Tomball - Magnolia Edition | February 2025

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Tomball Magnolia Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 5 MARCH 7APRIL 3

Multimillion-dollar projects target water infrastructure

the phenomenon is often caused by groundwater withdrawal. Per the HGSD, which regulates groundwater and monitors subsidence, northwest Harris County has seen increases in subsidence in the last four years. “Those areas are primarily on groundwater, and ... we’ve seen rates pick up,” Turco said. To alleviate subsidence, water authorities must follow HGSD’s regulatory plan and have 60% of their jurisdictions using surface water by the end of this year and 80% by 2035. This includes the North Harris County Regional Water Authority, which plans to expand its system to Tomball in the next ve years.

BY RYAN REYNOLDS

Water authorities with Tomball inside its jurisdiction are ramp- ing up eorts to convert a larger portion of their water supply

to surface water, aiming to reduce groundwater

reliance and comply with Harris-Galveston Subsid- ence District regulations. Meanwhile, Tomball is underway with its own projects, including an $8.8 million water plant project along Baker Drive, per prior reporting. HGSD data from 2019-23 shows the Greater Houston area continues to experi- ence subsidence, or the collapsing of the land due to movement beneath the earth’s surface. HGSD General Manager Mike Turco said

CONTINUED ON 18

Juergens Park water tower

JERRY MATHESON PARK

The North Harris County Regional Water Authority is planning a $119.57 million project to connect its 2025 distribution system to multiple Tomball water plants. Meanwhile, the city is underway with several projects, some of which involve water towers similar to this one near Juergens Park. (Lizzy Spangler/Community Impact)

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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Ryan Reynolds Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Kevin Vu Carson Weaver Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Account Executive April Halpin Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Quality Desk Editor Sierra Rozen

Lizzy Spangler Editor lspangler@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Houston Market President jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI careers

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Impacts

• 5327 FM 1488, Ste. D, Magnolia • www.bluebonnetrunning.com

149

1486

105

3 Laya’s Flower Shop The shop offers a variety of floral arrangements, a gift shop with items for all ages and a coffee bar. • Opened Feb. 6 • 205 E. Main St., Tomball • www.layasflowershop.com 4 Nekter Juice Bar The business serves smoothies, juices and cleanses. • Opened Dec. 18 • 26435 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 850, The Woodlands • www.nekterjuicebar.com 5 Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant The restaurant’s Hwy. 249 location reopened Feb. 14 after a fire destroyed the previous building in August 2023. • Reopened Feb. 14 • 22390 Hwy. 249, Houston • www.loscucos.com 6 Team Kim’s World Taekwondo The martial arts school offers classes for ages 3 and older, including adults. • Opened Dec. 9 • 5417 FM 1488, Ste. G, Magnolia • www.tktkd.com 7 Brit’s Batch The bakery sells homemade desserts including cookies, cakes and coffee drinks. • Opened Feb. 2 • 24510 Hwy. 249, Tomball • Facebook: Brit’s Batch Isaiah 117 House The nonprofit organization that cares for children awaiting foster placement opened a new house. • Opened Jan. 26 • Serves Montgomery and Walker counties • www.isaiah117house.com

COUNTRY RD.

1488

1486

6 2

TAMINA RD.

Magnolia

249 TOLL

RESEARCH FOREST DR.

1774

1488

2978

HOLDERRIETH BLVD.

WRIGHT RD.

STAGECOACH RD.

HUFSMITH KUYKENDAHL RD.

ZION RD.

DECKER PRAIRIE ROSEHILL RD.

Tomball

2920

MARKET ST.

2920

249

CHERRY ST.

99 TOLL

HOLDERRIETH RD.

BOUDREAUX RD.

10 15

GRANT RD.

N. ELDRIDGE PKWY.

99 TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• 30340 FM 2978, The Woodlands • www.linktr.ee/emilianospizzeria

Now open

1 Emiliano’s Pizzeria The pizzeria offers New York-style pizza as well as calzones, garlic bread, garlic knots and other items. • Opened Feb. 17

2 Bluebonnet Walking & Running The store specializes in running shoes, apparel and accessories. • Opened Jan. 31

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH • 22601 LUTHERAN CHURCH ROAD • TOMBALL • salem4u.com/easter

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• 11709 Boudreaux Road, Ste. 610, Tomball • www.slingingaxes.com

