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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION
2022
ONLII NE AT
A N N U A L C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 4 JAN. 27 FEB. 23, 2022
TOP STORY TO WATCH IN 2022
The place to be H E B among the retail development coming to FM 1488, Spur 149 in 2022
"THE CITY HAS STRUGGLED OVER THE YEARS, AND I THINK THIS IS FINALLY WHAT PUTS US OVER THE TOP." TODD KANA, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF MAGNOLIA
A 95,000-square-foot H E B is the anchor of the Magnolia Place development underway by Stratus Properties at FM 1488 and Spur 149. (Chandler France/Community Impact Newspaper)
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BY CHANDLER FRANCE
asset for the city. He said he believes the sales tax generated from the H E B—as well as the entire Magno- lia Place development—will help the city as it provides infrastructure for future growth. “The city has struggled over the years, and I think this is nally what puts us over the top,” Kana said.
Stratus Properties, the developer of Magnolia Place, chose Magnolia for its development because of the city’s res- idential growth and small-town feel, Development Manager Chessie Zim- merman said. Zimmerman said she believes the popularity of H E B will draw residents to Magnolia. CONTINUED ON 36
An H E B is slated to open later this year in the city of Magnolia as the anchor of Magnolia Place, a develop- ment bringing a mix of residential, retail and commercial spaces to the intersection of FM 1488 and Spur 149. Magnolia Mayor Todd Kana said the grocery store is going to be an
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H E B AT MAGNOLIA PLACE
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Pet City Houston-locally owned and operated for over 36 yrs. We are known as Houston’s number-one-rated pet store. We carry everything from fish, marine fish, reptiles, exotics, puppies, birds, hedgehogs, bunnies, ferrets, and so much more. If you’re looking for unique supplies for your pets then Pet City Houston is the store for you.
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We assemble trampolines, play sets, portable basketball goals, gazebos, furniture, exercise equipment and so much more
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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION • JANUARY 2022
Expertmen’s healthcare inyour neighborhood.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and P ugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.
HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH
FROMCHRISSY: In this issue we have included our 2022 Annual Community Guide. We highlight the top stories for the year ahead—including updates on transportation projects, developments and local government—and explore what businesses are new to Tomball and Magnolia (see pages 19 and 21). Also be sure to mark your calendars for the March 1 primaries; early voting begins Feb. 14. Happy New Year! Chrissy Leggett, GENERALMANAGER
Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
FROMANNA: H-E-B in Magnolia is quickly taking shape, although a speci c opening date is still unknown. Our front- page story dives into development underway at the crosshairs of Spur 149 and FM 1488 where H-E-B is under construction and how the new grocery store is anticipated to impact the Magnolia community. Anna Lotz, EDITOR
Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.
WHATWE COVER
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MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Chrissy Leggett cleggett@communityimpact.com EDITOR Anna Lotz REPORTER Chandler France GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ellen Jackson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE April Halpin METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens
BUSINESS &DINING Local business development news that a ects you
TRANSPORTATION &DEVELOPMENT Regular updates on area projects to keep you in the know
SCHOOL, CITY & COUNTY We attend area meetings to keep you informed
ART PRODUCTIONMANAGER Ethan Pham CORPORATE LEADERSHIP GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan SALES &MARKETING DIRECTOR Tess Coverman CONTACT US 8400 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Ste. 220, Houston, TX 77064 • 281 469 6181 PRESS RELEASES tomnews@communityimpact.com SUBSCRIPTIONS communityimpact.com/subscriptions © 2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.
