appreciate the con dence and support shown to me, I also respect that community members were passionate about wanting a di erent direction,” Rinewalt said. Roman Forest City Administra- tor Scott Castleberry said council members will likely consider a new nominee at the council’s June 22 meeting.
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present for the meeting. The appointment came
about two months after former Position 3 council member Jerry
02.20.26.02
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Education
BY EMILY LINCKE
New Caney ISD faces $11M cost to meet new Texas school bus seat belt law
New Caney ISD school buses New Caney ISD has 158 buses, with about 40% of them in compliance with Senate Bill 546.
Total buses 158
On May 11, New Caney ISD’s board of trustees opted to request an exemption to a new state law requiring three-point seat belts on school buses that would cost the district almost $11 million to comply with. Current situation Senate Bill 546 requires public school districts to add three-point seat belts to all school buses by Sept. 1, 2029, according to a May 11 presentation from Transportation Director Danny Mealer. NCISD has about 95 buses that would either need to be retrofitted or replaced in order to comply with the new law, which could cost the district: • $3.825 million total —or $30,000-$70,000 per general education bus and $30,000-$45,000 per special education bus—for retrofitting
• $12.45 million total —or $130,000-$175,000 per general education bus and $150,000 per special education bus—to replace buses Mealer proposed a hybrid plan that would cost the district $10.98 million total and would involve phasing out older buses, purchasing 20 new buses per year and retrofitting 11 buses per year, accord- ing to the presentation. “Every year that we wait to initiate a plan ... the cost goes up,” Mealer said. The discussion NCISD trustees unanimously voted to file a peti- tion with the state stating that NCISD can’t afford to meet the seat belt requirements by the deadline. Multiple trustees said that $11 million could fund a lot of teaching positions at NCISD, and the
No seat belts: 83 Three-point seat belts: 63 Two-point seat belts: 12
SOURCE: NEW CANEY ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
money needed to comply with SB 546 would come from the same pot of money as employee salaries. The details SB 546 was enacted in September, Mealer said. The bill was approved during the state’s 2025 legislative session, as previously reported by Community Impact . Mealer said NCISD will receive $3,000 in state funding per bus for the mandate. Next year, the district can apply for grants to earn $45,000 per retired bus under a state program, he added.
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Education
BY EMILY LINCKE
See the latest on 3 New Caney ISD bond projects
Upcoming project
Check out the latest updates on three New Caney ISD projects funded by the district’s $695 million bond package, which was approved by voters in May 2023.
Ongoing projects
1 Oakley Elementary renovations Project: Parts of the school will be repainted, and ooring will be replaced, according to May 11 board meeting documents. Update: On May 11, NCISD trustees approved a contract with Blackmon Mooring of Houston for this project. • Timeline: May 22-Aug. 3 • Cost: $2.4 million 2 Pine Valley Middle School remodel Project: The school’s administrative o ce spaces will be renovated, Scott said. Flooring will be updated, sections will be painted, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning units will be replaced, according to May 11 board meeting documents.
3 Agriculture Science Facility expansion Project: This district facility, which is used by all NCISD’s high schools, will undergo renovations, including adding more cattle, pig, goat and lamb pens, said Scott Powers, NCISD’s executive director of public relations, via email May 14. Electrical and equipment
99 TOLL updates will also be performed. Update: On May 11, NCISD trustees approved Huckabee Architects as the project’s designer. • Timeline: spring 2027 (design completion); spring 2028 (construction complete) • Cost: $7 million (total); $600,000 (design)
Update: On May 11, NCISD trustees approved a contract with Blackmon Mooring of Houston for this project. • Timeline: May 22-Aug. 3 • Cost: $4.9 million This list is not comprehensive.