Coming soon

In the news

8 Bounce N Play The business will have an indoor playground, ball pit, obstacle course and games. • Opening in spring • 10584 FM 1488, Ste. 250, Magnolia • www.bouncenplaytx.com 9 Magnolia Soap & Bath The shop will be selling locally handcrafted soap and bath products, laundry detergent, home items and more. • Opening in March • 6318 FM 1488, Ste. 110, Magnolia • www.mymagnoliasoap.com 10 Bojangles The franchise known for Southern food is set to open its Tomball area location in 2025, according to a Feb. 3 news release. • Opening in 2025 • 13109 N. Grand Parkway W., Tomball • www.bojangles.com 11 BarkSuds The franchise will offer dog grooming services. • Opening in March • 4849 FM 1488, Magnolia • www.barksuds.com 12 Loblolly Music The business will offer family music classes and events for children from birth to 5 years old and their caregivers. • Opening March 19 • 32710 Wright Road, Magnolia • www.loblollymusic.com

14 HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball The hospital named Michael D’Souza its new chief operating officer effective Feb. 2, according to a Jan. 31 news release.

• 605 Holderrieth Blvd., Tomball • www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com

15 The Grand at 249 Big City Wings, Aji Izakaya and Active Life Dentistry leased retail space in the retail center, according to a Feb. 10 news release from NewQuest, the developer of the center. • Intersection of Hwy. 249 and the Grand Parkway • www.newquest.com/property/the-grand-at-249

18 Terrarium The plant shop reopened under new ownership Jan. 8. Previous owner Bridget Gould gave ownership to Emily Wetegrove and her parents Johnny and Bonnie Rowe after years of serving them as customers. Founded in 2018, Terrarium offers indoor and patio plants including rare collector plants, ferns, hoyas and succulents, per the website. • 311 W. Main St., Tomball • https://shop.terrariumplanthouse.com

The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County

The museum celebrated 40 years in January, Director Suann Hereford said. The museum features two historic homes and had 3,780 visitors from 36 states and 15 countries in 2024. • www.heritagemuseum.us

Closings

16 Magnolia Bells The business closed after 10 years of hosting events, according to a Dec. 30 Facebook post. • Closed Dec. 30

Worth the trip

Le Creuset Le Creuset offers cookware and bakeware, including Dutch ovens and skillets, as well as kitchen tools in a

• 699 FM 1486, Magnolia • www.magnoliabells.com

variety of colors. • Opened Feb. 10

17 Sylvia’s Pizza The closure of Sylvia’s Pizza was announced on a Jan. 28 Facebook post in which officials said the closure came about due to the family’s priorities. Per the Facebook post, Fire Ant Brewpub will remain open. • Closed Jan. 31

• 14900 I-45 S., Conroe • www.lecreuset.com

In the news

13 Slinging Axes Owners Jason and Dee Jones bought the business Dec. 21 from the original owner Dennis McCorvy.

• 306 Market St., Tomball • Facebook: Sylvia’s Pizza

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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

Government

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Tomball, Magnolia grow, diversify between 2018-2023

The total population estimates for the five ZIP codes that make up Community Impact’s Tomball and Magnolia coverage area combined grew from around 160,514 residents in 2018 to 190,054 residents in 2023—a roughly 18.4% increase. Data also shows the area has gotten older as the median age for all five ZIP codes increased over the five-year period. The median incomes for all five ZIP codes also increased from 2018 to 2023.

The population in and around Tomball and Magnolia grew between 2018 to 2023, is more diverse and is earning more money, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The U.S. Census Bureau released new five-year data for 2023 on Dec. 12 as part of its American Community Survey, which represents a five-year estimate of the population across the country from 2019 to 2023. This data compares with the 2018 study results, which studied geographic regions nationwide from 2014 to 2018.

2018

2023

Local demographics*

Tomball, Magnolia ZIP codes

66.9%

54.28%

Black or African American White Hispanic or Latino

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander American Indian or Alaskan Native

1774

77354

1488

2018 total population: 160,514 2023 total population: 190,054

77362

Asian

77355

20.96%

2.48% 3.01% 0.07% 0.44% 3.47% 5.15%

10.84% 4.55% 0.07% 0.74% 3.57% 4.99%

Other race

77375

249

18.48%

Two or more races

77377

*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.

