Controversial Laurel Springs RV Resort Apparently Under New Management
While doing a construction update on the trouble-plagued Laurel Springs RV Resort, I learned that the property may have changed hands. At a minimum, it seems to be under new management. Excel Commercial Real Estate, a company run by the original developers, does not list the property on its website. A web search shows that another company named Jetstream Communities is looking for a property manager and an assistant property manager for the same RV park at the same address (1355 Laurel Springs Lane). The assistant manager posting is dated September 7, 2022, just two weeks ago.
About Jetstream Communities
The original developers of the property list many of their projects as “build-to-sell.”
However, Jetstream Communities says it specializes in the development, acquisition, and management of RV properties. There seems to be some overlap there.
But it’s not clear at this point whether the property has been sold or whether the two companies have reached some kind of management agreement. Neither was available for comment over the weekend.
Project’s Troubled Past
The original developers insulated themselves from liability through a limited liability company and limited partnership. The property’s TCEQ permit still shows LS RV Resort LP as the primary operator/owner. However, that permit expires in three weeks.
Under the original management, the property ran into a lengthy litany of problems:
- A permit application with multiple irregularities
- A half-sized detention pond by current standards
- Cutting down trees on the County’s Edgewater Park
- Emptying the detention basin and 450 feet of sludge into the park’s wetlands
- A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan that didn’t recognize the presence of the wetlands
- Laying pipe through the wall of the detention pond to permanently expel water into the park
- Violation of the TCEQ’s TPDES General Permit TXR150000.
- Failure to observe FAA Regulations about wet-bottom retention ponds within a defined radius around Bush Intercontinental Airport.
- A threatened lawsuit by the Harris County Attorney
- Discharging stormwater onto adjoining property in violation of City of Houston permits
- Promising to leave as much vegetation as possible then leveling everything on the site.
- Having to move and rebuild the southern wall of their detention pond because it crossed over their property line.
For the last two weeks, little progress has been made on the site at a time when it should have been nearing completion. Usually companies are eager to start making money from properties after cash-draining construction. But the extent of paving at the north end of the site has not changed in at least three weeks.
The pictures below show the status of the construction and some of the “amenities” it will offer.
Grass Strips
Grass strips between parking slots will be wide enough to unfold a lawn chair.
The original developer claimed 66% impervious cover, but I sure would like to see the calculations. See below.
I must admit that concrete is a definite step up from the gravel parking lots found in many RV resorts.
Built-In Vibration
Those who miss those vibrating beds in motels will have freight trains rolling by 24/7 and the hum of high tension wires to put themselves to sleep at night.
Recreation Area
After being cooped up in a motorhome for a thousand miles, your dog can really stretch its legs in that 90-foot run behind the comfort station.
On-Site Entertainment
Who needs vistas in the distance when you can see those mysterious reappearing black spots in the detention pond up close?
Pool with Steps
More news as it becomes available on the potential ownership change. None of the parties were available for comment over the weekend.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/25/22
1853 Days since Hurricane Harvey
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