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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • JANUARY 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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Magnolia Flower Patch and Boutique
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COURTESY MAGNOLIA FLOWER PATCH AND BOUTIQUE
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5 Cajun restaurant Louisiana Fish House opened its fth location in the Houston area at 18252 FM 1488, Ste. 160, Magnolia, in November. The restaurant o ers a variety of seafood dishes, includ- ing sh tacos, fried cat sh po’boys and craw sh etou ee. 346-703-0908. www.louisiana shhouse.com COMING SOON 6 Half Baked Cookies is planning to open a new location at 28155 Business 249, Tomball, in February, owner Stephanie Ferreira said. The company, which has a storefront in Cypress, sells a variety of fresh baked cookies, including a rotating cookie of the week, and delivers nation- wide. 346-332-2227. www.hal akedgoodness.com 7 Sauced Up , a food truck selling wood- red pizza at 36825 FM 1774, Magnolia, is planning to open a brick- and-mortar store at the same location in April. The food truck sells a variety of 12-inch pizzas, such as margherita, bar- becue chicken and Veggie Delight, with the option to create a customized pizza. 281-627-8733. www.facebook.com/ mobilewood red 8 Mathnasium is planning to open a new location at 14080 FM 2920, Ste. F, Tomball, in the beginning of February, said Joshua Moragas, the director of the Tomball location. The math learning center specializes in helping students succeed in math through customized learning and tutoring plans. Instruction will be available for students in second to 12th grades. 281-205-3206. www.mathnasium.com/tomball
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NOWOPEN 1 Magnolia Flower Patch and Boutique opened Dec. 28 at 19010 FM 1488, Mag- nolia, owner Theresa Sims said. The shop o ers a variety of owers and bouquets as well as home decor, such as candles, door mats and decorative signs. 346-703-0123. www.magnolia owerpatch.com 2 Classy Sassy Boutique opened in the fall at 1215-1 Main St., Tomball, owner
Nayomi Pujols said. The store is a combi- nation of Pujols’ customizable T-shirt and gift business, Bx Boutique, and her moth- er’s, Donna Slawson, handmade candle business, Precious Paws Candles, she said. Pujols said she started her business as an online store about 2 1/2 years ago before opening the storefront. 281-972-1715. www.facebook.com/classysassytx 3 Magnolia Thai Restaurant opened Jan. 10 at 37125 FM 1774, Ste. 103, Mag- nolia. The restaurant o ers traditional
Thai food, such as pad Thai and various curries, which can all be ordered with varying levels of spice. 281-789-7425. www.magnoliathai.com 4 Vaquero Grill opened Dec. 1 at 32350 Hwy. 249, Ste. 10, Pinehurst. The family-owned and -operated restaurant o ers a variety of American dishes, such as chicken-fried steak, hamburgers, sea- food and homemade peach cobbler. 832-521-3100. www.facebook.com/ vaquerosgrill249
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
Late January-February
COMPILED BY ANNA LOTZ & CHANDLER FRANCE
13 Wasabi Asian Bistro is also con- rmed for Magnolia Place, a development underway at FM 1488 and Spur 149. The eatery has an existing Conroe location and is slated for one of the retail build- ings at Magnolia Place estimated to be completed in May. The bistro will o er various Asian cuisine, including sweet and sour chicken, beef and broccoli, and sushi. 936-756-2225 RELOCATIONS 14 Tradition Services nished remodel- ing its new oce and relocated to 1427 Keefer Road, Tomball, on Dec. 15 from Malone Street. The company o ers a variety of home services, such as plumb- ing and air conditioning services, and also works on new construction across the Houston area. 855-500-0035. www.traditionservices.com EXPANSIONS 15 Victory Pie Co. is expanding its business into a space behind its building to increase its selection of baked goods, including adding breads, croissants and tarts, owner Sheila Blue said. The company, located at 32907 Tamina Road, Magnolia, specializes in baked pies and ships across the country. Blue said the business also plans to extend its hours starting in early spring. 832-403-3066. www.victorypiecompany.com 16 2 Guys, 1 Pit is planning to expand its barbecue joint in the summer to include a full bar and more seating. The space the restaurant will be expanding into is used for catering, but the catering side of the business will still be held at the restau- rant’s location. The restaurant, located at 11711 Spring Cypress Road, Tomball, serves barbecued meats by the pound, such as brisket, turkey and pulled pork, and combo plates served with two sides. 832-559-3923. www.2guys1pitbbq.com 17 The Wildcat Storage , which pro- vides RV and boat storage with 24-hour surveillance and electricity hookups, expanded and opened its second section Dec. 15. The storage facility, located at 14640 Boudreaux Road, Tomball, added 100 new spaces. 713-425-2500. www.thewildcatstorage.com
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FEB. 05