Median age

Population change

2018

2023

80K

+34.88%

ZIP code

2018 37.4 41.1 35.2 32.7 36.4

2023 38.4 41.4 37.3 34.4 38.1

77354 77355 77362 77375 77377

+5.78%

60K

+10.42%

+25.4%

+13%

40K

20K

77354

77355

77362

77375

77377

Education level** High school diploma or higher achieved

Median household income

2018 2023

Bachelor’s degree or higher achieved 2018 2023

$150K

+23.91%

+33.5%

$125K

+21%

+33%

90.3%

34.1%

$100K

+9.1%

$75K

$50K

92.1%

39.4%

$25K

77354

77355

77362

77375

77377

SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2018 AND 2023 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

**BASED ON TOTAL POPULATION AGE 25 AND OLDER

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Magnolia’s new fire chief Terry Colburn discusses goals, plans for growth Terry Colburn became Magnolia Fire Depart- ment’s new chief effective Dec. 2 after 63 applicants from 12 different states went through the application process. In an interview with Community Impact, Colburn shared his goals for the department. What led you to this position? I have 28 years of fire experience. ... I worked in the city of Houston, but I’ve lived in Magnolia since the first grade, so I’ve seen the community grow from a small country town to where it is now. I wasn’t looking to leave the city of Houston. I liked what I was doing there, but this is the one job that I would leave there [for], because this is my community.

What are your top priorities as the new fire chief? We definitely want to streamline our services [and] make sure we continue to look to deliver impeccable service to our community. We want to be fiscally responsible, so we’re streamlining our admin process as well. What’s your vision for the department? The vision is to really just become an all-hazards response department. We have a great technical rescue team ... [so] to just keep growing our capac- ity to serve the community in all the specialized areas, continue delivering our good service, ... but finding where those risks are that aren’t being taken care of, and start addressing those from a fire standpoint.

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

NICHAELA SHAHEEN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

IN NATURE, CONNECTED BY COMMUNITY Rooted

With 300 acres of lush green spaces, beautiful homes and amenities designed to enhance your well-being. A prime location close to The Woodlands and Tomball ensures you’ll always have access to vibrant activities, dining, shopping and more. Plus, families will find exceptional educational opportunities at Magnolia ISD, making it an ideal environment for children to flourish. Branch out from the ordinary at Woodhavyn and start living extraordinary. Discover a haven of natural beauty and peaceful living in Woodhavyn.

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Models are not an indication of racial preference. Floor plans, maps and renderings are artist’s conception based on preliminary information, not to scale and subject to change. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. School enrollment and boundaries subject to change. Equal Housing Opportunity. 11/24. TM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Montgomery County to pursue $480M road bond in May

Looking ahead

If the bond measure is approved by voters, the soonest commissioners will be able to receive bond funds is August, Robuck said. The first issuance would give each commissioner $30 million to work with through the end of 2025. County officials said public hearings will be scheduled in the near future to present projects to the public. Budget Director Amanda Carter said the county set up a question line for all public inquiries regarding the bond to prevent commissioners from violating the Texas Open Meetings Act. Questions can be sent to roadbond25@mctx.org, and they will be directed to the appropriate commissioner.

Montgomery County commissioners unanimously agreed Feb. 11 to pursue a $480 million road bond in May—the first bond initiative the county has put forth since 2015. During a special workshop on Jan. 31, commissioners received information from the county’s bond financial advisor John Robuck and bond counsel Marcus Deitz, who outlined three options for a May bond initiative. The presentation included options for no tax rate impact, a $0.005 tax rate increase and a $0.01 tax rate increase. Commissioners agreed to pursue the $480 million bond scenario officially on Feb. 11, which would have no impact on the county’s debt service tax rate if it is approved by voters May 3.

Bond scenarios considered Bond scenario 1: $450M-$480M • Tax rate impact: No increase • Amount per precinct: $120M

Bond scenario 2: $600M • Tax rate impact: $0.005 increase per $100 valuation • Amount per precinct: $130M-$160M Bond scenario 3: $750M • Tax rate impact: $0.01 increase per $100 valuation • Amount per precinct: $175M-$200M

SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY, BOK FINANCIALS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN & JESSICA SHORTEN

City Council approves purchase of 5 properties for future city use During a Jan. 13 special meeting, Tomball City Council approved the purchase of five properties for future city use. The city is spending $3 million on four of the properties, and the purchase of one of the properties was still pending as of press time. The details Three of the properties were officially purchased on Feb. 3, and one was purchased on Feb. 12, Assis- tant City Manager Jessica Rogers confirmed Feb. 12. Roger said Tom Condon with Colliers represented the city for the property purchases. The properties purchased are adjacent to the former Regions Bank site the city purchased in 2023 for a potential future city hall, per prior reporting.

County affirms library director termination Montgomery County commissioners voted 4-1 on Feb. 11 to affirm the termination of Rhea Young as the county’s library director after Young and a number of residents petitioned for her reinstatement. How we got here Young was originally terminated Jan. 29, according to previous reporting, following concerns voiced from residents at Commis- sioners Court meetings regarding the amount of conservative and LGBTQ+ literature available within the county’s library system. Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley requested the discussion of Young’s ter- mination be moved to executive session. Commissioners later voted 4-1 to uphold the termination and seek a new director, with Riley voting in favor of reinstating Young.

