The Courier of Montgomery County reports that a residential development was put on hold by the city of Conroe after the land was recently clear-cut under the city’s old tree ordinance. The clear-cutting drew the concerns from nearby residents in Wroxton Estates and Forest Estates.
The practice of clear cutting involves cutting down every tree on a property ahead of development. It is no longer permitted for new projects in the city.
Off FM 2854, DR Horton recently cleared 34 acres to start construction on the first section of Collier Pointe. Back in 2024 the developer was granted a variance to resubmit for the permits under the 2018 tree ordinance, rather than the current more restrictive tree ordinance. Council members said they were not made aware of the move and were dismayed to hear about it from residents.
During the council’s meeting Thursday, Councilwoman Marsha Porter said, “I am tired of being informed by citizens before I hear it from the city.” She said, “I’m tired of being blindsided, I’m tired of clear-cutting.”
The city halted the project, according to Assistant City Administrator and Director of Public Works Norm McGuire, to allow staff to gather more information and collaborate with DR Horton on submitting more details about the project and development in the future.
McGuire said previous staff members granted the variance and it was never presented to the council.
The 20 acres of Section 2 has not been started.
Although the city back in 2022 amended the tree ordinance to halt clear-cutting, the first section of the development was grandfathered under the city’s 2018 version, which permitted it.
Next week, the city staff will meet with DR Horton to talk about Collier Pointe and how it impacts existing nearby residential development.