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9 CVS Pharmacy is opening at the Her- itage Green development, located at the intersection of FM 1488 and Spur 149 in Magnolia, a statement from the compa- ny said. The store is planned to open in late summer, according to the company. Heritage Green is a 48-acre mixed-use development bringing retail, oce space and residential units. The development is directly north of the under-construction Magnolia Place development, which is anchored by H-E-B. www.cvs.com 10 RVision Homes has broken ground on the Magnolia Oce Park, which is lo- cated on Nichols Sawmill Road just north of Magnolia Junior High School. The of- ce complex will feature 12 free-standing oce buildings for attorneys, insurance agents, medical practitioners and other uses. Construction on the oce buildings is expected to begin in late February, said Ryan Rogers, owner of RVision Homes. Rogers said two buildings have already been sold, and the company is seeking to nish the project by the end of 2022. 281-844-2887. www.rvisionhomes.com 11 Texas Hair Team is con rmed to be coming to Magnolia Place, a development by Stratus Properties at Spur 149 and FM 1488. The business will be located in one of the retail buildings planned to be completed in May and o ers haircuts for men, women and children as well as other services, such as blowouts, colorings and highlights. www.txhairteam.com 12 Twin Liquors is also con rmed for retail buildings planned to be complete in May within Magnolia Place, underway at FM 1488 and Spur 149. The Texas-based liquor retailer sells wine, spirits and beers and o ers same-day delivery, pickup and curbside services. www.twinliquors.com
Concordia Lutheran High School will host its annual Cruisin’ Crusaders 5K race and 1-mile run/walk. The event will also include live music from Concordia’s pep band, cheerleaders, children’s activities, vendors and co ee. The event is open to the public with prizes awarded to the top nishers by gender or age group. 8 a.m. (5K), 9 a.m. (1 mile). $25-$35. Tomball Historic Depot, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. www.clhs-tx.org/5K
JANUARY 29 HUNT FOR CLUES The Montgomery County Historical Commission presents its ninth annual History Road Rally in Magnolia, a history scavenger hunt. Teams have two hours to solve written clues by driving to historic sites in Magnolia, writing answers and photographing the sites. Participants receive a souvenir button and complimentary food and drinks. Trophies and prizes will be given to the top three teams. Noon-1 p.m. (registration), 1:30-4:30 p.m. (hunt). $30 (advance registration per vehicle), $40 (day-of registration per vehicle). Magnolia First Baptist Church, 18525 N. Sixth St., Magnolia. 832-392-4312, 936-537-9070 FEBRUARY 05 ATTENDANAUCTION The Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum is hosting its annual fundraiser virtually. A variety of items will be up for auction, including trips, dining experiences and wine as well as a virtual silent auction. The fundraiser bene ts the Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum, a women’s service organization
dedicated to providing volunteer services, leadership and philanthropy. Preregistration is required. 7-8:30 p.m. Free to register. 281-379-1391. https://cwjr.home.qtego.net 10 SIP AND SHOP IN TOMBALL Multiple downtown businesses will host a Valentine’s Day-themed shop and stroll. Businesses will be open late for guests to shop and enjoy drinks. 5-9 p.m. Free. Downtown Tomball. www. .me/e/25fDCYRJZ 14 EARLY VOTING BEGINS Early voting will begin for the March 1 primary elections. Registered voters in Harris and Montgomery counties can cast a ballot at any early voting center in the counties during the early-voting period Feb. 14-25. Races on the ballot include county, state and federal races. Times and locations vary. www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide 22 MEET TRAIL RIDERS The city of Tomball will host its annual welcome for the Sam Houston Trail Riders heading to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. About 100 riders will make a stop to meet residents and take photos. The event will include music and line dancing. Noon-2 p.m. Free. Tomball Historic Depot, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. www.facebook.com/cityoftomball
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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • JANUARY 2022
ELECTIONS Contested races on the ballot in Tomball, Magnolia as primaries near
BY ANNA LOTZ
the redistricting process, and the 8th Congressional District, following a retirement announcement by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R The Woodlands, who has served the district since 1996. In addition, much of the Tomball area is now included in Harris County Precinct 3 instead of Precinct 4 following the county’s redistricting e orts. A small part of Tomball west of ELECTION INFORMATION The winners for each party in the March primaries will determine which candidates will be on the ballot in the November general election.
Hwy. 249 is within Precinct 4, repre- sented by Jack Cagle, who is running uncontested on the Republican ballot. However, the Precinct 4 race includes seven Democratic candidates. As the election approaches, regis- tered voters in Harris County may cast their ballots at any vote center county- wide during both early voting and on election day. Voters in Montgomery
County can cast a ballot during early voting at any polling location in the county but must vote by precinct on election day. Residents can vote in the Dem- ocratic primary or the Republican primary election but not both. Find candidate information and election results at www.community impact.com/voter-guide.
Early voting begins Feb. 14 for the March 1 primary election. The winners for each party in March will determine which candidates will be on the ballot in the November general election. In Tomball and Magnolia, notable races include the 38th Congressional District, which is a newly added con- gressional district in Texas following
I M P O R T A N T D A T E S
Feb. 18: last day to apply for a ballot by mail March 1: election day
Jan. 31: last day to register to vote Feb. 14-25: early voting period
S A M P L E B A L L O T
*Incumbent
In Harris County, nd a complete sample ballot and polling locations at www.harrisvotes.com.