Tomball property purchases

1 819 Village Square Drive Cost: $1.17M Purchase date: Feb. 3 2 823 Village Square Drive Cost: $680,000 Purchase date: Feb. 12 3 827 Village Square Drive Purchase pending

4 825 Village Square Drive Cost: $500,000 Purchase date: Feb. 3 5 831 Village Square Drive Cost: $700,000 Purchase date: Feb. 3 6 810 W. Main Street Cost: $2.4M Purchase date: 2023

L A G E S Q U A

R E D R

SOURCE: CITY OF TOMBALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

Transportation

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Ongoing projects

2 FM 1488 widening west of Magnolia Project: FM 1488 between the Waller County line and FM 1774 is being widened from two to four lanes. Update: This project is 90% completed, per a Feb. 4 media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: November 2020-second quarter of 2025 • Cost: $35.35 million • Funding source: state funds 3 Hwy. 242 widening Project: TxDOT is using existing right of way on Hwy. 242 between FM 1488 and I-45 to widen lanes. Update: Per a Feb. 4 media update from TxDOT, this project is 45% completed. • Timeline: October 2023-fourth quarter of 2026 • Cost: $29.11 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 4 FM 1488 widening through Magnolia Project: Between FM 1774 and west of FM 149, FM 1488 is being widened from two to four lanes. Update: This project is 58% done, per a TxDOT update. • Timeline: June 2022-third quarter of 2027 • Cost: $48.28 million • Funding source: state funds

1488

149

1486

242

1488

Magnolia

249 TOLL

VISION PARK BLVD.

1774

1488

2978

STAGECOACH RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

HUFSMITH KUYKENDAHL RD.

Update: This project is set to begin in early 2025, according to a Feb. 4 update from the Texas Department of Transportation. • Timeline: first quarter of 2025-third quarter of 2029 • Cost: $42.63 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 2920 ZION RD.

Upcoming projects

DECKER PRAIRIE ROSEHILL RD.

Tomball

1 I-45 direct connector Project: Between Shenandoah Park Drive and Hwy. 242, a direct connector between I-45 North and Hwy. 242 East will be constructed, alongside drainage improvements. 2920

249

99 TOLL

HOLDERRIETH RD.

NORTHPOINTE BLVD.

GRANT RD.

NOW PRE�SELLING in �KRESSTON! 99 TOLL

N. ELDRIDGE PKWY.

From the high $300s Magnolia, TX 77316

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY EMILY LINCKE CONTRIBUTIONS BY HANNAH BROL

Matthew Dempsey to lead Lone Star College- University Park In December, Lone Star College officials named Matthew Dempsey as the new president of LSC-University Park. He has 25 years of experience in higher edu- cation, including vice president of instruction at LSC-CyFair, and interim president of LSC-UP following the departure of Virginia Fraire in June. In an interview, Dempsey discussed his goals. What made you interested in serving as president of LSC-UP? I’m a community college graduate, so I’ve seen the value of being a community college student. ... So I know it’s a great place to learn. It’s a great place to teach, and my employment history has always been with community colleges.

What are your short- and long-term priorities for LSC-UP? I do want to make sure that I connect with our community so all of the readers out there know that we’re here for them. ... I really want to align University Park’s campus with some of the efforts that are being done at the state level to prioritize employment. So ... if our true mission at the community college level is to enhance lives, and we know that one of the ways that we can do that [is] through gainful employment, then I think it’s my responsibility as the president to make sure that I connect those two entities—local business and industry—with the output. LSC-UP recently debuted new artificial intelligence and paralegal programs. Do you have any plans to bring additional pathways to LSC-UP? University Park is known as the campus of innovation, and so I would expect to see some more innovative degree plans. ... There are no immediate plans for expansion, but I think being the campus of innovation, I’d be hard pressed to say that we wouldn’t.

COURTESY LONE STAR COLLEGE

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

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

Education

BY RYAN REYNOLDS

TISD seeks voter approval for $429.1M bond in May election

Tomball ISD approved a $429.1 million bond package to be put on the May 3 election ballot. The package includes land and site development for a new elementary school and a proposal to build activity centers at three high schools. TISD trustees voted unanimously to call for the school bond election during a Feb. 11 meeting. The details At a Feb. 10 workshop meeting, TISD officials presented a reduced bond package with four prop- ositions, each of which can be voted on separately. TISD officials trimmed the initial bond package by removing the proposition to update natatori- ums for an estimated $880,000, directing those funds to other renovation projects. In the presentation, TISD Chief Financial Officer Zack Boles said the total tax rate will remain at $1.06 per $100 of valuation because the 2025 bond package is within the district’s debt capacity of $430 million.

