Phases One and Two of two new developments on FM2090, Townsend Reserve and Presswoods, appear to have finished clearcutting and building stormwater retention basins. They are now building streets and homes along Gully Branch, which has been channelized through the developments in Splendora.
More than 1,000 Acres at Buildout
Together, the developments eventually comprise more than 1,000 acres at buildout.
Knock on deadwood. I’ve heard no complaints yet about neighbors being flooded. Please contact me, however, if you have information to the contrary.
Photos Taken on 4/2/2023
The photos below show the first 600 acres. Assuming six houses to the acre, the land you see below could soon hold approximately 3,600 homes.
But according to the Census Bureau, Splendora currently has a population of 1,780 people. And this real estate site says the city has 737 housing units.
So get ready for some change. These two developments could bring 10,000 new residents to Splendora, increasing the population more than 5X.
Looking SE from the midpoint of the two developments across the entry to Presswoods.Looking S from the same point.Gully Branch is now a drainage ditch that parallels the tree line that bisects the frame from L to R.Looking SW toward Townsend Reserve along FM2090.Looking E from over Townsend Reserve toward Presswoods. Note how Gully Branch has been channelizedand framed by stormwater retention basins.Farther east, still looking east toward US59 from over Presswoods.
For People with a Passion for Rural Living
The developments are all south of FM2090 opposite Splendora High School, Junior High and Piney Woods Elementary.
Presswoods seems to be developing faster than Townsend Reserve. DR Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder is already selling homes in Presswoods. They range in size from 1.400 to 2.300 SF and in price from $220,000 to $300,000.
As I flew over this area today, I couldn’t help but wonder where all these new residents would shop. Splendora has several dollar stores, a small grocery store and some fast food. And growth will inevitably attract more retail. But the nearest major retail center is Valley Ranch, 10+ miles to the south.
Moving to areas like this requires a passion for rural life, a tolerance for long commutes, and a desire to stretch your housing dollar.
New Rainfall Estimates, Old Flood Maps
The drainage impact analyses for these developments are based on Atlas-14, but old flood maps. It’s not clear yet whether Montgomery County intends to update its flood maps for this area or when. The latest drainage criteria manual on the County’s Engineering website is dated 2019.
Before I bought a home here, I would want to make sure my house was elevated far above street level.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/2/2023
2042 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230402-DJI_0410.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2023-04-02 20:24:492023-04-03 08:14:35Homes Going Up on 600 Acres Along Gully Branch in Splendora
Only 31 of the 226 parking spots at the new Laurel Springs RV Resort appeared occupied today – despite deep grand-opening discounts, a record cold winter up North, and a few saplings planted on the 20+ acres of concrete.
Triangular dog park features one complimentary sapling for male dogs.Railroad tracks in trees in right. Looking NNW across RV Resort from over Laurel Springs Lane.
Nephew Izzy to the Rescue
Not even Nephew Izzy could understand it. “Uncle Bob, they don’t even have oil spots on the pavement yet! And look at all the privacy you could have.”
Izzy is a connoisseur of trailer and RV parks. He and his new girlfriend, Wanda June, a dancer down at the Crystal Pistol, grew up in them.
I asked, “Ya think it might have anything to do with trains running up and down those tracks all day and all night long, Izzy?”
“I could have that place filled up by next weekend, Uncle Bob.”
“How’s that?”
“I’d make Wanda June the check-in clerk. She packs them in down at the Crystal Pistol.”
“She does have a way with people. But desk clerks don’t get too many tips, Izzy.”
“I see your point, Uncle Bob. Could cut down on our income.”
Romance of the Railroad and Wide Open Spaces?
“Hey, how about if we give out free Johnny Cash tapes at check in? Capitalize on the romance of the railroad.”
“You mean like Folsom Prison Blues?”
“Yeah, that’s the ticket. Johnny Cash is awesome.”
“Hmmm. Maybe not the perfect choice,” said Izzy. Then brightening, “I know! I’d sell ‘Wide Open Spaces!'”
“Well, they certainly have lots of those.” A big pause.
“What’s wrong, Uncle Bob?”
“Do you think that will cause people to ask why no one’s there?”
“Maybe free hearing protectors?” asked Izzy without much conviction.
I guess I didn’t enthuse enough.
Izzy Has Second Thoughts For First Time in Life
“I think I better sleep on this, Uncle Bob”
“I think you better keep your job down at the Crystal Pistol, Izzy.”
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/1/23
2041 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230401-DJI_0371.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2023-04-01 19:46:492023-04-01 22:28:30Laurel Springs RV Resort 14% Occupied; Nephew Izzy Tries to Help
This is off topic but it affects thousands of readers. Today, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin announced that Kingwood Drive repairs will be extended farther west to Royal Forest beginning Monday, April 3.
The repairs began at Green Oak on March 20. Crews reached Chestnut Ridge today, March 31.
Houston Public Works will replace additional concrete panels in the westbound lanes of Kingwood Drive from Chestnut Ridge to Royal Forest beginning next week.
Repair work should finish by Monday, May 15, weather permitting.
After the contractor completes panels in the westbound lanes, construction will then shift to the eastbound lanes.
Westbound lanes under repair from April 3 to May 15
Allow extra time when traveling through this area or take an alternate route.