In Montgomery County, nd a complete sample ballot and polling locations at http://elections.mctx.org.
This list includes contested primary elections for major races in Tomball and Magnolia. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Montgomery County commissioner Precinct 2, Republican primary Jennifer Eckhart Charlie Riley* TEXAS Texas House District 3, Republican primary Cecil Bell Jr.* Kelly McDonald Texas House District 150, Republican primary Bryan Le Valerie McGilvrey Debbie Riddle Valoree Swanson*
Jerry Ford Brett Guillory David Hogan Wesley Hunt Rolando Lopez Damien Matthew Peter Mockus Mark Ramsey Richard Welch U.S. representative District 38, Democratic primary Diana Martinez Alexander Duncan Klussmann Centrell Reed
Kevin Howard Georgia D. Provost Harris County commissioner Precinct 4, Democratic primary Lesley Briones Gina Calanni Bejamin "Ben" Chou
HARRIS COUNTY Harris County judge, Republican primary H.Q. Bolanos Bolanos Martina Lemond Dixon Robert Dorris Oscar Gonzales Warren Howell Randall Kubosh Vidal Martinez Alex Mealer George Harry Zoes
FEDERAL U.S. representative District 8, Republican primary Betsy Bates
Candice Burrows Christian Collins Jonathan Hullihan Morgan Luttrell Dan McKaughan Jonathan Mitchell Chuck Montgomery Michael Philips
Clarence Miller Sandra Pelmore Je Stauber Ann Williams
MONTGOMERY COUNTY Montgomery County judge, Republican primary Sara Countryman Billy Gra Mark Keough*
Jessica Wellington Taylor Whichard IV U.S. representative District 38, Republican primary Phil Covarrubias Alex Cross
Harris County judge, Democratic primary Erica Davis Marcia Garcia Ahmad R. “Rob-Beto” Hassan Lina Hidalgo*
SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
REAL ESTATE
Visit Tomball
Economics group projects 75,500 jobs to come toHouston in 2022
The Greater Houston Partnership projects around 75,500 new jobs to be added in the Greater Houston area in 2022. Jobprojections
BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & GEORGE WIEBE
While inflation and worker short- ages continue to stunt a rebound of the Houston economy, forecasters with the Greater Houston Partnership project the area will still add 75,500 more jobs to the economy in 2022, including job growth in every sector. These projections were announced Dec. 10 alongside an update on how the area’s recovery trended in 2021, the second year of the coronavirus pandemic. As of October, the Houston area had recouped 269,000 jobs, or roughly 75% of the 361,400 jobs lost in the early stages of the pandemic, according to the report. The greatest job gains in 2022 are projected to be seen in the administra- tive services, government, health care, professional services, and restaurants and bars industries, which will add a combined 40,400 jobs. “Several factors will drive Hous- ton’s growth in [2022]: a strong U.S. economy, expanding global trade, energy consumption returning to pre-crisis levels, pent-up consumer demand, local population growth and the ongoing housing boom,” officials wrote in the report. After cooling off somewhat in October, the housing boom in Houston picked up again to close out 2021 and is projected to remain hot into 2022, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. Single-family home sales increased 3.9% in November 2021 compared to last November with 8,320 houses sold, according to HAR. Total money spent on housing showed one of the largest year-to-date changes, increasing 20.6%. Total active listings fell 13.3% compared to Novem- ber 2020, according to the report. Average and median home prices climbed after a market dip in October, although average prices still fell below their peak this last summer. With a 5.6% change since last November, total property sales totaled 10,216 for the previous month. “We remain on track for a record 2021, and the Greater Houston Partner- ship sees positive conditions for local employment going into 2022,” HAR Chair Richard Miranda said.
Texan for fun!
Administrative services: 9,000
Professional services: 8,700
Health care: 8,400
Restaurants and bars: 7,200
Government: 7,100
HONKY TONK CHILI CHALLENGE Saturday, March 19 TOMBALL GERMAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL March 25 - 27 RAILS & TAILS MUDBUG FESTIVAL Saturday, May 7 JULY 4TH CELEBRATION & STREET FESTIVAL July 4 GROOVFEST A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS GROOVY, BABY! Saturday, September 17 TOMBALL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL October 22 DEPOT DAY A NATIONAL MODEL RAILROAD MONTH Saturday, November 12 LIGHT IT UP! CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Friday, November 18 DECK THE DEPOT Saturday, December 3 TOMBALL GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET December 9 - 11
Transportation: 6,500
Manufacturing: 5,000
Energy: 4,000
Wholesale trade: 3,000
Construction: 2,700
Other: 2,300
Finance: 2,100
Educational services: 2,000
Retail trade: 2,000
Real estate: 2,000
Arts, entertainment: 1,600
Hotels: 1,200
Information: 700
Houston is projected to add 75,500 jobs in 2022, which would bring it closer to pre-pandemic job totals. Pandemic rebound
269,000 Jobs recovered as of October 2021
Estimated pandemic-related job losses in Houston:
361,400
Jobs left to recover:
92,400
Guest Information Center 215 West Main St.