Breaking down the bond Proposition A is the most expensive at an estimated $331.6 million and mainly focuses on renovating aging campuses and facilities while adjusting to student growth, according to a Feb. 10 presentation. Proposition C is the least costly at an estimated $2.8 million and aims to provide upgrades, renovations and maintenance to Tom- ball High School’s football stadium. How we got here A bond steering committee met three times between December and January to engage the community and discuss what the district should prioritize, according to a Feb. 10 presentation. After assessing facilities, programs and depart- ments, the steering committee recommended that TISD focus on facility infrastructure replace- ments, safety and security upgrades, and campus revitalization.

TISD May bond package

Total: $429.1M

Proposition A: Renovating aging campuses and facilities | $331.6M Proposition B: Technology for staff and students | $18M

Proposition C: Athletic upgrades at Tomball High School | $2.8M Proposition D: Multiprogram activity centers | $76.7M

SOURCE: TOMBALL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Additionally, the steering committee urged TISD to prioritize building activity centers at Tomball, Tomball Memorial and Tomball West high schools. What’s next Those registered to vote within TISD attendance boundaries can vote on the school bond package. The deadline to register to vote is April 3.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ANGELA BONILLA & RYAN REYNOLDS

Tomball ISD approves new bus-routing technology The Tomball ISD board of trustees voted unani- mously to purchase new bus-routing hardware and software from Transfinder during a Jan. 14 meeting. According to the workshop presentation, the platforms will provide these enhanced features:

MISD OKs 2025-26 school calendar

Magnolia ISD trustees approved the district’s 2025-26 school year calendar with a 5-0 vote at their Feb. 10 meeting. What to know Planning the calendar began in October and was finalized in January by the district education improvement committee, a group that is made up of parents, administrators, teachers and community members, Assis- tant Superintendent of Administration Ben King said. The following dates are included in the calendar: • Aug. 11: First day of school • Oct. 13-17: Fall break • Dec. 19 and May 22, 2026: Early release • May 22, 2026: Last day of school

Trustees agreed that the new technology will provide greater security, parental controls and customization than Smart Tag. The details Transfinder, TISD’s active bus-routing software, will no longer support third-party systems after June 30. Therefore, the school district had to develop a new solution and contract. TISD will pay $1.2 million to enter a five-year agreement with Transfinder for its Stopfinder and Wayfinder platforms, two additions that TISD Chief Operating Officer Steven Gutierrez said will further streamline communication. Zooming in TISD will purchase the hardware, software and annual site licenses using Strategic Plan 2030 and

Live time updates for parents and staff Improved communication by eliminating third-party vendors Customizable communication

Increased parental controls for notifications

Geofencing capabilities

Turn-by-turn directions accounting for traffic patterns and road conditions

SOURCE: TOMBALL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

local funds. What’s next

TISD will install the new hardware on buses over spring break and perform a pilot test, Gutierrez said.

MARCH 22 Tomball Depot Plaza T MARCH2

TOMBALL DEPOT PLAZA 201 S. ELM ST POKEMON MARCH 8

11 A.M. - 5 P.M. .M. 11 A.M. - 5 P.

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS APRIL 12

ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP Mini Golf Remote Control Train Races Mechanical Bull Rides Photo Ops Bubble Stations Kids Crafts & More! ons s p Bubble Statio E ENTERTAINMEN

FOOD TRUCK UCK

TOY STORY MAY 10

OPENING ACT - REAKFASTA O

S 12:30 TO 2 P.M. AT TIFFANY’S

MOVIES BEGIN AT DUSK

eputation ADLINING - 2:30 TO 4 P.M. BUTE TO TAYLOR SWIFT: re HEA ATRI e A I

IN CASE OF RAIN, MOVIES WILL BE SHOWN AT THE TOMBALL COMMUNITY CENTER 221 MARKET ST.

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

Multimillion-dollar projects target water infrastructure From the cover

What’s happening

North Harris County Regional Water Authority projects Planned projects 1 Louetta Pump Station Improvements at this existing Completed projects 3 Project 6

NHCRWA

Existing lines

The North Harris County Regional Water Authority is working on several projects to convert groundwater use to surface water use. Ocials said about 32%-34% of the NHCRWA’s total water usage comes from surface water. NHCRWA General Manager Jun Chang said most of the authority’s projects for the 2025 surface water deadline focus on expanding water lines. Loops of water lines connect municipal utility districts to pump stations, and each loop expansion helps create a more interconnected internal distribution system. Most projects are paid for through bonds, funds from state entities and co-funding agreements. Board member Mark Ramsey said the NHCRWA is $2.7 billion in debt, and it’s expected to climb to $7 billion in the next 10 years. He said he hopes the Texas Legislature can provide “regulatory relief” to avoid unsustainable water rates. The NHCRWA plans to connect its distribution system to Tomball by 2029. The $119.57 million project, currently in the planning stages, will supply surface water to multiple water plants in Tomball to support the city’s future growth. Although the project helps the NHCRWA meet its 2025 surface water conversion deadline, Tomball

