Conroe is raising developer fees to $600 and making predevelopment meetings mandatory to manage rapid city growth. The city council's action follows a 120-day building moratorium to address strained water infrastructure.
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CONROE, Texas (AP)—To regulate its rapid expansion, Conroe is increasing developer fees and mandating predevelopment meetings for all new projects within the city. On Thursday, the city council voted to raise the fee for predevelopment meetings to $600. This change is intended to synchronize project planning with the city's infrastructure capabilities and expedite the process.
This decision is a response to the overburdened water infrastructure in Conroe, which has been significantly impacted by the surge in residential and commercial development. The council previously approved a 120-day building moratorium in August.
Norm McGuire, the assistant city administrator and director of public works, has described this as a “significant signalization project."
The project involves installing new traffic signals and widening intersections to facilitate the city's expansion. Roadway modifications will entail expanding the outer border of the current roadway and modifying existing brick paver medians. Furthermore, the city intends to establish wheelchair ramps, access platforms, and crosswalks in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
McGuire clarified that the proposed construction would establish two dedicated turn lanes for the north and southbound access roadways of Interstate 45 and two through lanes in each direction.
Over the past decade, the population of Conroe has significantly increased. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's population increased from 56,207 in 2010 to 89,995 in 2020. The population is estimated to be 108,248 by July 2023.
On September 12, the council approved the infrastructure project without debate, and the contract was awarded to Jerdon Enterprises, located in Stafford, Texas. McGuire observed that this endeavor had been included in the city's capital improvement plan for an extended period.