TOMBALLTX.GOV
Tomball Texan for Fun
SOURCE: GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION • JANUARY 2022
Re-Elect a TRUSTED CONSERVATIVE on March 1st!
RE-ELECT Commissioner CHARLIE RILEY Early Voting Feb 14 - Feb 25 POL ADV PAID FOR BY CHARLIE RILEY , NOT WITH TAXPAYER DOLLARS As Your Commissioner, I've paid careful attention to the bottom line and ensured your values are well-represented. I would appreciate your support at the Republican Primary! Final vote is on March 1st! Commissioner Charlie Riley
AUTHORED MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S PRO 2ND AMENDMENT RESOLUTION
KEPT MONTGOMERY COUNTY OPEN DURING THE PANDEMIC SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED LAW ENFORCEMENT & ROADS WHILE LOWERING THE COUNTY'S PORTION OF PROPERTY TAXES PASSED THE NO NEW TAX REVENUE & 20% HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION PRO LIFE - PRO CONSTITUTION - PRO STATES' RIGHTS - PRO MILITARY Completed Projects: Fishcreek Thoroughfare, Grand Pines Road, Bridges at Lake Creek, McCaleb Road Overpass of Railroad, 249 Freeway, Keenan Cutoff Overpass of Railroad, Research Forest Drive Continuous 4 lanes, Dobbin Huffsmith/Hardin Store Road Intersection Improvement and many other projects. The Precinct 2 Commissioner's Office completed over 2,400 work orders in 2021. Visit CharlieRiley.org to learn more!
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
REGIONAL HEALTH CARE
Construction timelines
Construction on facility expansions in The Woodlands is underway with two hospital expansions anticipated to conclude in the rst half of the year. Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Healing Tower Size: 251,000 square feet Timeline: September 2019-January 2022 Jobs created: 350 Cost of expansion: $250 million
Hospital expansions bringmore services, jobs With two hospital expansions expected to be completed within the rst half of 2022, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and Hous- ton Methodist The Woodlands Hospital said they hope to bring more services and jobs to the area. Jason Glover, vice president of operations for hospital discharges come. Along with the additional beds, the fourth oor of the new tower will be dedicated to a procedure lab for heart, neurological and body interventional procedures, plus pre- and post-care beds. Upon completion, the tower will be around BY ANDREW CHRISTMAN Construction on the new South Tower at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital was mostly completed in January. (Andrew Christman/Community Impact Newspaper)
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Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, said the hospital’s new South Tower is anticipated to bring in around 1,200 additional visits annually and around 300 jobs when it opens initially in June, though more jobs are expected once the remainder of the tower is built out. Construction on the tower has continued through- out the nearly two years of the COVID-19 pandemic with over 1 million hours of work committed to the project, Memorial Hermann o cials said. The new tower will also increase the total number of beds for Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center from 397 to around 550. “We feel very blessed to have the privilege to care for this community as it continues to grow,” Glover said in an email. Linda Nelson, director of business development and marketing for Memorial Hermann The Wood- lands Medical Center, said the hospital serves the Tomball and Magnolia areas as part of the hospital’s primary service area—the area from where 75% of
351,000 square feet, featuring eight stories and a connector bridge to a parking garage. An additional 137,000 square feet of renovations to the campus are also included with the project. At Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, the campus’s new Healing Tower opened two of its six oors in January with the remaining four opening in February. Hospital o cials said Houston Method- ist The Woodlands Hospital’s service area includes the Magnolia area. According to hospital o cials, the expansion includes 251,000 square feet for the new tower and a new parking garage. Upon the completion of the $250 million project, the tower will feature 100 beds and 10 new operating rooms and expand the hospital’s endoscopy center, heart center, emergency center and diagnostic imag- ing, which will o er an enhanced neurodiagnostic and interventional center. Hospital o cials stated the Healing Tower is anticipated to bring around 350 new jobs.
Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center South Tower Size: 351,000 square feet Timeline: September 2019-June 2022 Jobs created: 300 Cost of expansion: $250 million
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SOURCES: HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL, MEMORIAL HERMANN THE WOODLANDS MEDICAL CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • JANUARY 2022
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Negotiations for Raveneaux Country Club stormwater detention basin fail to gain traction
BY WESLEY GARDNER
have worked with an outside group to construct a new golf course on the property previously designated for the detention basin, and the detention basin would have been constructed on the property closer to Cypress Creek. “I’m disappointed,” Zeve said in a Dec. 21 interview. “I really thought we could work together with the public utility district to get a win for the ood control district, a win for the public utility district and a win for the local community.” According to Greer Pagan, an attorney with Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP who represents the CFPUD, the appraisals of the proper- ties presented by the county did not match the appraisals presented by the CFPUD, making a deal unattainable. “The way that the county put value on their property and our property created a substantial gap,” Pagan said in a Dec. 22 interview. “We don’t necessarily agree that that gap is there, but to have two parties in a transaction, they both have to agree,
Negotiations to construct a regional stormwater detention basin at what was previously the site of Raveneaux Country Club have failed to gain trac- tion, leaving the proposed project’s future in limbo. In January 2020, the Harris County Flood Control District acquired roughly 27.6 acres of land in an $11.4 million deal that included the grounds of the Raveneaux Country Club clubhouse and adjoining facil- ities with the goal of constructing a regional stormwater detention basin. The remaining 206 acres encompass- ing the golf course are owned by the Cypress Forest Public Utility District. HCFCD Deputy Executive Director Matt Zeve said negotiations had been in the works with CFPUD o cials to swap the portion of land purchased by the HCFCD with a parcel of land owned by the CFPUD that was closer to Cypress Creek. Had the negotiations been suc- cessful, Zeve said the CFPUDwould
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The demolition of the former Raveneaux Country Club clubhouse was completed in September, however the swimming pool and tennis courts remain.
EMILY LINCKE COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
so we’ve been looking at other options to try to nd a way to make it work for both sides.” Zeve noted a deal had been in the works to make up the di erence between the appraisals, but it ulti- mately failed to gain traction. Pagan, however, said it was not accurate to characterize the negotia- tions as stalled. “We haven’t given up by any means,” Pagan said. “We’re looking at
di erent options now. I think we just have to continue talking about what some options might be that work for both parties.” While Zeve said he thought there was potential for a deal in the future, he noted the ood control district is still moving forward with portions of the project outside the construction of the detention basin, including the demolition of the tennis courts and swimming pool.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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Tomball discusses uses for relief funds
Magnolia seeks newVFWpost
BY CHANDLER FRANCE
coming this year, City Manager David Esquivel said. Council members approved using $1.7 million in ARPA funds to replace the city’s existing water meters and transmitters during a Jan. 17 meet- ing. Other uses proposed during the Jan. 3 meeting included providing grants to nonprofit organizations, replacing hotel occupancy tax revenue lost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and improving occupancy tax revenue fund would use more than $524,000 of the city’s allotted ARPA funds, according to a presentation to council. The city also proposed using $100,000 to provide grants to nonprofit organizations and the remaining $527,437 for improvements to the Tomball Historic Depot. Council Member Chad Degges said he would rather see the city use regularly budgeted funds than ARPA funds for improvements to the depot. “We didn’t have these projects. ... the Tomball Historic Depot. Building up the city’s hotel They weren’t on our to-do list that we have to do right now,” Degges said. “One of the things we can do is help households and small businesses.”
During January meetings, Tomball City Council discussed potential uses for the funding it has been allocated by the American Rescue Plan Act, a $350 billion federal COVID-19 relief package. Tomball will receive a total of $2.92 million with half already received and the remaining funds The city is receiving funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, a $350 billion federal relief fund. Tomball will receive $2.92M from the $350 billion relief fund. Potential projects
BY ANNA LOTZ
Veterans in the Magnolia community are working to restart a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Magnolia. Harold Reed, a Magnolia resident and commander of the Grimes County VFW, said Mag- nolia previously had a VFW post that closed in the late 1980s or early 1990s. Reed said veterans in Magnolia must travel to posts in Conroe, The Woodlands, Tomball or Navasota. “The needs assessment that we did [in November] showed ... the community needed a VFW post,” Reed said. “For the most part, what we’ve been seeing is that Magnolia veterans have been pretty much staying put; they haven’t joined any post.” Reed said there must be at least 35 members to apply for a charter to create the post, which would need state and national approval. He said membership drives will be held in March and April with hopes to apply in July.