This project adds two new water facilities in the southern part of the service area. • Timeline: construction began in 2023; service began in 2024 • Cost: $10.65 million 4 Project 7 This project extends service to NHCRWA MUD 32 in the eastern part of the service area. • Timeline: construction began in 2023; service began in 2024 • Cost: $5.78 million

pump station will ensure water is delivered to new water-receiving facilities. • Timeline: construction begins in 2026; service begins in 2027 • Cost: $48.23 million 2 City of Tomball connection to 2025 distribution system Will deliver surface water to multiple Tomball water plants; new pump station will deliver water to the west and northwest parts of the service area • Timeline: construction begins in 2028; service begins in 2029 • Cost: $119.57 million

99 TOLL

249

1960

SOURCE: NORTH HARRIS COUNTY REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

converted the city to surface water. In April, the NHCRWA more than doubled the amount of surface water it could receive after completing the rst phase of the Northeast Water Purication Plant expansion project. Chang said the water authority now receives 82 million gallons of surface water per day from Houston.

City Manager David Esquivel said the city has no plans to rely solely on NHCRWA’s water, calling it unreliable and not guaranteed. Tomball operates its own water system, which relies on groundwater. Chang said the NHCRWA has been talking with Tomball ocials since 2018, reassuring them they would have a reliable surface water supply if they

The background

What it means

members who unseated longtime incumbents in 2022. While the cuts provide short-term relief for water users, Chang said a nancial adviser esti- mated they could only last another six months before an increase is likely. The NHCRWA could see rates exceed $8 per 1,000 gallons by 2032.

Water rates customers pay correlate to how much debt is incurred from bonds issued for building water infrastructure, Chang said. Despite ongoing projects, the NHCRWA’s rates are now at their lowest in a decade after the board cut rates over the past two years following the election of three new board

HGSD General Manager Mike Turco described subsidence as the gradual sinking of land caused by the extraction of uids from an aquifer system. As groundwater is pumped out, the water levels within the aquifer decline, causing the clay layers in the aquifer to depressurize and compact.

Understanding subsidence

An aquifer is an underground rock structure containing water. Original land surface elevation 1 2

Water rate trends in northwest Harris County If the local water authority doesn’t meet its surface water conversion targets by the end of the year, the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District will implement a disincentive fee to encourage compliance with groundwater reduction requirements. Residents would pay this fee instead of the water pumpage fee.

NHCRWA groundwater

NHCRWA surface water

HGSD disincentive fee

$2 $4

Silt & clay: Prior to excessive groundwater use, clay and silt layers are loosely packed.

Gravel & sand: After long-term groundwater withdrawals, clay and silt layers compact.

2015

2016

2017

2018 2019

2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

2025

$8.46

$8.75

$9.24

$9.58

$9.80

$10.78

$11.86 $12.12

SOURCE: HARRISGALVESTON SUBSIDENCE DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: NORTH HARRIS COUNTY REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY RYAN REYNOLDS CONTRIBUTIONS BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

The impact

Stay tuned

Subsidence in Tomball

0 Total vertical displacement 0 Per year subsidence rate 0 Population growth from 2018-23

Population growth and water demand can impact subsidence, which can lead to more ooding, per- manent land loss and infrastructure damage, Turco said. HGSD data shows that areas in Tomball saw an average of 0.32-1.19 centimeters of displacement per year between 2019-23. Nestlewood Place and South Burberry Park Circle showed the highest subsidence rate during that period. Since measuring began there in 2011, it has experienced 13.7 total centimeters of displacement. At A.D. Dyess Park, the subsidence rate was only 0.32 centimeters per year, but the area saw 16.8 total centimeters of displacement since 2007. The 77375 ZIP code in the east portion of Tomball contains locations with the second-highest and second-lowest annual subsidence rates compared to the rest of the city over the past four years. This area has also seen the largest population boom among subsidence hot spots in Tomball with 18,323 more residents between 2018-23, according to ve-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

State Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, led House Bill 1643 on Dec. 17 to reduce the HGSD’s authority over the NHCRWA. The bill aims to: • Remove the NHCRWA from the HGSD’s jurisdiction • Exempt the entity from groundwater reduction requirements • Let the NHCRWA set their own timelines for transitioning to surface water use Ramsey said he spoke with Oliverson about ling the bill, and he believes its passage would allow the NHCRWA to address hot spots, improve project timing and reduce interest payments driving up water rates. “If we don’t get regulatory relief and we don’t get funding from other sources, that will drive [water rates] to $15, maybe $20 per 1,000 gallons, which is obviously an unsustainable number,” Ramsey said.