Work Hours
Kingwood Drive repairs will take place Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Exercise Caution
Flagmen and orange traffic cones will help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project will require a one-lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Likewise, businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times, but may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
The cost of the Kingwood Drive repairs is $160,000 and is funded with Mayor Pro Tem Martin’s Council District Service Funds.
Homes Going Up on 600 Acres Along Gully Branch in Splendora
Phases One and Two of two new developments on FM2090, Townsend Reserve and Presswoods, appear to have finished clearcutting and building stormwater retention basins. They are now building streets and homes along Gully Branch, which has been channelized through the developments in Splendora.
More than 1,000 Acres at Buildout
Together, the developments eventually comprise more than 1,000 acres at buildout.
Knock on deadwood. I’ve heard no complaints yet about neighbors being flooded. Please contact me, however, if you have information to the contrary.
Photos Taken on 4/2/2023
The photos below show the first 600 acres. Assuming six houses to the acre, the land you see below could soon hold approximately 3,600 homes.
But according to the Census Bureau, Splendora currently has a population of 1,780 people. And this real estate site says the city has 737 housing units.
So get ready for some change. These two developments could bring 10,000 new residents to Splendora, increasing the population more than 5X.
For People with a Passion for Rural Living
The developments are all south of FM2090 opposite Splendora High School, Junior High and Piney Woods Elementary.
Presswoods seems to be developing faster than Townsend Reserve. DR Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder is already selling homes in Presswoods. They range in size from 1.400 to 2.300 SF and in price from $220,000 to $300,000.
As I flew over this area today, I couldn’t help but wonder where all these new residents would shop. Splendora has several dollar stores, a small grocery store and some fast food. And growth will inevitably attract more retail. But the nearest major retail center is Valley Ranch, 10+ miles to the south.
Moving to areas like this requires a passion for rural life, a tolerance for long commutes, and a desire to stretch your housing dollar.
New Rainfall Estimates, Old Flood Maps
The drainage impact analyses for these developments are based on Atlas-14, but old flood maps. It’s not clear yet whether Montgomery County intends to update its flood maps for this area or when. The latest drainage criteria manual on the County’s
Engineering website is dated 2019.
Before I bought a home here, I would want to make sure my house was elevated far above street level.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/2/2023
2042 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
Laurel Springs RV Resort 14% Occupied; Nephew Izzy Tries to Help
Only 31 of the 226 parking spots at the new Laurel Springs RV Resort appeared occupied today – despite deep grand-opening discounts, a record cold winter up North, and a few saplings planted on the 20+ acres of concrete.
Nephew Izzy to the Rescue
Not even Nephew Izzy could understand it. “Uncle Bob, they don’t even have oil spots on the pavement yet! And look at all the privacy you could have.”
Izzy is a connoisseur of trailer and RV parks. He and his new girlfriend, Wanda June, a dancer down at the Crystal Pistol, grew up in them.
I asked, “Ya think it might have anything to do with trains running up and down those tracks all day and all night long, Izzy?”
“I could have that place filled up by next weekend, Uncle Bob.”
“How’s that?”
“I’d make Wanda June the check-in clerk. She packs them in down at the Crystal Pistol.”
“She does have a way with people. But desk clerks don’t get too many tips, Izzy.”
“I see your point, Uncle Bob. Could cut down on our income.”
Romance of the Railroad and Wide Open Spaces?
“Hey, how about if we give out free Johnny Cash tapes at check in? Capitalize on the romance of the railroad.”
“You mean like Folsom Prison Blues?”
“Yeah, that’s the ticket. Johnny Cash is awesome.”
“Did you ever listen to the lyrics, Izzy?”
“I just hum along.”
“When I hear that whistle blowin’, I hang my head and cry,” I sang.
“Hmmm. Maybe not the perfect choice,” said Izzy. Then brightening, “I know! I’d sell ‘Wide Open Spaces!'”
“Well, they certainly have lots of those.” A big pause.
“What’s wrong, Uncle Bob?”
“Do you think that will cause people to ask why no one’s there?”
“Maybe free hearing protectors?” asked Izzy without much conviction.
I guess I didn’t enthuse enough.
Izzy Has Second Thoughts For First Time in Life
“I think I better sleep on this, Uncle Bob”
“I think you better keep your job down at the Crystal Pistol, Izzy.”
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/1/23
2041 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
Kingwood Drive Repairs Extended West
This is off topic but it affects thousands of readers. Today, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin announced that Kingwood Drive repairs will be extended farther west to Royal Forest beginning Monday, April 3.
The repairs began at Green Oak on March 20. Crews reached Chestnut Ridge today, March 31.
Houston Public Works will replace additional concrete panels in the westbound lanes of Kingwood Drive from Chestnut Ridge to Royal Forest beginning next week.
Repair work should finish by Monday, May 15, weather permitting.
After the contractor completes panels in the westbound lanes, construction will then shift to the eastbound lanes.
Allow extra time when traveling through this area or take an alternate route.
Work Hours
Kingwood Drive repairs will take place Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Exercise Caution
Flagmen and orange traffic cones will help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project will require a one-lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Likewise, businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times, but may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
The cost of the Kingwood Drive repairs is $160,000 and is funded with Mayor Pro Tem Martin’s Council District Service Funds.
For more information, please contact Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin’s office at (832) 393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/31/23 based on a press release by Houston District E
2040 Days since Hurricane Harvey