$524,000* to replenish hotel occupancy revenue approximately $1.7M earmarked to replace water and gas meters
$527,437* for Historic Depot improvements
$100,000* for nonprofit grants
*PROPOSED
SOURCE: CITY OF TOMBALL/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Old Conroe Road expansion project under federal review
1 Lake Creek bridge 2 San Jacinto River bridge
SGT. ED HOLCOMBE BLVD.
281.469.7745 CypressChristian.org
Two lanes expanded to four Proposed alignment
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A federal review process is underway for the Old Conroe Road expansion on the Magnolia-Conroe border to make sure it is eligible for federal funding, said Michael Keck, the project manager for the city of Conroe’s chosen engi- neering firm, LJA Engineering. He said the review could take a few years. Keck confirmed construction will likely begin in 2024 and take anywhere from two and a half to three years. LJA Engineering received a $120 million budget from the city of Conroe for the project. According to metropolitan planning organization the Houston-Galveston Area Council, the Old Conroe Road project is slated to receive $77.9 million in federal funds and $23.4 million in local funds. In an April public presentation, LJA Engineering described the project as a way to improve connectivity in southern Montgomery County. Old Conroe Road will be connected to South Sgt. Ed Holcombe Boulevard with a pair of bridges across Lake Creek and the West Fork of the
OLD CONROE RD.
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SOURCE: LJA ENGINEERING/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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San Jacinto River, according to LJA Engineering. Additionally, both Sgt. Ed Holcombe Boulevard and Old Conroe Road would be widened from two to four lanes to relieve congestion. The project also contains medians and intermittent sidewalks, according to LJA’s presentation. Keck said the bridge crossing the West Fork posed several challenges for LJA, including ensuring it was high enough to avoid potential floods from the river. Another time-consuming aspect of the project involves construct- ing in the wetlands, which requires approval from the Army Corps of Engineering, Keck said.
COMING TO BRIDGELAND 2025
K-12 • est. 1978
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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION • JANUARY 2022
NEWS BRIEFS
Tomball approves purchase of water, gas meters
Master plan in the works for trail system
BY CHANDLER FRANCE
city is paying for the replacement using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, which allotted $350 billion for federal COVID-19 relief. Tomball will receive $2.92 million from the ARPA, half of which the city has received, City Manager David Esquivel said. Jones said Jan. 3 the replace- ments are necessary because of recent failures with the water system and expected growth. Jones said there are 1,200 meters that need to be read manually with 100 more meters failing a month. “When our staff is having to [read meters] independently, [they’re] performing that task when they could be mowing or doing sewer checks or things of that nature,” said Public Works Director Adam Ballesteros, who took over Jones’ role, at the Jan. 17 meeting. Assistant City Manager Jessica Rogers said Jan. 17 there are about 4,700 meters and transmitters that will be replaced.
BOOMING CONSTRUCTION Home construction is taking off in Tomball, creating a need for more water meters, city officials said.
BY ANNA LOTZ
Tomball City Council approved purchasing additional water and gas meters and transmitters Jan. 3 in anticipation of growth projected for 2022. In total, the new meters and transmitters will cost the city more than $783,000. Former Public Works Director Beth Jones, whose last day with the city was Jan. 7, said the city had originally budgeted funds for meters for about 300 new homes this year, but the city is now projecting about 1,300 homes. “We saw some of this on the horizon. We didn’t see all of this on the horizon,” Jones said. Jones said city staff recommended purchasing all of the new meters and transmitters at once due to supply chain issues causing up to 52-week delays. City Council also approved the replacement of all existing water meters and transmitters Jan. 17, totaling more than $1.7 million. The
The Lone Star Hiking Trail Club has been tasked by the Sam Houston Trails Coalition to lead a master plan update for the trail system in the SamHouston National Forest. Public meetings were held throughout December and January for residents to weigh in on trail improvements, said Karl Van Scyoc, the president of the Lone Star Hiking Trail Club. According to Van Scyoc, the Lone Star Hiking Trail system includes approximately 128 miles of hiker-only trails. Van Scyoc said input received relates to managing trail use, improving access for hikers, providing more amenities, better serving hikers with disabilities, adding trails and preserving the environment. “We’re trying to figure out how best to adapt the trail system for population growth,” he said.
The city of Tomball is projecting 1,300 newhomes will be constructed in 2022.
The city originally budgetedwater meters for about 300 newhomes this year.
Council members approved $783,000 on Jan. 3 for additional water and gas meters.
Council members approved $1.7million in federal relief funds Jan. 17 for replacing 4,700meters .