Nestlewood Place and South Burberry Park Circle 0 13.7 cm since 2011 0 1.19 cm 0 +0.78% High Street and Village Square Drive 0 6.6 cm since 2017 0 1.08 cm 0 +34.88% Lee Road and Sweet Melody Lane 0 21 cm since 2007 0 1.08 cm 0 +3.97% Magnolia Boulevard and Friendship Drive 0 10.5 cm since 2012 0 0.79 cm 0 +13.1%

Hwy. 249 and near Timbertech Lane 0 24.80 cm since 2007 0 0.76 cm South Pine Street and James Street 0 37.6 cm since 2000 0 0.6 cm

0 +34.88%

A.D. Dyess Park 0 16.8 cm since 2007

0 0.32 cm 0 +8.6%

NOTE: DISPLACEMENT DATA HAS DIFFERENT YEARS BECAUSE OF WHEN LOCATION MONITORING BEGAN. SOURCES: HARRISGALVESTON SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU COMMUNITY IMPACT

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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

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Community Camp guide

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Camp Guide Edition! This guide features a variety of local summer camps in and around the Tomball and Magnolia area. All of the camp information was confirmed 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 them. To keep up with news throughout the month, visit communityimpact.com/newsletter to sign up for our free daily newsletter.

CI Camp Guide features local camps kids will love! From theater camps that allow kids to take to the stage to sports camps at which kids can get active, this year’s Camp Guide features 20 camps in and around the Tomball and Magnolia area to keep summer fun. We hope this year’s guide is helpful and informative as your family plans out activities during the summer months. To read more Tomball and Magnolia news, visit communityimpact.com/news/houston/ tomball-magnolia.

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Lizzy Spangler Editor lspangler@ communityimpact.com

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Cypress Academy Kuykendahl Type: day / sports Ages: 4-14 Dates: June 16-20, July 21-25, Aug. 4-8 Cost: $215 weekly (by May 15) $230 weekly (after May 15, pre-sign-up), $250 weekly (at the door) • 23200 Kuykendahl Road, Tomball • www.cypressacademy.com/summer-camps Cypress Academy The Woodlands Type: day / sports Ages: 4-14 Dates: June 9-13, July 14-18, July 28-Aug. 1 Cost: $215 weekly (by May 15) $230 weekly (after May 15, pre-sign-up), $250 weekly (at the door) • 32523 Tamina Road, Magnolia • www.cypressacademy.com/summer-camps Kiddie Academy Type: day Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 27-Aug. 7 Cost: $260 (per week), summer supply fee due upon enrollment • 11767 FM 1488, Magnolia • www.kiddieacademy.com/academies/magnolia

Tomball/Magnolia

Tomball

Alodia Basketball Academy Type: day / sports Grades: K-8 Dates: May 27-Aug. 14 Cost: $155 weekly (half-day; morning or afternoon), $245 weekly (full-day) • Salem Lutheran Church, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball; Magnolia Junior High, 31138 Nichols Sawmill Road, Magnolia; Bear Branch Junior High, 31310 FM 2978, Magnolia • www.alodiacamps.com Black Cat Theater and Academy Type: arts / day Grades: K-12th grade Dates: June 9-Aug. 1 Cost: varies weekly • 331 Corporate Woods Drive, Ste. A4, Magnolia • www.blackcattheateracademy.com Bucketology Type: day / sports Ages: 8-12 Dates: June 9-13, June 23-27, July 14-18, July 28-Aug. 1 Cost: $99-$225 weekly

Camp Lone Star Type: day Ages: 7-11 Dates: June 2-July 18 Cost: $375 weekly ($300 during the week of July 4) • 22610 Tuwa Road, Tomball • www.camplonestar.org

CONTINUED ON 22

• 5517 FM 1488, Ste. B, Magnolia • https://thebucketology.com

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

Community

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Paint & Bubbles Studio Type: arts / day Ages: 6-12 Dates: May 27-July 31 Cost: $300 weekly • 31311 FM 2978, Ste. 107, Magnolia • www.paintandbubbles.com

CONTINUED FROM 21

Magnolia

Kindred Academy Type: day / STEAM Ages: 5-12

Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $240 per week • 20015 FM 2920, Tomball • www.kindredlearningacademy.com

