What does the economic boom in East Montgomery County really mean?

If you ask ten people what the economic boom in EMC means you will probably get ten different answers. For some it will possibly raise concerns about increased traffic, over crowded schools, longer lines at the local retail store or other similar concerns. For some it will mean increased opportunities for additional business, business expansion opportunities, or even the opportunity to go ahead and start that business they have been wanting to for several years. Each of these are valid and in many ways are being looked at very carefully by the developers and officials working on the growth opportunities for the area.

If you go back five years the residential growth was really just beginning. Oakhurst at Kingwood had not even started and the multiple commercial/retail projects along Hwy 59 were not probably not even being thought about. EMCID’s industrial park had just welcomed the Wal-Mart Distribution Center and other projects were being talked about and considered for possible placement in the park.

Fast forward to today and we see multiple residential projects underway, Oakhurst at Kingwood, Valley Ranch, Kings Mill, Cumberland Crossing and others in varying stages of development and planning. Numerous commercial/retail projects are also being developed, planned or considered including Valley Ranch Town Center, Kingwood Parc, the project at Northpark Drive and Hwy 59/Loop 494 and others. In addition we have seen the revitalization of the Northpark Shopping Center Plaza as well as upgrades at Porterwood Shopping Center.

Highway upgrades are certainly a big part of the opportunities we enjoy today. The expansion of FM 1314 to four lanes, FM 1485’s expansion and of course the major expansion of Hwy 59 to six lanes as well as three feeder lanes in each direction will have a long term impact on our future. Each of these projects has required the coordination and cooperation of multiple agencies and entities and we are pleased to say that this has certainly gone well. Lake Houston Park was a part of the state park system and was virtually ignored, seeing very little financial support. With the park now being owned by the City of Houston it has begun to flourish with a budget that has more than doubled in the first two years, expanded programs and increased visitors to the park. This park will continue to grow as the master plan is developed and implemented. We have seen new restaurants open and existing ones expand their services to the public. The passage of the local option election has provided the vehicle for these new restaurants to come to the area and our existing establishments to increase their sales.

Our public school systems and college system have also seen many challenges in dealing with this boom in the economy. The citizens have supported earlier bond referendums for both New Caney and Splendora ISD’s and we have the opportunity to now support similar bond referendums for Conroe ISD and the Lone Star College System. All of these projects have been and will be critical to the continued educational excellence that our students need and deserve.

As we look forward to the future we see the completion of EarthQuest Resort and all the related development that will come with and support it. We will have numerous hotel/motels and additional restaurants that will be built in the area and the Hwy 59 corridor will no longer just be a pass through to East Texas or into Houston. East Montgomery County will become a destination where people come to visit, shop and some will decide to relocate here after their positive experience.

All of this will certainly require our patience and understanding as we deal with the ever present changes that we are experiencing today and will continue to experience for many years to come. I have faith the great people of East Montgomery County will rise to the challenge and meet those challenges and welcome many new friends and neighbors to this great area.