SOURCE: CITY OF TOMBALL/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Harris County commissioner launches crime task force, citing increase in crime
Two residential developments coming toDecker- Prairie Rosehill Road
DECKER PRAIRIE-ROSEHILL RD.
SHIELDS RD.
Rosehill Lakes
BY DANICA LLOYD
release, officials discussed successful tactics, shared their depart- ments’ needs and identified potential areas of collaboration. “Harris
Harris County Precinct 3 Com- missioner Tom Ramsey met with representatives from several local law enforcement agencies Jan. 13 to discuss crime reduction strategies, according to a news release. Officials said Ramsey plans to host regular task force meetings and, based on the information shared, develop recommendations for the court to consider moving forward. Ramsey said the launch of the task force was a response to an increase in crime, citing more than 600 homicides countywide in the past year. Agencies in attendance included four county constable offices and six city and neighborhood police departments. According to the
Decker Farms
BY CHANDLER FRANCE
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Two new residential commu- nities are in development by the Pulte Group on Decker-Prairie Rosehill Road in Magnolia, according to Vice President of Land Acquisition Lee Jones. Pulte Group is a national single-family homebuilder. Rosehill Lakes will offer 112 lots built by Pulte Homes on Deck- er-Prairie Rosehill Road just south of Shields Road, according to Jones. Decker Farms, directly south of Rosehill Lakes, will consist of 466 lots built by Centex Homes, which builds homes across the Houston
area as well as in multiple other states. The community will include the existing Baker Cemetery as well as water and sewer plants, according to a site plan of the development. Both communities will be zoned to Tomball ISD schools, Jones said. Construction has started on both residential developments with homes expected to be available in late spring or early summer, Jones said. Home prices will be announced later this spring, according to Jones.
Ramsey
County has become synonymous with Gotham City, and it’s sad. I and the brave law enforcement leaders here with me are ready to get our cities and county back from the dangerous individuals who are overrunning them. There’s a lot of great minds coming together here, and I’m excited to see all that will come of this,” Ramsey said in a statement.
Houston-areagroundwater conditionsapproved
behalf of the LSGCD. “It allows the [conservation districts] to do what they want in their counties how they see fit, based on the best available science.” The LSGCD is conducting a four-part study on Montgomery County subsidence, which is in its second phase. Turco stressed diversifying water sources. “It’s a good first step for us to begin the con- versation about subsidence, but there’s still some areas [where] more needs to be done, because subsidence is a real issue and will continue without diversification of water use,” Turco said. GMA-14 has 60 days from the approval to put together an explanatory report for the Texas Water Development Board detailing the new DFC lan- guage, according to Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code.
approve the DFC language. “In each county in Groundwater Management Area 14, no less than 70% median available drawdown remaining in 2080 or no more than an average of 1 additional foot of subsidence between 2009 and 2080,” the approved text states. According to Michael Turco, general manager of the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, the 70% median drawdown would mean water levels in wells would not decline more than 30% until 2080. Counties should not record more than 1 foot of ground sinkage, or subsidence, from 2009-2080. The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation Dis- trict, representing Montgomery County, proposed the amendment that made the metric optional. “This is exactly what everyone wants, to have GMA-14 and all the districts sit down and come up with this.” said Samantha Reiter, who voted on
BY JISHNU NAIR
Groundwater conservation districts in Ground- water Management Area 14 formally approved desired future conditions, or DFCs, for the next five years at a Jan. 5 meeting for the Gulf Coast Aquifer System, which provides groundwater resources to the Greater Houston area. The new DFCs include a subsidence metric— which measures ground sinkage due to ground- water pumping—for the first time, but includes language that makes the metric optional. Representatives from the five groundwater control districts in GMA-14 unanimously voted to
County approves $35M campus for youth
According to County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the aim of the project is to help provide more stability for the youth members transitioning from foster care to independent living. “This [project] will help create a home for young people during this tough transition,” Hidalgo said, noting roughly 200 young adults age out of the foster care system in Harris County each year. County officials said construction of the new campus is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022.
care system. The approximately 3.3-acre
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campus, which will be located at 3131 Gulf Freeway near down- town Houston, will also include a 17,000-square-foot commercial facility that will house the HAY— Houston Alumni & Youth—Center, a program operated through the Harris County Resources for Children and Adults Department that provides resources and services for youth and young adults exiting the state foster care system.
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BY WESLEY GARDNER
Harris County commissioners at a Dec. 14 meeting unanimously approved the construction of a roughly $35 million Houston Alumni and Youth Center campus that will include a 41,000-square-foot, 50-unit residential facility for youth transitioning out of the state’s foster
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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION • JANUARY 2022
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