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Transportation
BY HANNAH BROL
Upcoming projects
Completed project
1 Old Houston Road widening Project: Old Houston Road will be widened from two to four lanes with a turn lane and roadside ditches between Hwy. 242 and FM 1314 in a three-phase project. Update: Final design for Segment 1 is complete, and the construction contract was awarded in Montgomery County Commissioners Court on May 21. Field work for Segments 2 and 3 are underway, Precinct 4 officials said. • Timeline: June 2026-June 2027 (Segment 1), TBD (Segments 2-3) • Cost: $7.25M (Segment 1), TBD (Segments 2-3) • Funding sources: 2025 road bond, Precinct 4 commissioner’s office 2 Galaxy Boulevard extension Project: Proposed improvements include survey, alignment and right-of-way acquisition for the future extension of Galaxy Boulevard north of FM 1485/the Grand Parkway. An exact map for the project is still being determined. Update: Field work is currently underway, Precinct 4 officials said. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: TBD • Funding sources: 2025 road bond, Precinct 4 commissioner’s office
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3 Fostoria Road widening Project: Fostoria Road was widened from two to four lanes between Hwy. 59 and Morgan Cemetery Road. Turn lanes were also added at Morgan Cemetery Road, and ditches were reconstructed. Update: Drainage improvements were completed in late 2025, and road construction wrapped up this spring. Officials noted the project marks the first road-widening project completed in Precinct 4 from the 2025 Montgomery County Road Bond. • Timeline: Jan. 5-April 21, 2026 • Cost: $5.9 million • Funding sources: 2025 road bond, Precinct 4 commissioner’s office
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Events
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Splash Into Summer The community is invited to join Neighbors Emergency Center for a family friendly summer celebration featuring activities for all ages, giveaways and more.
June
Donut Days Festival This doughnut-themed market at Bull Sallas Park will feature live music, a petting zoo, bingo and fresh-made doughnuts. • June 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.montgomerycountymarketdays.com Tejano Day Join Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures for a two-day event celebrating Tejano culture with wrestling, dancing, live music, and festive food and drinks. • June 6-7, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
• June 13, 1-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 22678 Hwy. 59, Porter • www.nec24.com
Summer Kids’ Resale Event During this consignment sale at Bull Sallas Park, attendees can shop for items marked 50%-90% off retail prices on everything kids need from clothing and shoes to toys, books and baby gear. • June 24, 9 a.m. • $5.45-$31.17 (June 24), free (June 25-26), $5.45-$20.88 (June 27) Texas Homeschool Extravaganza 2026 This two-day event geared toward homeschooled families will feature curriculum, educational businesses, student extracurriculars, activities for kids and Q&As. • June 26-27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (age 14 and younger), $5 (ages 15 and older) • The Atrium Center, 21575 Hwy. 59, New Caney • www.texashomeschoolextravaganza.com • 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • https://houstonnortheast.jbfsale.com
EMC Senior Center Prom The East Montgomery County Senior Center is holding a a ‘50s-themed adult prom filled with classic rock hits, food, entertainment and photo booths. Attendees must be age 60 or older; contact the senior center at 281-577-8911 for a ticket. • June 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• $44.99 (general admission) • 23101 Hwy. 242, New Caney • www.bigriverswaterpark.com
Big Rivers Splash & Dash Run a 10K, 5K or kids dash at this event benefiting the TANGO2 Research Foundation.
• Free (admission) • Bull Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.mctx.org
• June 13, 7-10:30 a.m. • $15-$55 (admission)
• 23101 Hwy. 242, New Caney • www.bigriverswaterpark.com
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Real estate
BY LIZZY SPANGLER
Home Edition
2026
Readers, welcome to your annual CI Home Edition! Our team of local journalists worked hard to create a guide that is not only informative, but genuinely useful for the people who live here. We’re also incredibly grateful to the local businesses who advertise in these pages and help support Community Impact’s mission to provide free, trusted local news. We encourage you to support them in return. Whether you’ve called East Montgomery County home for decades or are just beginning your next chapter here, we hope this guide gives you helpful insight and a deeper appreciation for the community we all share.