Teora Music School Type: arts Ages: 7 and older Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $375 weekly • 24913 Kuykendahl Road, Stes. C and D, Tomball • www.teoramusic.com/summercamp Texas Star Gymnastics Type: day / sports Ages: 3-15 Dates: May 26-Aug. 11 Cost: $50 (per day, with a $50 one-time registration fee, siblings $45) • 1230 Ulrich Road, Tomball • www.texasstargymnastics.net

KMR Equestrian Summer Camp Type: day / sports Ages: 7-16 Dates: June 3-6, June 17-20, July 8-11, July 22-25 (four sessions) Cost: $650/participant before May 1, $700/participant

after May 1, $300 (deposit) • 24706 FM 2978, Tomball • www.kmrequestrian.com

Friends of Texas Wildlife Type: day Ages: 7-12

Dates: June 2, 4 & 6 (session one), June 9, 11 & 14 (session two), June 16, 18 & 20 (session three) Cost: $150 weekly • 29816 Dobbin Hufsmith Road, Magnolia • www.ftwl.org

Lazy Acres Type: arts / day / religious / sports Grades: K-eighth grade Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $245 (per week) • 13913 Stagecoach Road, Magnolia • www.lazyacresevents.com/summercamp

Worth the trip

Adventure Camp - D. Bradley McWilliams YMCA at Cypress Creek Type: academic / arts / day / sports Ages: 5-15 Dates: June 8-Aug. 15, 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Cost: $225 per week, $45 registration fee • 19915 Hwy. 249, Houston • www.ymcahouston.org/programs/childcare-and- camps/summer-camp Art Camps at Cordovan Art School Type: art Ages: 5-16 Dates: May 27-Aug. 12 Cost: $240-$479 per week (Spring), $296-$569 per week (The Woodlands) • 8905 Louetta Road, Spring; 8000 McBeth Way, Ste. 130, The Woodlands • www.cordovanartschool.com

National Youth Theater: Camp Oz Day Camp Type: arts / day Ages: 6-12 Dates: July 7-11 Cost: $175 per week (by May 1), $200 per week (after May 1) • Tomball Methodist Church, 1603 Baker Drive, Tomball • www.nationalyouththeater.org/day-camps

Creator Camp Type: day / STEM Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 (dates vary by location) Cost: $238-$269 (three-day camps), $159-$178 (two- day camps), $1,399 (for unlimited camps) • www.creatorcamp.org Primrose Schools Summer Adventure Club Type: academic / arts / day / sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 30-Aug. 12 Cost: $235 weekly • Location varies by camp

National Youth Theater Teen Camp Type: arts / day Ages: 12-14 & 15-19 Dates: June 9-13 (camp) June 14 (showcase performance)

Cost: $325 (early-bird registration), $375 (after April 1) • Tomball Methodist Church, 1603 Baker Drive, Tomball (camp); Lone Star College-Tomball, 30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball (showcase performance) • www.nationalyouththeater.org/teen-camp

• www.primroseschools.com This list is not comprehensive.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Classic NY Bagels oers multiple breakfast sandwiches.

Classic NY Bagels bakes 500600 bagels daily with special ingredients imported from New Jersey.

COURTESY CLASSIC NY BAGELS

Classic NY Bagels oers family bagel recipe

Forty-six years later, Lala opened several bagel shops and pizzerias and passed along his perfected dough recipe and businesses to his family. “We all have the same recipe. So all my cousins have bagel shops. So it’s kind of like everybody went to school, they got a degree, they did what they did, and then they ended up right back to owning bagel shops,” Haruni said. On the menu Classic NY Bagels prides itself on its freshly baked bagels made daily from scratch. The bagel shop bakes 500-600 bagels daily with special ingredients imported from New Jersey. With 12 types to choose from, Classic NY Bagels is known for its everything and gluten-free bagels.

Mila Haruni, daughter of Al Lala, said their family comes from a long line of New York bagel shop owners. “My grandfather was a baker, and so we were inspired by my grandfather,” Haruni said. “Grow- ing up, we always had bagels. My uncles owned bagel shops and pizzerias. So dough has always been our specialty.” After owning several bagel and pizza businesses in New York, Arizona and Texas, the family opened Classic NY Bagels in Magnolia last May. A family aair Originally from Albania in Southeastern Europe, Lala moved to the U.S. at the age of 17, where he lived above the pizzeria he worked at.

Classic NY Bagels oers pastries, bagels and kolaches.

1488

Magnolia

2978

6503 FM 1488, Ste. 407, Magnolia https://classicnybagels.kwickmenu.com

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