The Courier of Montgomery County reports that waivers will be denied for two developers by a decision of the Conroe City Council due to the city’s building moratorium. Due to lack of infrastructure, the city is facing growing water issues.
The waiver denials include KB Homes for a splash pad, section one of Grace Landing near Seven Coves Road and section one of Sagecrest Landing near League Line Road, and Beazer Homes for two sections of Madeley Creek off League Line Road.
The developments are in the Silver Springs well area, according to Assistant City Administrator and Director of Public Works, Norm McGuire. He said the well area is the city’s most “stressed” location. McGuire added that the water system for the city is at 96% capacity. He also said the city would release the moratorium for the developments once the water issues are solved.
The council approved a 120-day moratorium, during an August 29th meeting, which covers all new residential and commercial development on its north side. In order to solve water pressure issues and lack of infrastructure, the city plans to construct at least four new water wells over a two-year period.
KB Homes Michael King said in 2022 and 2023 the city approved the plats for Grace Landing and Sagecrest respectively. In his view the city’s moratorium allows an exception for ongoing projects. He said KB Homes is “asking the city council to simply follow the law.” He added that homebuyers and investors who have contracts with KB Homes in those developments are affected by the denial.
Kings information is factual, according to Interim City Attorney Mike Garner, but the courts had more to say on the issue. He said, if the taps to developer’s subdivisions will “seriously impact the safety and welfare of existing customers,” cities can initiate a moratorium to counter the development until the water infrastructure supply is functionally ready.