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HAR CEO, President René Galvan discusses the organization, Houston’s real estate market
normalized market, and that’s a good thing for both buyers and sellers. Houston has largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, while many major metros across the country are still working toward that same stability. What factors, economic or otherwise, do you see a ecting the Houston housing market? A ordability continues to be the biggest factor shaping our market, as well as the U.S. housing market overall. Here in Houston, there’s steady demand, but many buyers are feeling the impact of volatile mortgage rates, which directly a ects what they can comfortably a ord each month. There’s also the rising cost of homeowners insurance. It’s no longer just about the home price. Buyers need to look at the full monthly cost of ownership, and insurance premiums can vary signi cantly depending on location and risk factors.
René Galvan was appointed the new CEO and president of the Houston Association of Realtors in February, as previously reported. Galvan succeeded Bob Hale, who retired Jan. 31. In an interview, Gal- van discussed his background, what HAR does and the real estate market in the Greater Houston area. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Visit communityimpact.com for more. When it comes to the housing market in the Greater Houston area, what trends are you seeing? The Houston market continues to nd its balance. Inventory is expanding, which means buyers have more options, and we’re seeing home prices level out in many areas. Homes are also taking a bit longer to sell. That’s giving buyers more time to make decisions and bringing negotiations back into play. Even with some interest rate volatility, activity remains steady. Overall, it’s a healthier, more
Can you speak to the near future of the Houston housing market? What do you see happening? I believe we’ll continue to see a more normalized market. That said, there are still some external factors that we need to watch. Mortgage rates have been volatile in recent weeks, and that’s largely tied to broader economic conditions, including in ation and geopolitical issues, such as the ongoing con ict involving Iran. We’ve already seen how that kind of instability can push rates higher and impact consumer con dence. The good news for Houston is that we tend to be more resilient than many markets.
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Our rates are 20% below the national average and have been among the lowest in the Lone Star State over the last decade. Local people Nationally low rates
These affordable rates reflect our commitment to keep your electric bills as low as possible.
A message from Entergy Texas, Inc. ©2026 Entergy Services, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
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Real estate
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR, EMILY LINCKE & NICHAELA SHAHEEN
Builder unveils designs for Azalea District First America Homes is introducing new home designs for its 203-acre residential phase within Valley Ranch’s Azalea District, o cials announced in a May 11 news release. First America Homes is a division of The Signorelli Co., and the exclusive builder for the Azalea District. The details The nal single-family residential phase will add 359 new homesites to the mixed-use community. Per the release, the community will o er home designs ranging from 1,600-3,200 square feet. The Founders Circle—available to the rst 40 quali ed buyers—o ers priority homesite selection, early access to oor plans and pricing incentives reserved exclusively for the program. Home sales are expected to open this summer, with pricing starting in the $300,000s. “This special access is a great opportunity for families looking for a high-quality home within a walkable community that o ers every lifestyle convenience and excellent long-term value,” First America Homes President John Winniford said in a statement. Work begins on new homes in The Trails Phase 2 for The Trails has kicked o with about 350 homes planned for the area, according to an April 27 news release from developer Castle Hill Partners. What’s new Spanning more than 30 acres, the second phase of The Trails is now o ering homes for sale on 40-, 45-, 50- and 60-foot homesites. Construction is underway on 30 of the homes, with multiple completed or nearly nished. Phase 1, which includes about 250 homes, is about 90% built, per the news release. The community will have more than 2,000 homes once all phases are completed. The Trails features 600 contiguous acres of preserved natural land reserved for future trails and outdoor recreation, as well as land designated for a proposed on-site school.
What else? The rst phase of the residential development includes 156 homesites on 40- and 50-foot lots scheduled to be delivered this summer, per the release. Across the collection of oor plans, Azalea District homes feature primary suites that include walk-in closets and spa-inspired bathrooms with choices for expanded showers or freestanding tubs. Flexible secondary spaces—such as game rooms, studies, or lofts—are included, along with enhanced outdoor living selections, such as cov- ered patios. Select oor plans also o er extended patios, mudrooms, pocket o ces and expanded garage layouts. Neighborhood amenities will include a swimming pool, playground, pavilion and paved trails.
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Madera community opens in New Caney A new single-family home community— with houses featuring up to ve bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms—is now open for tours in New Caney, according to a May 7 news release from developer KB Homes. The gist Madera, which includes one- and two-story oor plans, is located at the corner of Willaby Road and Madera Drive in New Caney. Per the release, homes are available for around $170,000 and higher, and ameni- ties include a park, playground, splash pad and walking trails. Homes are energy- and water-e cient and can be customized, per the release. Commissioner Charlie Riley said earlier updates to the rules were meant to “encourage good development, good developers,” and said that “lot size needs to stay where it’s at.” Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said he supports a ordable housing and rst-time home- buyers, but he argued the discussion also has to include county infrastructure demands. The motion to leave the current lot width in place passed 3-1, with Gray voting against.
The Azalea District will feature 359 homesites.
COURTESY FIRST AMERICA HOMES
County maintains 40-foot lot minimum
Montgomery County Commissioners Court voted April 9 to leave the county’s 40-foot minimum suburban lot width in place after hearing feedback during a public hearing on proposed development regulation changes. What happened? The court removed the proposed 50-foot minimum lot width requirement from the agenda item and approved the rest of the update, which county engi- neering sta had described as a set of clerical correc- tions and clari cations. Cody, Miller, government a airs director with the Greater Houston Builders Association, said the pro- posed increase would make housing “less attainable” by raising land costs and reducing how many homes can be built. Diving in deeper Several commissioners signaled they were not ready to support the wider minimum. Precinct 2
Montgomery County minimum suburban lot width
40-foot
50-foot
Concerns raised A 10-foot increase in lot width could potentially: Add $20,000 to lot costs
Add $26,000 - $27,000 to the nal price
Price out rst-time buyers and retirees
SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY; MARK WELCH, DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Rural to urban From the cover
The overview
Developing and planned neighborhoods in New Caney-Porter
East Montgomery County is currently home to more than a dozen ongoing housing developments, with The Highlands and Tavola West representing the largest developments in the New Caney-Porter area.
Currently occupied
Units
Residents in East Montgomery County are adjusting to rapid growth as many portions within the region have either transitioned or are transitioning from rural to more urban areas. De ned by the 77357 and 77365 ZIP codes, the New Caney and Porter area’s population has risen from 64,176 residents in 2020 to 84,010 residents in 2024—a roughly 30.1% increase, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meriam Shaw, Realtor with Keller Williams Elite, said she believes the response from residents to the growth has been twofold. “I think many residents appreciate the convenience that growth has brought,” Shaw said, pointing to the expanded shopping, dining, health care and entertainment opportunities o ered in the area. “At the same time, some longtime residents have understandable concerns about increased tra c, road congestion, school crowding and preserving the quieter character that originally drew many families to these communities.” Shaw also noted the growth has led to increased housing opportunities in the area. According to a March 2026 report by demographic rm Population and Survey Analysts, the area is projected to receive more than 17,000 new housing occupancies within New Caney ISD’s boundaries by October 2034. While the response from homeowners has been mixed, business leaders around the community said the growth has created more opportunities to bring high-wage jobs and business diversity within the region. “We are seeing increased investment in retail, health care, industrial development, housing and infrastructure, which is helping diversify the local economy and expand access to jobs and services closer to where people live,” said Mark Linabury, Greater EMC Chamber president and CEO.
2,380
1,050
276
56
The Highlands:
Arbor Rose at Porter:
1
7
1,400
1,146
230
96
Tavola West:
Landing Meadows:
2
8
Kings Colony III:
Caney Station:
974
503
130
54
3
9
Maple Heights:
Vibe at I-69:
917
427
97
24
4
10
Northpark South:
Vibe at Cutter:
400
48
85
14
5
11
Territory at Porter:
20470 Vick Drive:
342
0
20
8
6
12
1485
59
2
8
3
9
New Caney
GENE CAMPBELL RD.
12
1485
4
GRAND PKWY.
6
11
99 TOLL
10
1
Porter
7
1314
494
Did you know?
5
New Caney ISD’s enrollment is projected to rise roughly 34% from 19,659 students in the 2024-25 school year to 26,433 students in the 2033-34 school year, according to a March 2026 report by demographic rm Population and Survey Analysts.
59
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
SOURCES: TEXAS A&M REAL ESTATE CENTER, POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
A closer look
a ect residents who moved to the area to escape urban life. “Many of us moved here because it was the ideal mix of country, rural and suburban life,” Miller said. “Now, the forest is quickly disappearing, and we’ve got an over-abundance of chicken restau- rants, Tex-Mex restaurants, nail salons, dental clinics and gas stations.” Still, Miller said she believes Roman Forest has managed to maintain its small-town feel. “Even the addition of the more high-density housing toward the back of us hasn’t changed that feeling all that much,” Miller said.
positive aspects associated with the growth. Since master-planned community Artavia was built north of her property, she said drainage in the area has improved. “When we moved out here, Porter Lane and Old Houston Road would ood and become impass- able for small cars,” Guillot said. “Since Artavia created the new drainage system that leads to the river, Old Houston Road and my backyard rarely hold water anymore.” Robin Miller, who has lived in Roman Forest for eight years, said she’s concerned the rapid devel- opment occurring near the city could negatively
Roberta Guillot, who moved to Porter Heights in 2001, said tra c has been a main concern as the area continues to grow. “It’s frustrating,” Guillot said. “Hwy. 242 tra c redirects homeowners to go from FM 1314 to [the Grand Parkway] to avoid the tra c, which now causes more tra c on this side.” While Guillot said she believes county o cials have done a good job maintaining roads amid the growth, she said more help is needed. “We need the Texas Department of Transporta- tion to step it up and help us out, too,” Guillot said. However, Guillot noted there have been
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY WESLEY GARDNER
Also of note
The impact
What’s next
In October, Roman Forest City Council mem- bers approved a comprehensive plan that will allow o cials to implement zoning regulations. “Development is inevitable, but we would like to control and focus the look and feel of the city to maintain its heritage and character over time,” Roman Forest Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell Davis said. While Davis said the response to the growth has been mixed, he noted it has brought younger residents to the area, which he said is great for the long-term maintenance of the city. New Caney-Porter population change The area’s population grew by nearly 30% between 2018 and 2023, U.S. Census Bureau data shows.
Kelley Mattlage, chief operating o cer for the East Montgomery County Improvement District, said the growth has given EMCID more leverage to recruit businesses into the area. “Higher tra c counts mean we can nally have substantial conversations with higher-end [businesses],” Mattlage said.
Projected new housing units by 2034
Single-family
11,554
Multifamily
5,262
Manufactured housing
392
Age-restricted
160
Major EMCID developments
Single-family built-to-rent
EMCID o ers nancial incentives to businesses and developers to recruit them to the area. Valley Ranch Town Center: a 240-acre mixed- use development in New Caney, featuring more than 1.5 million square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space EMC Industrial Park: a roughly 900-acre industrial park that has attracted dozens of businesses, including Lowe’s, MultiSeal and YMER Technology GCP Paper: a 565,765-square-foot manufacturing facility projected to bring 250 jobs EMC Convention Center: a 210,000-square-foot space aimed at hosting trade shows, youth sporting events, expos and galas SOURCE: EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY IMPACT
130
While Shaw said there are still many underdeveloped areas throughout East Montgomery County, she said future development should be carefully planned. “Balanced and responsible growth is key,” Shaw said. “When development is paired with infrastructure improvements ... and long-term vision, it can create opportunity while still preserving the [area’s] values.”
60K 70K 90K 80K
77,795
66,794
84,010
70,292
64,176
SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2018 AND 2023 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5 YEAR ESTIMATES COMMUNITY IMPACT 2020 0
2021 2022 2023 2024
SOURCE: POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
19
NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION
Real estate
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Family-operated Vemex Locksmith provides security in North Houston With over 20 years of experience o ering locksmith services, Genesis Barreto said her husband, Diveni Barreto, started his career as a licensed locksmith in Venezuela. Years later, after moving to the U.S. in 2015, the couple took the courses necessary to become certi ed locksmiths and opened their own lock- smith business, Vemex Locksmith, in 2020. What they offer Beyond residential locksmith services, Vemex Locksmith also o ers commercial and auto- motive locksmith services, as well as key fob replacements. The company is based in Porter but o ers services across the northeast Greater Houston area, including areas of Harris, Mont- gomery and Liberty counties. Genesis Barreto said a high volume of their calls comes from individuals who have technology-operated lock systems, such as keypads and keyless vehicles that use a key fob to turn on and o . “People rely so much on technology that they never keep the physical key with them. Some people don’t even have keys for their houses,” Genesis Barreto said. “We rely so much on tech- nology, but I think we’re going back to getting all physical stu .” As a certi ed locksmith company, Genesis Barreto emphasized the importance of ensuring that locksmith companies used by the community are certi ed to o er such services. Regulated by the Department of Public Safety, certi cations teach locksmith providers about ethics and essential skills like lock installation, key duplication and security systems. Genesis Barreto said that with recent techno- logical advancements, when it comes to security, locksmiths are required to renew their certi ca- tions every two years to ensure they are updated with the most current systems. “Companies are trying to o er more security for users, because Texas is known to have one of the biggest industries for stolen vehicles and parts,” Genesis Barreto said. What’s special about it? While challenges faced as a locksmith include handling di cult situations such as evictions, break-ins and even death, Genesis Barreto said
Vemex Locksmith o ers residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services, as well as key fob replacements.
PHOTOS COURTESY VEMEX LOCKSMITH
The business is operated by Genesis and Diveni Barreto, who are both certi ed locksmith experts.
Based in Porter, the company serves areas of Harris, Montgomery and Liberty counties.
e ective security is a priority for Vemex Locksmith. The locksmith company also focuses on teach- ing the community alternative ways to access their homes, business properties and vehicles. Genesis Barreto said in some cases the company can provide the help clients need through a simple phone call. The family-operated business o ers law enforcement and military service discounts. “We see [our customers] as family,” Genesis Barreto said. “I’d rather have a long-time cus- tomer than a one-time customer.”
494
1314
59
N
25025 FM 1314, Porter Service area includes Cleveland, Conroe, Hu man, Humble, Kingwood, New Caney, Porter and Splendora www.vemexlocksmith.com
20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
Approximately 10 more homes sold in April 2026 than in April 2025 across the two ZIP codes that make up Community Impact’s New Caney-Porter coverage area. Additionally, more than 68% of homes sold were in the $200,000-$399,999 price range. Residential market data
April 2025
April 2026
Homes sold by price point in April 2026
77357
77365
-
2 6
$800,000+
1
$600,000-$799,999
5
30
$400,000-$599,999
62
51
$200,000-$399,999
8
1
<$199,999
242
Number of homes sold
Average days on market
OLD HOUSTON RD.
77357
-12.64%
+30.4%
+8.3%
+40.8%
59
99 TOLL
1314
77365
N
Average home price in the last six months
77357
77365
77357
77365
77357 $291,512
Median home sales price
April
2025
2026
77365 $373,038
$260,000
$265,495
77357
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY DEBORAH ROSE REAL ESTATE, POWERED BY EXP 281-380-0332 • DEBORAHROSEREALTOR@GMAIL.COM HUMBLE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION DIRECTOR 2026 FIVE STAR LEGENDS
$295,000
$372,750
77365
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Scan, call 512.989.1000 or email ads@communityimpact.com
21
NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION
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1660 W Lake Houston Pkwy Suite 103 Kingwood, TX 77339 www.raffas.net • 281-360-1436
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION
At Memorial Hermann, we believe finish lines don’t exist. For our patients and the health of our community, our work is never done. Each milestone inspires us to look ahead—to relentlessly improve care, innovate for the future and to see that the medicine of tomorrow is even better than today. It is our promise to not only advance health but to personalize care, for you and for generations to come. Relentlessly pushing health and care forward.
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